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Does taxpayer assistance encourage entrepreneurship?

Author

Listed:
  • Armstrong, Daphne M.
  • Glaeser, Stephen

Abstract

We examine whether taxpayer assistance with tax filing and compliance affects entrepreneurship. Taxpayer Assistance Centers help taxpayers, including entrepreneurs, to correctly file their taxes and navigate the tax system. We find that Taxpayer Assistance Centers positively associate with local entrepreneur entry and with overall Schedule C business income levels. We conclude that taxpayer assistance encourages traditional business entrepreneurship by reducing compliance costs that stem from tax complications and complexity.

Suggested Citation

  • Armstrong, Daphne M. & Glaeser, Stephen, 2026. "Does taxpayer assistance encourage entrepreneurship?," Journal of Accounting and Economics, Elsevier, vol. 81(2).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:jaecon:v:81:y:2026:i:2:s0165410125000758
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jacceco.2025.101839
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • H23 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Externalities; Redistributive Effects; Environmental Taxes and Subsidies
    • H25 - Public Economics - - Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue - - - Business Taxes and Subsidies
    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups

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