Tax evasion and compliance; from the neo classical paradigm to behavioural economics, a review

Abstract

Purpose

Tax evasion and tax compliance have been popular research subjects for several decades. This paper aims to present a comprehensive review of the literature explaining individual taxpayer's behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

Recognizing Allingham and Sandmo's model as the starting point, important modern behavioural approaches in conjunction with the social disciplines are reviewed.

Findings

Synthesis of findings suggests a wide array of factors influencing the tax evasion – tax compliance decision. So far, the most comprehensive explanation incorporating the attributive factors along with their interactions belongs to Kirchler et al.'s “slippery slope framework”.

Research limitations/implications

Tax compliance's importance in public finance increases dramatically within the current sovereign debt crisis in the global economic environment. In light of the developments in the front of behavioural economics, further research is needed to validate all hypotheses.

Originality/value

The contribution of the present paper lies on the review and categorization of alternative approaches in economic theory, including recent developments and applications within the general scope of behavioral economics.

Citation

Ritsatos, T. (2014), "Tax evasion and compliance; from the neo classical paradigm to behavioural economics, a review", Journal of Accounting & Organizational Change, Vol. 10 No. 2, pp. 244-262. https://doi.org/10.1108/JAOC-07-2012-0059