Theoretical foundations of voluntary tax compliance: evidence from a developing country

Abstract Tax non-compliance is a persistent problem that is becoming increasingly common worldwide. The main objective of this study is to examine the factors that influence voluntary tax compliance among large taxpayers in Ethiopia based on the theoretical foundation of tax compliance. This study used an ordinary logit regression model, a closed-ended questionnaire with 1550 taxpayers, and quantitative data analysis. The regression analysis shows that tax compliance behavior is positively and significantly influenced by government trust, taxpayers’ tax knowledge, tax system fairness, and rewards. However, compliance costs negatively and significantly affect tax compliance. To improve voluntary tax compliance, the government and tax authorities need to be more open and responsible. They must also increase tax awareness among taxpayers through websites, seminars, and the media. Ultimately, they must reduce compliance costs and deliver tangible and intangible benefits to honest taxpayers.