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Corporate digital transformation and tax avoidance: evidence from China

Author

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  • Chen, Meian
  • Zhao, Ke
  • Jin, Wei

Abstract

Digital transformation gives new impetus to corporate growth and influences corporate behavior. This study uses hand-collected digital transformation data on A-share listed non-financial enterprises in China from 2008 to 2019 to examine the relationship between corporate digital transformation and tax avoidance. Our findings suggest that the higher the corporate digital transformation, the lower the level of tax avoidance. This impact is more pronounced in firms with high equity incentives for management, a management team with a strong political background, and in firms located in provinces with a high willingness for government intervention and financial pressure from the government. The mechanism test shows that corporate digital transformation mainly decreases tax avoidance by reducing the agency costs of management and increasing media and analysts' attention to the firm. Thus, actively promoting digital transformation is one of the most important paths for guaranteeing a real and stable source of national tax revenue.

Suggested Citation

  • Chen, Meian & Zhao, Ke & Jin, Wei, 2024. "Corporate digital transformation and tax avoidance: evidence from China," Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:pacfin:v:85:y:2024:i:c:s0927538x24001513
    DOI: 10.1016/j.pacfin.2024.102400
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    1. Sun, Xiaoyan & Han, Jie & Işık, Cem, 2025. "Can digital transformation be a “powerful tool” to curb corporate tax avoidance? Mechanism analysis and policy implications based on Chinese data," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    2. Qu, Guimin & Jing, Hao, 2025. "Is new technology always good? Artificial intelligence and corporate tax avoidance: Evidence from China," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 98(C).
    3. Zahra Souguir & Naima Lassoued & Imen Khanchel & Eya Bejaoui, 2025. "Behind the Screens: Digital Transformation and Tax Policy," JRFM, MDPI, vol. 18(7), pages 1-21, July.
    4. Sun, Tongtong & Xie, Ziliang & Song, Yunxing & Lu, Maopeng, 2025. "Executives' financial background, corporate financialization and corporate innovation," International Review of Financial Analysis, Elsevier, vol. 106(C).
    5. Jin, Pengwei & Wang, Ziyue, 2025. "Digital budget supervision governance and local government fiscal transparency," International Review of Economics & Finance, Elsevier, vol. 102(C).
    6. Pang, Silu & Hua, Guihong, 2024. "How does digital tax administration affect R&D manipulation? Evidence from dual machine learning," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 208(C).
    7. Anis EL AMMARI, 2025. "Measuring the impact of digitalization on the effects of corruption leading to tax evasion," Journal of Academic Finance, RED research unit, university of Gabes, Tunisia, vol. 16(3), pages 66-89, December.

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