Improving Tax Literacy and Tax Morale of Young Adults

Phillis Alexander (palexander@bournemouth.ac.uk), Merima Balavac (merima.balavac@efsa.unsa.ba), Suranjita Mukherjee (smukherjee@bournemouth.ac.uk), Andrew Lymer (a.lymer@bham.ac.uk) and David Massey (diamassey@uclan.ac.uk)
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Phillis Alexander: Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Bournemouth University
Merima Balavac: Univerzitiet u Sarajevu
Suranjita Mukherjee: Department of Accounting, Finance and Economics, Bournemouth University
Andrew Lymer: University of Birmingham
David Massey: University of Central Lancashire

No BAFES23, BAFES Working Papers from Department of Accounting, Finance & Economic, Bournemouth University

Abstract: This research considers socio-demographic influences and the impact enhancements to financial and tax literacy may have on young adults’ tax morale. It also considers the subjects’ perceptions of tax compliance and tax administration. The results show that gender, tax tuition, and employment experience influence tax morale. Most of the 377 students surveyed thought the UK tax system is fair, but complex with personal tax rates that are too high. The majority also believe that a significant number of taxpayers cheat by paying less than they legally owe. The research shows the positive impact of focused tax tuition on university students in raising financial and tax literacy as well as an appreciation for public finance. While the researchers were unable to conclude enhanced literacy resulted in enhanced tax morale in this study, the results nevertheless demonstrated marginal improvements in this regard, thus warranting further research into causation. The researchers make several recommendations for further initiatives and enhancements to existing programmes in taxpayer education focused on young people before they leave school and enter the job market.

Keywords: Income Tax; Tax Morale; Tax Law; Taxability; Tax Compliance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: K34 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 82 pages
Date: 2018-08
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-cfn, nep-eur, nep-iue and nep-law
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