Issues in Income Tax Reform in Developing Countries

46 Pages Posted: 20 Apr 2016

See all articles by Charles W. Calomiris

Charles W. Calomiris

Columbia University - Columbia Business School; National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

Date Written: August 31, 1989

Abstract

Of all taxes, income taxes are the most difficult to implement. Developing countries are usually able to generate large amounts of income tax revenue only from large corporations or foreign investments. They are rarely effective in taxing wealthy individuals or small or medium-size businesses. Using recent tax reforms in Jamaica, Indonesia, and elsewhere as examples, the paper discusses the pros and cons of specific tax reform elements. It summarizes the major issues typically faced in reforming income taxes in developing countries. More revenue, increased efficiency, and a better distribution of the tax burden are usually the underlying goals. Improving enforcement and compliance by simplifying the tax structure and increasing the legitimacy of the tax process is usually the major challenge.

Keywords: Environmental Economics & Policies, Tax Law, Public Sector Economics, Economic Theory & Research, International Terrorism & Counterterrorism

Suggested Citation

Calomiris, Charles W., Issues in Income Tax Reform in Developing Countries (August 31, 1989). World Bank Policy Research Working Paper No. 267, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=569214

Charles W. Calomiris (Contact Author)

Columbia University - Columbia Business School ( email )

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National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)

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