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Tax Revenue Mobilization Episodes in Emerging Markets and Low-Income Countries: Lessons from a New Dataset

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  • Mr. Bernardin Akitoby
  • Ms. Anja Baum
  • Clay Hackney
  • Olamide Harrison
  • Keyra Primus
  • Ms. Veronique Salins

Abstract

How do countries mobilize large tax revenue—defined as an average increase in the tax-to-GDP ratio of 0.5 percent per year over three years or more? To answer this question, we build a novel dataset covering 55 episodes of large tax revenue mobilization in low-income countries and emerging markets. We find that: (i) reforms of indirect taxes and exemptions are the most common tax policy measures; (ii) multi-pronged tax administration reforms often go hand in hand with tax policy measures or are stand alone; and (iii) sustainability of the episodes hinges on tax administration reforms in the key compliance areas (risk-based audits, registration, filing, payment, and reporting).

Suggested Citation

  • Mr. Bernardin Akitoby & Ms. Anja Baum & Clay Hackney & Olamide Harrison & Keyra Primus & Ms. Veronique Salins, 2018. "Tax Revenue Mobilization Episodes in Emerging Markets and Low-Income Countries: Lessons from a New Dataset," IMF Working Papers 2018/234, International Monetary Fund.
    • Handle: RePEc:imf:imfwpa:2018/234
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

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    2. Arun Kumar Deshmukh & Ashutosh Mohan & Ishi Mohan, 2022. "Goods and Services Tax (GST) Implementation in India: A SAP–LAP–Twitter Analytic Perspective," Global Journal of Flexible Systems Management, Springer;Global Institute of Flexible Systems Management, vol. 23(2), pages 165-183, June.
    3. Andrew Feltenstein & Jorge Martinez-Vazquez & Biplab Datta & Sohani Fatehin, 2022. "A general equilibrium model of Value Added Tax evasion: an application to Pakistan," International Economics and Economic Policy, Springer, vol. 19(3), pages 537-556, July.

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