Technology and the state: Building capacity to tax via text

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Cohen, Isabelle
• 署名单位: University of Washington; University of Washington Seattle
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF PUBLIC ECONOMICS
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0047-2727
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpubeco.2024.105154
• 发表日期: 2024
• 关键词: taxation; state capacity; Fiscal exchange; Developing countries; Service provision

摘要

The ability of the state to collect tax revenue is a crucial indicator in the process of economic development, yet the functioning of tax compliance in low-capacity countries remains poorly understood. Using a randomized evaluation, I study a simple text message reminder scheme implemented by the Uganda Revenue Authority, which increases tax compliance by 7%. This average effect masks substantial treatment effect heterogeneity by an index of the presence of public services, measured via a granular, nationwide dataset on government service provision. The finding that the treatment was most effective where the state is least present shows how digital technology can extend beyond the brick-and-mortar presence of the government, expanding the reach of the state.