Forensic accounting, socio-economic factors and value added tax evasion in emerging economies: evidence from Jordan

Purpose This study aims to determine the impact of forensic accounting, probability of detections, tax penalties, government spending, tax justice and tax ethics on value-added tax (VAT) evasion. Design/methodology/approach The study uses partial least squares-structural equation modeling to examine the connection between tax sanction, probability of detection, tax ethics, tax justice, forensic accounting and government spending on VAT evasion based on 248 responses collected from the retail industry in Jordan. Findings The findings also demonstrate that there is a negative correlation between tax sanctions, probability of detection, tax ethics, tax justice, forensic accounting, government spending and VAT evasion efficiency. Practical implications The results, considering forensic accounting and government expenditure considerations, may emphasize the importance of the tax sanction, probability of detection, tax ethics, adoption of tax justice in the public sector and tax authority. Additionally, the findings are important for regulators and decision-makers in announcing new laws and strategies for VAT evasion. Social implications It turns out that the tax authority and public sector can definitely improve their capacity to protect public funds and limit VAT evasion practices within SMEs by adopting increased tax sanctions, probability of detection, tax ethics, tax justice, forensic accounting and government spending. Originality/value Numerous studies have been conducted at the individual level in the context of income tax on the link between tax punishment, probability of detection, tax ethics, tax justice, forensic accounting and tax evasion. This study expands on the scant evidence of this connection to the retail business in the context of VAT avoidance. Additionally, it advances prior studies by integrating fresh elements, such as forensic accounting and government expenditure, that have never been considered in connection to VAT evasion in the retail sector.