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Social Interaction in Tax Evasion

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  • Lipatov, Vilen

Abstract

We analyze the tax evasion problem with social interaction among the taxpayers. If the authority commits to a fixed auditing probability, a positive share of cheating is obtained in equilibrium. This stands in contrast to the existing literature, which yields full compliance of audited taxpayers who are rational and thus do not need to interact. When the authority adjusts the auditing probability every period, cycling in cheating-auditing occurs. Thus, the real life phenomenon of compliance fluctuations is explained within the model rather than by exogenous parameter shifts. Our analysis can also be applied to crime, safety regulations, employment and environmental protection, as well as other compliance problems.

Suggested Citation

  • Lipatov, Vilen, 2008. "Social Interaction in Tax Evasion," MPRA Paper 8829, University Library of Munich, Germany.
    • Handle: RePEc:pra:mprapa:8829
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Lipatov Vilen, 2016. "Political Support and Civil Disobedience: A Social Interaction Approach," The B.E. Journal of Theoretical Economics, De Gruyter, vol. 16(2), pages 649-677, June.
    2. Fershtman, Chaim & Lipatov, Vilen, 2009. "Political Support and Tax Compliance: A Social Interaction Approach," Foerder Institute for Economic Research Working Papers 275731, Tel-Aviv University > Foerder Institute for Economic Research.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    tax evasion; learning; social interaction; behavioral rule; compliance;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C79 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Other
    • D83 - Microeconomics - - Information, Knowledge, and Uncertainty - - - Search; Learning; Information and Knowledge; Communication; Belief; Unawareness
    • K42 - Law and Economics - - Legal Procedure, the Legal System, and Illegal Behavior - - - Illegal Behavior and the Enforcement of Law
    • H26 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Tax Evasion and Avoidance

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