Public trust in tax is highest in Asia, with India standing out for its strong tax morale and fiscal system trust, as per a recent report. About 45% of Indian respondents believe tax revenues benefit the public good, while 41% see taxes as a community contribution rather than an extra cost. The report, jointly released by ACCA, IFAC, CA ANZ, and the OECD, emphasizes the concept of tax as a shared civic responsibility.
Reflecting ethical integrity, 68% of Indian respondents stated they would not justify tax evasion, even if the opportunity arose. The survey also highlights India’s alignment of taxation with sustainability goals, with 80% willing to pay more tax to support sustainable development objectives. This underscores the public’s acceptance of fiscal policy as a means for long-term social and environmental progress.
The report’s findings indicate a broader trend in Asia where trust in taxation is relatively strong, driven by fairness, transparency, and perceived public value. Taxpayers in Asia generally view their tax systems as fair and delivering public value, with a stronger belief in tax as a community contribution rather than a financial burden. This sentiment is particularly strong in South-East Asia, with almost two-thirds in agreement.
According to Md. Sajid Khan, Director–India at ACCA, the Indian results reflect a growing alignment between fiscal policy and societal goals, mirroring the broader Asian trend of strong trust in taxation. Helen Brand OBE, Chief Executive of ACCA, noted that Asia’s positive perception of tax as a community contribution provides global lessons, emphasizing the importance of not taking this trust for granted. Manal Corwin, Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, mentioned that the OECD’s new project on tax morale in Asia will analyze these results to identify trust drivers and best practices for building trust in tax systems.
