ST.

MARY'S UNIVERSITY

BUSINESS FACULTY
DEPARTMENT OF ACCOUNTING

AN ASSESSMENT OF VALUE ADDED TAX ADMINISTRATION

IN ARADA SUB CITY

BY

Henok Behailu

Rahel Melesse
Zeyedech Alemu

JUNE 2014

ADDIS ABABA
 CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Almost unknown in 1960, VAT is now found in more than 130 countries, raises around 20% of
the world’s tax revenue (Keen and Lockwood, 2007:14), In Ethiopia, According to negarit gazeta
the 15th year No. 6 (78/94:24)one of the focuses of the tax policy reforms was reforming indirect
taxation (VAT). The main reform to indirect taxation was the introduction of a VAT in January,
2003 as a replacement to Sales Tax According to-2003 income tax proclamation 1. Compared
with the replaced sales tax, the new VAT has the advantages of, 1) Taxes services in addition to
production, 2) Grants zero rating to exports and 3) Gives exemption to fewer basic products.

In order to make up sufficient revenue from VAT it needs efficient and effective tax
administration. However, developing countries like Ethiopia, where there is a large number of
informal sector, low tax moral, rampant evasion, and total distrust between tax administration
and taxpayers may not make the tax collection successful. One of the reasons is lack of
simplified procedures. In VAT administration, there should be a concern for small businesses
because as compared to the burden of VAT administration on large businesses, the cost of
administering VAT is proportionally high for small businesses. Tax operating costs are costs
incurred by the private and public sectors while the tax system is in operation. Tax operating
costs encompass both administrative and fulfillment costs signifying broadly the public and
private sectors costs respectively. A high level of tax compliance costs may discourage voluntary
compliance. On the other hand, very low tax administrative costs may imply that tax authorities
are not equipped with the necessary human and physical resources which, in turn, may impact on
the capability of tax administrations to carry out the responsibilities entrusted to them. The VAT
administration is poor due to many factors, particularly incapacity of tax authorities to implement
the attributes of the tax to practice. The same is true for Arada Sub City, Addis Ababa, where
reports indicate that most of the VAT registrants are nil and credits filers Wollela (2008:1).
The Ethiopian revenue and customs authority (ERCA) is the body responsible for collecting
revenue from custom duties and domestic taxes in addition to raising revenue; ERCA is
responsible to protect the society from adverse effects of smuggling illegal objective of the
Authority.

The Objective, Vision and Mission of ERCA are the Following

S To establish modern revenue assessment and collection and provide consumers with
equitable efficiency and quality service.
S To cause tax payers voluntary discharge tax obligation and
S To collect timely and effectively tax revenues generated to the economy.

Vision
To be a leading fair and modern tax and customs administration in Africa by 2020 that will
finance government expenditure through domestic tax revenue collection.
Mission
Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority will contribute to economy development and social
welfare by developing a modern tax and customs administration that employees professional and
highly skilled staff that promote voluntary compliance amongst individual and business, and
take swift action against those who do not comply.
Values
Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority will understand its customers and their needs treat
them with trust and respect and help them meet their obligations. We will set with integrity,
transparency and professionalism, and enforce customs and tax related lows we will work closely
with stakeholders and insure the participation of women.
Addis Ababa has 10 sub cities and each sub city is divided into ‘Woredas’, which are the
smallest administrative units of the city. Arada Sub City, which is one of the sub cities found in
the Eastern part of Addis Ababa. The sub city has 10 ‘Woredas’ under Ethiopian Revenue and
customs Authority. Due to the agreement concluded between the Addis Ababa City
Administration and ERCA, after December 2010 the Addis Ababa Revenue Authority and
ERCA have merged. The Branch office is led by manager who reports to Head office. In general
this branch office has 283 Employees, among them 187 are female and the rest are male.
1.2. Statement of the Problem
The Addis Ababa City collects taxes from individual taxpayers and belongings in its territory.
However, the Proclamation No. 285/2002 authorized the Federal Inland Revenue Authority
(FIRA) to administer the VAT. For simplicity, FIRA delegated regions and city administrations
to collect the tax from their own taxpayers started from September 2004 (FIRA, 2004:103). In
Addis Ababa due to VAT administration problems, the City Revenue Authority cannot collect
the potential tax which the city can generate. For instance, among the ten sub cities the Arada S
ub City Revenue Office quarterly Report (July -December 2013), shows among 4,411 VAT
registrants those filled returns, on average, 400 of them are nil fillers. In addition to this, if we
compare the gap between the amount of VAT collected and refund claimed in the same period,
on average, in each month, 1317 registrants paid in cash, whereas 1650 registrants claimed for
refund. Starting from January 2011, based on the agreement concluded between the Addis Ababa
City Administration (AACA) and the Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority (ERCA), the
ERCA started to administer all taxes in Addis Ababa (ERCA, 2011).

The huge refund claim and the huge number of nil filler are some of the signs for low voluntary
compliance of the VAT registrants, weak audit and enforcement performance of the tax office.
This shows that the Arada Sub City Revenue Office, now called Arada Sub City Small
Taxpayers Branch office is not effective in VAT administration so that it is unable to collect the
potential tax from VAT registered individual taxpayers as well as unregistered potential
taxpayers in the sub city. This is the problem that needed to be studied. Therefore, on the basis of
theoretical and empirical framework the research assessed the effectiveness of the Arada Sub
City Revenue Office in administering VAT to yield adequate revenue for the city treasury and to
foster voluntary tax compliance. Unfortunately, there is no recorded study that has been
conducted in the sub city to explore reasons behind under potential revenue collection and low
voluntary compliance of VAT registrants.
1.3 Research Questions

The study attempted to answer the following research questions.

> What are the trends of Arada Sub City Revenue Office is administering VAT in the last
five years?
> Have Arada Sub City Revenue Office been satisfactorily monitoring and auditing VAT
registrants?
> What are the major factors which hinder Arada Sub City Revenue Office to monitor and
audit VAT registrants?

1.4. Objectives of the study

The general purpose of the study is to identify the major constraints against the successful
administration of VAT in Arada Sub City Revenue Office, and there by it provides the basis for
effective VAT administration. In doing so, the office can yield adequate revenue for the city in
near future and enable to increase the number of voluntary taxpayers.

1.4.1. General Objective

The general objective of this study is to assess the effectiveness of the VAT administration at
Arada Sub City Revenue Office with a view to improve revenue collection through voluntary
compliance by taxpayers.

1.4.2. Specific Objectives

The following specific objectives are pursued.

> To review the last five years VAT administrative activities of Arada Sub City Revenue
Office.
> To identify the monitoring and auditing of VAT registrant in Arada Sub City Revenue
Office.
> To list out the major factors that hinders Arada Sub City Revenue Office to monitor and
audit VAT registrants.
1.5. Significance of the Study

The study helps:

> To fulfill the requirement for student our researchers Bachelor Degree and up grading
our research skill.
> It helps us to have a practical experience for applying student researchers’ research
knowledge in the administration of VAT by the Sub City.
> This paper can help for other researchers as reference for further studying related to VAT
assessment in Arada sub city small tax payer branch office.

1.6. Delimitation/Scope of the Study

The study focused particularly in the case of Ethiopian Revenue and Customs Authority Arada
Sub City Small Taxpayers Branch office. In terms of “VAT administration”, it only deals with
administrative activities; taxpayers identification and registration, collection, audit and
enforcement. The study not deals with assessing administrative organs (who administer the tax?)
and assessing the mode of organization.
In examining the constraints in terms of administrative activities, the study only assessed the
effectiveness of the sub city in administering the VAT.

1.7. Research Design and Methodology

1.7.1. Research Design

A research design is a conceptual structure that shows how all the major parts of the research
project come together. According to Kothari (2004:31), research design is to provide for the
blueprint for the collection, measurement and analysis of data. In this paper in order to get the
target of the specified objective, the study uses a descriptive design method which considers both
quantitative and qualitative studies.
1.7.2. Population and Sampling Technique
The research considers the tax officers which are devoted to the day to day activities in ERCA
Arada sub city branch are selected as a population. Totally there are 3300 active VAT registrants
as of October 2013 in the Arada Sub City. Regarding the tax officials, according to the employee
registry of the Sub City there are 283 of which 80 of them are tax officers in the Sub City
Revenue Office as of December 2013. Therefore, the population is 3300 VAT registrants and 80
tax officials. From the total population of the tax officers of 80, data is collected from 20, 18
employees for questionnaires and 2 coordinators for interview. From the total population of tax
payers, data is collected from 150 who are engaged in various business areas in Arada sub city.

The study is based on sampling basis. The sample respondents are selected by using non­
probable sampling i.e. convenient sampling method for tax payers and simple random sampling
method for the branch office employees.

From the total population of the VAT registered tax payers of the sub city and employees of the
branch office, we selected about 170 (150 and 20 from both VAT registered tax payers and
employees of the branch office respectively) samples using convenient sampling and simple
random sampling techniques. We select this sampling method because it is more reliable, valid
as well as each individual (respondents) has equal probability of being selected and the sample
can be generalized to the larger population and they have experienced the centered observable
fact.

1.7.3. Types of Data to be collected

The study uses both primary and secondary data. As primary data source the VAT registrant tax
payers, the tax officials and mangers in the Arada sub city office are preferred. VAT related
documents were used as secondary data, to analyze the VAT collection trends.

1.7.4. Data Collection Tools

The primary data would be collected mainly through Self administered questionnaire and
structured interview would be used to gather information from the sample population.
Questionnaire and interview made with tax officers and tax payers. The questionnaire would be
consisting both closed and opened questionnaire and the interview would holds predetermined
and structured questions. Those would be designed to adders VAT administration problems and
to assess tax payer’s attitude. The questionnaire and interview would prepare to ERCA
employees for tax payers only questionnaires. Secondary source of data will be obtained from
published and unpublished documents; like tax proclamations directives and deferral documents
issued by ERCA and other organizations. And also for further information source various data
and websites are visited.

1.7.5. Data Analysis Method

It is easy to work and available, data processing and analysis procedures were undertaken by
computer using Microsoft excel program. It helps to minimize errors that occur during data
processing. In data processing categorizing variables was done manually. Describing data was
processed and analyzed through listing the answers for a particular question.

1.8. Limitations of the study

Associated with restructuring of the Arada Sub City in March 2014, there was re shifting and
training of tax officials. This created work overload on the remained tax officials and poor
service delivery to taxpayers so that there was unwillingness from some respondents. To
overcome the problem we had to wait for convenient time, however, all of the questionnaires
were filled out on time

Time constraint and lack of willingness to participate on behalf of the taxpayers were some of
the problem faced by the student researcher.

1.9. Organization of the Study

This paper organized in four chapters to give coherent flow of ideas to the basic findings. The
first chapter explain about the general introduction of the research; the second chapter covers the
review of related literature; third chapter shows the analyses of data collected by questionnaire
and interview and also, from secondary sources. Finally, the last chapter brings the study to an
end with findings, conclusions and recommendations respectively.
 CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

2.1. Tax Related Concepts

According to Gebrie (2008:16), tax system that includes the following two types of tax system in
the world.

> Global Tax System: is a tax system in which tax is computed on aggregate of all income
and losses that the taxpayer derived from different sources in the world. The loss incurred
in a certain business is offset by income on another business and tax is computed on the
final balance.
> Schedule Tax System: is a tax system in which tax is computed on separate schedule. The
loss incurred in a certain business is not offset with income on another business and tax is
computed on each type of schedule. Most countries including Ethiopia use schedule tax
system.

2.2. Objectives of Taxation

Initially governments imposed taxes for three basic purposes: to cover the cost of administration,
maintaining law and order in the country and for defense. But now government’s expenditure
pattern changed and gives service to public more than these three basic purposes and it restore
social justice in the society by providing social services such as education, public health,
employment, pension, housing, sanitation and other public services. Therefore, government need
much amount of revenue than before. To generate more revenue a government imposes taxes of
various types. As stated by Gebrie (2008:16) and Misrak (2008:6) objectives of taxation are:

> Raising revenue: to render various economic and social activities, government needs
large amount of revenue and to meet this government imposes various types of taxes

> Minimize income and wealth inequality: to narrow the gap between the rich and the
poor most government adopt progressive taxation system. In such system the higher
income group pays more amount of tax, the middle income group pay low or lower
amount of tax and lower income groups are exempted from tax. Then the tax collected
 from the higher and the middle groups are used by the government to subsidize the lower
income groups and unemployed.
> Ensuring economic stability/Stabilize Economy: taxation affects the general level of
consumption and production. Hence, it can be used as an effective tool for achieving
economic stability. Governments use taxation to control inflation and defilation.

> Governments use taxation to control inflation and defilation pressure during inflation
period governments may increase the existing tax rates or impose additional taxes to
reduce the abnormal (excess) demand. During defilation period governments may reduce
the existing tax rates or remove certain taxes to increase demand and encourage business
activities. Thus taxation has role in economic stabilization.
> To discourage the consumption of harmful products: by imposing high heavy tax on
harmful products that worsen peoples’ health such as tobacco and alcoholic products ,
governments can reduce the consumption of such products for instance, in Ethiopia case
tobacco products are subject to 20% - 75% excise tax. Alcoholic products are also subject
to 50% - 100% excise tax imposing heavy taxes on such product. Increase their price and
the majority of society may be discouraged to buy this products.
> To reduce regional imbalances:
To reduce regional imbalances with in a country, governments may give tax exemption or
recession to those investors who want to invest in relatively less /under developed regions
for instance the Ethiopian government gives additional years tax exemption to those
investors who are interested to invest in reality less developed region of the country such
as Gambella, Somalia and Afar region.
> Capital accumulation: Tax concession or tax rebates given for savings or investment in
provident funds, life insurance, investment in shares and debentures lead to large amount
of capital accumulation. This is essential for the promotion of industrial development.
> Creation of employment opportunities: Governments might minimize unemployment
in the country by giving tax concession or exemption to small entrepreneurs and labor­
intensive industries.
> To promote private investment:
Through the provision of tax exemption, tax recession (reduction) and tax holiday,
governments promote private investment in their countries in Ethiopia the government
 grants exemption on business profit tax and customs duty associated with investments on
an approved manufacturing and agro industry from 2-8 years, depending up on the
location in which the investments are under taken.
> To enhancement of standard of living: By way of giving various tax concessions to
certain essential goods such as medical equipments, governments may enhancement of
standard of living of people.
> Encouragement of exports: Governments enhance foreign exchange requirement
through export oriented strategy. These provide a certain tax exemption for those
exporters and encourage them with arranging a free trade zones and by making a bilateral
and multilateral agreement.

2.3. Principles/canons of Taxation

According to Misrak (2008:23), the principles/Canons of taxation include the following points.

Principles of taxation refer to the appropriate criteria to be employed in developing (devising)

and evaluating a good tax structure/system of a country. Tax authority must follow certain code
of conduct in the form of principles of taxation while determining the type and amount of tax.
Adam Smith, who was perhaps the first writer to attempt a general statement of the principle of
taxation and most rather economists believe that a tax system should be based on the following
principles of taxation to be the good tax system.

> Equity/Fairness principle: states that similarly situated tax payers should be tax
similarly. This principle takes two forms: horizontal equity and vertical equity.
Horizontal equity states that tax payers in equal position or with equal ability to pay the
same amount of tax. For instance, if two persons both have income of, say, Br. 2,000
each, then horizontal equity requires the two persons to pay the same amount of tax
regardless of their position. On the other hand, vertical equity implies that tax payers
with greater ability to pay more amount of tax. This in other words means tax payers in
unlike circumstances should be treated differently. For instance, there is no ground to
levy the same amount of Br. 2,000 and the other person earning Br. 3,000. This is the
essence of vertical equity. The progressive tax rate structure is founded on the vertical
equity. The progressive tax rate structure is founded on the vertical equity premise.
> Certainty Principle: states that taxes should not be arbitrary and based on relationship
rather it should be based on statutory bases. Therefore, taxes not to be arbitrary and not to
be based on relationship, a tax law should specify,
■ How the amount of tax that due is determined,
■ How tax is to be paid (the method of payment), and
■ When the tax ix to be paid (period of payment).

A certain tax ensures a stable source of government tax revenue through tax planning.

> Simplicity principle: states that as complex tax system may result in error (due to failure
to understand the tax laws), tax evasion (violation of tax laws) and disrespect for the
system, tax laws should be simple and clear to understand by the tax payers and they
should not be confronted with accounting, administrative or other difficulties.

> Convenience Principle: also called convenient for payment principle, states that taxes
should be due at a time and in a manner which is most likely convenient for tax payers.
In other words, the period of tax payers (not in such a manner). For, instance, the
government of Ethiopia collects employment income tax from tax payers (employees) at
source, i.e., when they receive salaries from their employers. Similarly, the best time for
the collection of land tax should be the time for the collection of land tax should be the
time of harvest.

> Efficiency/economy of collection principle: states that the costs to collect taxes should
be kept as minimum as possible for both the government and tax payers. Governments
incur administrative costs such as for hiring tax collectors to gather tax revenues, data
entry clerks to process tax returns, auditors to respect questionable returns, lawyers to
handle disputes, and accountants to truck the flow of money. Tax payers also incur cost
of taxation to comply with the tax system such as costs to workers (accountants, tax
lawyers and tax preparers),s for record keeping, and non-compliance appeal. Therefore,
efficiency theory implies that government administrative costs and tax payers cost of
taxation should be as low as possible.
> Neutrality principle: states that a tax system should be free from bias. A tax system to
be free from bias,
■ Incomes of tax payers from different sources should be taxed without;
■ The decisions of tax payers to undertake transactions should not significantly
be affected by the tax system;
■ The tax system should not create any inflationary or deflationary effects in the
economy (or taxation should not create distortion on economy), and
■ The government should not collect too much tax just to finance its operations
or should not collect too little tax just to favor tax payers.

> Economic growth/Buoyancy Principle: states that a tax system should not impede or
reduce the productive capacity of an economy by overtaxing. For instance, a tax system
should not significantly affect international competitiveness, investment, and production
like labor supply. Viewing the concept from the other angle, a tax system should be in
line with the economic growth policy of a country and should have an inherent tendency
against the economy goals and policies of the government. Economic growth principle
highly reflects the theory of neutrality.

> Transparency and Visibility Principle: This implies that tax payers should know that
a tax exists why tax exists, and how tax is imposed on them. When tax payers are aware
of a tax and the change in their liabilities that result from specific transaction or events,
they can compute the true cost of the transaction and identify who ultimately pays the
tax. In addition, it is the responsibility of the government to let perform its essential
services, and one means to acquire those resources is through the collection of tax
revenue.

> Appropriate government revenue Principle: implies that taxes should be predictable
by government, meaning, a tax system should enable a government to predict
(determine) how much tax revenues will likely be collected and when so as to undertake
its budgeting and appropriation process accurately.
 > Minimum Tax gap Principle: A tax system should be structured to minimize tax
gap/non-compliance. Tax gap exists if the actual tax owed (tax imposed) is not the same
as the tax voluntarily paid by tax payers. Mathematically, it is expressed as follows:

Tax Gap = Tax actually owed (Imposed) - Tax voluntarily paid

(Or)
Tax Gap = Tax that should have been paid - Tax already paid
Tax gap may occur due to,
i) Intentional errors such as overstatement of expenses, understatement of taxable
revenues, omission of taxable transactions, not declaring total taxable revenues,
etc.
ii) Unintentional error such as mathematical mistakes, failure to understand tax laws
(rules and regulation),error in tax assessment, etc.

In order to avoid or at least minimize tax gap, a tax system should certain, simple,
neutral and transparent; clear penalties (refund) should be set in the tax laws if tax gap
exists.

2.3.1 Other principles/Canons of Taxation

In addition to the aforementioned ideal principles of taxation, the following principles of

taxation have also been developed by various gnomists

> Elasticity/Fiscal adequacy principle: a tax system should be able to yield enough
revenue for the government and at the same time should not discourage productivity in
the short as well as in the long run.

> Diversity/Varity Principle: state that a government should not depend on only too low
tax sources and also a tax system should not consists of too many tax sources. It is risky
for a government to depend up on too few sources of public revenue since such a system
is bound to breed a lot of uncertainty and the treasury. Too much multiplicity of taxes
also should be avoided since it leads to unnecessary burden on the society in the form of
additional administrative expenses. It also isolates the principle of economy of collection.
 > Co-ordination Principle: says that if taxes are levied by both the federal and regional
governments, there should be co-ordination between those authority as to what type of
taxes are imposed and collected by the federal (central) government, by regional (state)
governments and by both the federal and regional governments.

> Expediency Principle: in accordance with this canon, tax should be based on certain
well founded principles so that it may need no justification from the side of the
government, and tax payers should have no doubt about its desirability. In other words,
taxes should be levied after considering all favorable and unfavorable factors from
different angles such as economical, political and social factors.

> Equality of benefit/Equality Principle: According to this principle, every tax payer
should contribute towards the support of the government, as nearly as possible, in
proportion to their respective abilities; this is, in proportion to the revenue, which they
respectively enjoy under the protection of the government. In other words, this principles
state that the burden of taxation should fall on the people according to the benefit
received by them form the government. Viewing it from the other angle, the principle
implies the desirability of imposing taxes on the individual according to the benefit which
they enjoy from the government action. The principle naturally proclaims the justice of
“do not take more than you give.”

2.4. Classification of Taxes

Governments impose many types of taxes. In most developed countries individuals pay income
taxes when they earn money, consumption taxes when they own a home or land, and in some
cases estate taxes when they die. In general, in terms of the relationship between the nature of
taxes and the reason for payment, taxes classified as direct tax and indirect tax (Gebrie, 2008:18).

2.4.1. Direct Tax

According to Dalton, Direct taxes are those which are paid entirely by those persons on whom
they are imposed. Direct taxes are those taxes which can’t be shifted to others (Gebrie, 2008:28).

Direct tax may be through of as a tax an individual or business and direct taxes as taxes on
transaction involving goods and services. Under this classification approach direct tax include
14
taxes on personal and company income as well as a payroll taxes, social security taxes and
property and wealth.

The direct taxes include:

> Employment income tax,

> Business income tax,
> Rental income tax, and
> Taxes on other incomes include:
S Tax on income from rental of property
S Tax on dividend income
S Tax on income from games of chance
S Tax on interest income on deposit
S Tax on income on royalty
S Tax on gain on transfer of certain investment property/ capital gain
S Tax on income from rendering of technical service
S Agricultural income tax, and
S Land use tax

2.4.1.1. Merits of Direct Taxes:

According to Gebrie (2008:29) the following are merits of direct taxes.

1. Equitable: direct taxes such as income tax are equitable because it is based on the
principle of progression.
2. Certainty: Direct axes satisfy the canon of certainty. The taxpayer is certain as to how
much he/she is expected to pay, and similarly the tax collector is certain how much it
receive.
3. Reduce inequalities: Direct taxes are progressive in nature and therefore, rich people are
subject to higher rates of taxation, while poor people are exempted from direct tax
obligation.
4. Elasticity: Elasticity in direct taxes implies that the government collects more revenues
simply by raising the rate of taxation.
According to Gebrie (2008:29) the following are demerits of direct taxes.

1. Inconvenience: Tax payers should submit the statement of total income along with the
source of income from which it is derived. Thus, it is additional task to tax payers.
2. Evasion: Direct taxes are certain and taxpayers know the rate of tax they have to pay,
therefore, awareness of tax liability tempts the taxpayers to evade tax. It is a fact that
people in higher income groups do not reveal their full income.
3. Arbitrary: Direct taxes are found to be arbitrary because there is no logical or scientific
principle to determine the degree of progression in determining tax brackets. Tax rates
are determined on opinion of tax authority. They are likely to underestimate or
overestimate taxable capacity of taxpayers.

2.4.2. Indirect Tax

Indirect tax is a tax in which the burden may not necessarily be swallowed by assesses, which
means indirect taxes can be shifted on to other person. Generally the tax incidence of indirect tax
is on ultimate consumer; however, sometimes seller might absorb such indirect tax to be
competitive in market. This action reduces its profit. Indirect taxes are taxes that are lived up on
commodities before they reach the customer who ultimately pay the tax as a part of the market
price of commodity. Indirect taxes included domestic taxes such as excise tax and taxes on
international trade, such as import duties and export taxes (Gebrie, 2008:28).

Indirect taxes as explained by Misrak (2008:20) are classified as follows:

> Value added tax (VAT).

> Turnover tax
> Excises tax.
> Custom duties.
> Sur-tax.
Note:- Stump duty is neither direct nor indirect tax in Ethiopia (Misrak, 2008:20)
According to Gebrie (2008:29) the following are merits of indirect taxes.

1. Convenient: Indirect taxes are convenient to pay. They are paid in small amounts instead
of in one lump sum so that the burden of these taxes is not felt very much by the
taxpayer.
2. No Evasion: Indirect taxes are generally difficult to by evaded, as they are included in
the price of a commodity. One can avoid an indirect tax only if he/she decides into
purchase such commodity.
3. Elastic: Government may increase revenue if the tax is imposing on commodities that are
elastic.
4. Broad coverage: In indirect tax every member of the community can be taxed so that
everyone may contribute something to finance public utilities.
5. It can be progressive: Indirect taxes can be made progressive by imposing heavy taxes
on luxuries and exemptions of those commonly consumed products.

2.4.2.2. Demerits of Indirect Tax

According to Gebrie (2008:29) the following are demerits of indirect taxes.

1. Regressive: In direct taxes are regressive in nature, as they fall more heavily upon the
poor than the rich.
2. Administrative cost: The administrative cost of indirect tax is generally heavy as they
have to be collected from large number of people in small amounts. The government
hires number of inspectors to check records of sellers.
3. Discourage saving: Indirect tax discourage savings because they are included in the
price of a commodity and people have to spend more on essential commodities.
4. Uncertainty: It is uncertain because the tax authority cannot certainly estimate the total
yield from different taxes.
5. Creation of inflation: prices of taxed goods keep on rising without any reduction in the
purchasing power in the economy, thus indirect tax may create inflation.
2.5. Meaning of Value Added Tax (VAT)

Different authors who wrote about the tax have defined Value Added Tax (VAT), which is also
known as Goods and Service Tax (GST) or consumption of Tax, in the following different ways
and from different sources.

o VAT: is may be defined as a consumption/expenditure tax charged on the value added

goods and services by importers, manufacturers and traders at each stage of the
production and distribution process (Misrak, 2008:303).
o VAT: is work on the assumption that value is added at every stage, and taxes should be
levied on amounts of value added (Encarta, 2009).
o VAT: is tax on the consumer expenditure, It is collected on business transaction, Imports
and acquisition, Despite its name the VAT is not general intended to become
consumption. Its essence is that it is charged at all stage of production, but with the
provisions of some mechanisms enabling firms to offset the tax they have paid on
purchase of goods and services against the tax they charge on their sales of goods and
services (Erbil, 2001:1).
o VAT: is the tax on the value added on goods in the process of production and distribution
(Sundharam and Andley, 2003:195).
o VAT: is an indirect tax levied on domestic consumption of goods and services and
imported goods (MOR working paper).
o VAT: Is a tax on consumption lived whenever the value of goods and services increased
as they change hands in the course of production, distribution and final sale to the
consumer (Encarta 2009).

2.6. History of VAT

Emergence and rapid spread of VAT is one among the most important tax developments of the
latter twentieth century. VAT was invented in 1954 by French economist Maurice Laurie who
was joint director of the French Tax Authority. France was the first country to introduce VAT
effective from April 10, 1954. By 1969, only eight nations had adopted VAT, out of this Cote-
Devour was the first country in Africa to introduce VAT in 1960. Since 1979, VAT has been
adopted as the main form of an indirect tax by many countries around in different parts of the
world. According to International Monetary Fund (IMF) report (2004) more than 4 billion 70%,
of the world’s population now live in countries with VAT and VAT raises about $18 trillion in
tax revenue , roughly one-quarter of all government revenue. Nowadays among 190 counties of
the world over 136 of (72%) of them have made VAT part of their tax system; and from 53
members of countries of Africa Union, 33(60%) of them have introduced VAT (Misrak,
2008:310).

2.7. VAT in Ethiopia

The federal democratic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has adopted VAT in to its tax system in 2003. It has
been introduced on January 1, 2003, replacing the former sales tax system. The VAT proclamation
no.285/2002 (VAT law) has been ratified by the house of peoples’ Representatives six months
before VAT implementation (July, 2002). This VAT proclamation has thirteen sections (13) and
(66) articles. In December, 2002 the VAT regulation no. 79/2002 has also been issued by the
council of Ministers pursuant to the value added tax proclamation for the implementation and
regulation of VAT. (Misrak, 2008:319)

2.7.1. Objective of VAT in Ethiopia

According to Misrak (2008:320) the following are merits of direct taxes.

♦ To collect tax on the added value whenever a sales transaction is conducted
♦ To minimize the damage that may be caused by attempts to avoid and evade the tax
and to ascertain the profit obtained by the tax payer.
♦ To enhance saving and investment as it is a consumption tax and does not capital.
♦ To enhance economic growth and improve the ratio relationship between Growth
Domestic Product and Growth Revenue.
According to the newly implemented VAT law, supply of goods and rendition of services in
Ethiopia are subjected to VAT at standard rate of 15% except those exempted and zero-rated
supplies determined by the VAT law. The standard rate, 15% is applied only to imports and
domestically manufactured goods. Unlike the sales tax, VAT provides th relief of tax in all
inputs (taxable supply) including capital goods, operating and administrative expenditures. The
relief of the tax and zero-rating also encourages investment and exports.
The VAT system that Ethiopia has implemented also gives exemption to basics and necessities
such as education, medical service, electricity, water, kerosene, basic foods, transportation
service, fertilizer, books and printed materials, the supply of goods and services in the form of
humanitarian aid etc.

2.8. Nature of VAT

According to Misrak (2008:305) VAT is characterized by the following features:
• VAT is a “genera tax or comprehensive’’ that applies, in principle, to all commercial
activities involving the production and distribution of goods the provision of services.
• VAT is a “consumption tax” because it is levied on sales of goods and the provision of
services rather than on income, wealth (capital) or saving.
• VAT is a “broad based tax” since the government collects such tax from all sectors, that
is, from import, manufacturing, wholesalers and rental sectors.
• VAT is “a percentage of prices” which means, the actual tax burden is visible at each
stage in the production and distribution chain.
• VAT is collected “fractionally” because each time the item changes hands in the process
of production and distribution; the VAT is assessed on the incremental value.
• VAT is “neutral” because regardless of how many transactions are involved, VAT
registered supplier can deduct from their VAT liability the amount of tax they have paid
to the person on purchases for their business activities.
• VAT is an “indirect tax” because VAT is paid to a tax authority by the seller of the
goods, who is the taxable person, but it is actually paid by the buyer to the seller as part
of the price.

2.9. Types of VAT

According to Misrak (2008:309) In modern taxation world there are four types of VAT, namely,
consumption, production, income, and wage VAT
> Consumption VAT. In this type of VAT, the Firm is allowed to deduct from the gross
value of its product not only the non-capital inputs purchased from other firms but also
the capital equipment purchased. Thus, in consumption type VAT, tax base is the
difference between gross value and total value of inputs purchased (capital and non­
capital).
 > Production VAT. In the production type VAT, the value of the inputs purchased by the
firm from other firms is not deducted in full. Only the value of non-capital purchase is
deducted. Furthermore, no depreciation is permitted on the purchase of capital goods
even in subsequent years. Thus, the tax base in production type VAT is equal to gross
value of non-capital goods purchased.
> Income VAT. According to income type VAT, the firm is allowed to deduct the
depreciation on the capital goods (during the year) apart from the full value of its non­
capital purchases. Here, firms cannot deduct the entire value of the capital goods
purchased during the year but they can deduct the respective amount of depreciation
attributable to that year.
A) Wage VAT. In wage type VAT, the firm is able to deduct the net earnings from its capital
in order arrive at the tax base. It is unlike to be used for taxation by any government.

2.9. VAT Administration

Regarding the main issues of VAT administration, the Common Wealth Association of Tax
Administration (2006:176) listed, “identifying taxpayers, processing returns, controlling
collections, making refunds, auditing taxpayers, and leaving penalties are the main tasks that
must be performed by the organization in charge of the VAT.” According to Gendron (2005:191
and Grandcolas (2005:191) cited in Wollela (2008,182), the key VAT administrative activities
are; registration, collection, audit and enforcement.VAT administration is concerned not only
with administrative activities but also about administrative organs (who should administer the
tax) and their mode of organization (Wollela, 2008:183). According to (Wollela, 2008:109) the
actual expenditures incurred in respect of VAT administration in Ethiopia are identified
(provided the required information is available). However, where information on which
department each expenditure item actually relates to is unavailable, cost: staff or cost: yield
ratios would be employed.
The VAT replaced the current sales tax on manufactured and imported goods and services on
January 1, 2003. The responsibility for the correct calculation and timely payment of VAT rests
on the tax payers himself. The VAT is a broad based tax on the consumption of goods and
services. It is a collected at all stages in the production and distribution process beginning with
the importers and produced of raw materials and ending with the retailers. Cascading of the tax
(i.e. tax on tax) is avoided by providing for a credit of the tax paid at the preceding level. Unlike
the sales tax system, whereby relief is granted only to raw materials used directly in the
production of goods, under a VAT relief is granted for tax paid on capital goods, distribution and
administration inputs. Sales of exported goods are not subjected to the VAT. Removing the VAT
content (on inputs) from exported goods makes the goods more competitive in international
markets (Gebrie: 2008:190).

VAT is consumer expenditure. It is collected on business transactions and imports. Most

business transactions and involves supplies of goods services and VAT is payable if they are

> Supplies made in Ethiopia.

> Made by the taxable person.
> Made in the course or furtherance of a business.
> Are not specifically exempted or zero-rated.

Supplies are outside the scope of the tax if they are

> Made by someone who is not taxable person or

> Not made in the course or furtherance of a business.

Course or furtherance- the way a tax able person has to carry out its activity to develop, advance
and progress the taxable activity. It refers to the normal and expected events or processes to
develop the taxable activity. Anything done in correction with the commencement or termination
of a taxable activity is treated as carried out in the course or furtherance of that taxable activity.
2.10. Advantage of VAT
According to Misrak (2008:306) the following are some of the main advantages of VAT
S It avoids cascading effect of a tax (Tax on Tax)
The same commodity does not get taxed again and again, thus there is no cascading effect.
Putting the concept in simple terms, in VAT system each input is taxed only once. However, this
is not a condition in sales and excise taxes.

S It is a more comprehensive and equitable tax system

Even though the ultimate burden of VAT falls on the final consumer, VAT is collected by the
government from all sectors. Therefore, it is a more comprehensive and equitable tax system. On
the contrary, sales tax is a normally levied one stage of the whole marketing.
S It reduces the possibility of tax evasion
In each stage, every transaction is made using VAT invoice approved by the tax authority. In
addition each VAT registered person (supplier) has to maintain appropriate records on their sales
and purchase transaction.
S It has less tax burden
Under VAT system, the tax is collected in small fragments at different stages of production and
sales. Hence, the VAT payers feel the burden of the tax less.
S It is neutral
Regardless of the number of stages of production and distribution, VAT is collected in each
stage. There for, VAT is expected to be perfectly neutral in the allocation of resources in the
form of production and commercialization.
S It improves productivity
In VAT system, a firm has to pay tax even though it runs into loss. The firm cannot claim any
exemption for loss because it pays taxes on the value produced and not on profits. So, firms will
always try to improve their performance and reduce the cost of production. As a result, the
overall productivity of the country will be improved.
S It promotes capital investment and saving
VAT is a consumption tax since one pays VAT on its expenditure and has the option to save so
as not to be taxed. Furthermore, relief from tax on capital goods may encourage investment.
Potential investors also consider tax legislation as one of the factors in making investment
decision.
S It enhances exports
Exports of goods and services in most countries that implement VAT are liable to VAT at zero-
rate. This may make exports internationally competitive and, thus, encourages exports.

2.11. Disadvantages of VAT

According to Misrak (2008:308) the following are some of the disadvantages of VAT
VAT is not just bundle of advantages. It is also seriously criticized for the following:
S It is regressive in nature
A straightforward single rate VAT with few exemptions would tax lower income groups (the
poor) more heavily than the higher income groups (the rich). It is, thus, incongruent with the
basic principle of taxation which states that a person should be taxed according to his ability-to-
pay. This makes VAT regressive tax system.
S It require advanced economic structure
The proper implementation of VAT system requires organized and advanced financial and
economic structure as it is complicated system. VAT system also requires proper record keeping
of invoices at each stage of production and sale by both the seller and buyer.
S It puts additional burden to tax authority
In VAT system, the manufacturers, wholesalers and retailers have to fulfill various legal
formalities in the form of maintaining various records, accounts, books, etc. The verification of
those formalities puts additional burden to the tax enforcing authorities.
S It is uneconomical
VAT system involves high cost of administration, assessment, verification, collection, etc.
Hence, it is highly uneconomical.
S it has ream loopholes for tax evasion
Although VAT system requires proper record keeping of invoices at each stage of production
and distribution by both the buyer and seller, it has ream loopholes for tax evasion. This may
include the following:
> Taxpayers could over report sales of zero rated goods;
> Taxpayers could use invoices they received for personal purchase to claim tax credit;
> It enables buyers and sellers to strike secret deals with regards the issuance of receipts;
> It could lead to the formation of forged companies’ receipts to claim tax credit on input VAT,
etc.
 Data Presentation, Analysis and Interpretation

This chapter presents and discusses the results obtained from the questionnaires distributed. It
explains the response rate, general characteristic of the respondents, and findings of the study
about the effectiveness of the Arada Sub-City Revenue Office and the main constraints that deter
the smooth administration of VAT on the basis of the objectives of the study.

The questionnaires were distributed to types of group which are VAT registered taxpayers and
tax officials in Arada sub-city. One hundred fifty questionnaires were distributed to VAT
registered taxpayers but only 121 responded. 18 questionnaires were also distributed to officials
and all have given their response.
Table: 3.1A Respondents Background Information

Tax payers Officials

No Items Options
No. Percentage No. Percentage

Male 90 74.4 7 39
1 Sex Female 31 25.6 11 61
Total 121 100 18 100
Below 10th/12th grade 19 15.7 - -
10th/12th grade complete 32 26.4 - -
Educational Certificate/Diploma 51 42.2 6 33.3
2
Status First degree 17 14 10 55.6
2nd degree and above 2 1.7 2 11.1
Total 121 100 18 100
Below 2 years 53 43.8 8 44.4
Work 2-4 years 38 31.4 7 38.9
3
experience Above 4 years 30 24.8 3 16.7
Total 121 100 18 100
As indicated in item 1 of Table 3.1A of which 90(74.4%) were male while 31(25.6%) were
female. In the same item were tax official, while 7(39%) are males 11(61%) female officials.
This shows while more number of male tax payers in contrary more in number with regard to
officials.

As indicated in item 2 of Table 3.1A shows that, in terms of level of education, 19(15.7%) were
below grade 10th or 12th; 32(26.4%) high school complete; 51(42.2%) were Certificate/Diploma,
17(14%) were first degree and; 2(1.7%) were second degree and above respectively. This shows
85% of our respondent don’t have first degree and it can be articulated that it has its own impact
on tax and the business activity itself because education help to maximize the awareness of
business person on tax and facilitating the business activity, ethics and codes. On the other hand,
the result raises what are the causes of the reason behind for the educated labor are not involved
in the business sector doesn’t require a higher education to start a business in Ethiopia. While
looking at the level of education for tax officials, grade 12 & below no one, 6(33.3%)
certificate/diploma; 10(55.6%) first degrees; 2(11.1%) second degree. This shows that there is
still a need to train and educate the tax officials at a minimum level of first degree level.

As indicated in item 3 of Table 3.1A shows that 53(43.8%) of our tax payers respondents had
two years experience in the business sector while in the business sector while 38(31.4%) had 2-4
years experience and 30(24.8%) had above 4 years experience. While tax officials 8(44%) had
below 2 years experience, 7(38.9%) had 2 to 4 years and 3(16.7%) had above 4 years work
experience. This figures shows that majority of the respondents had short work experience which
can a have a significant effect on the effective delivery of the service they provide to customers,
diminishes customer willingness to pay tax time on time which creates redundancy and there can
also be a barrier for transfer of skills and knowledge from the more experienced officers. During
the interview with the supervisor of the tax payer’s officials, she has indicated that they recruit a
new staff every two a years.
 Tax payers Officials
No Items Options
No. Percentage No. Percentage

Services 51 42.2
Types of Manufacturing 43 35.5
1
Business Merchandising 27 22.3
Total 121 100
tax assessment and 9 50
collection officers
2 Position Data analysis officer 7 33.3
tax intelligence 2 16.7
Total 18 100
Nil 45 37.2
At this month Credit 42 34.7
3
you fill Payment 34 28.1
Total 121 100
Source: Field Survey Result 2013/14

As indicated in Item 1 of table 3.1B shows that 51(42.2%) are engaged in service sector while
43(36%) are in manufacturing and the rest 27(22%) work in the merchandising business sector.
The figures are a clear indicative that majority of the tax payers are engaged in the service sector
as the location of the sub-city is in the middle of Addis Ababa there is a clear possibility for
there to be less manufacturing industries in Arada sub city. The result in over all show a positive
indication as the service sector and the manufacture sectors are identified by the growth and
transformation plan of the country as the main engine for development.

As indicated in Item 2 of table 3.1B during the sample selection regarding tax official 9(50%)
were had a position of tax assessment and collection officers and 7(33.3%) were data analysis
and officers and the rest 2(16.7%) are in the position of tax intelligence. Hence, the sample size
is good fit for the analysis of the study as they can identify and indicate the constraints and
explain the tax administration system in the Arada sub-city.
As indicated in Item 3 of table 3.1B out of the 121 vat registered tax payers, 45 (37%) are null
filler while 42(35%) are credit filler while only 34(28%) are payment fillers. This is a clear
indicative that real productive business companies are only 72% while the rest are registered
VAT tax payers with future business prospects. This implies that the sub-city doesn’t monitoring
the taxpayers accordingly.

Table 3.2 Systems to Register Unregistered Taxpayers for VAT

Officials
Item Options
No. Percentage
Door to door 10 55.6
System to register unregister tax Checking purchase invoices 5 27.8
payer Any other 3 16.6
Total 18 100

As indicated table 3.2, 10(55.6%) of register unregistered tax payer by investigating door to
door; 5(27.8%) were Checking purchase invoices; 3(16.6%) were any other. This indicates that
the most efficient way according to tax officials is the door to door method owing its efficiency
to its inclusive and through method.

Table 3.3 Report Indicate the Number of nil filler and Its Impact
Officials
No. Items Options
No. Percentage
Strongly agree 5 27.8
Agree 4 22.2
Lack of effective control is
Neutral 3 16.7
1 the cause for huge number
Disagree 4 22.2
of nil fillers?
Strongly disagree 2 11.1
Total 18 100
Create work overload 8 44.5
Impact of huge nil filler on Takes time so that unable to control 10 55.6
2
your service delivery? the potential taxpayers
Total 18 100
As indicated in item 1 of table 3.3, by tax officer of which 5(27.8%) would strongly agree,
4(22.2%) stated that they Agree with the statement, 3(16.7%) were Neutral, with 4(22.2%)
Disagreeing and 2(11.1%) Strongly disagree. Examination of survey responses of the tax
officials revealed that 27% and 22% of the respondents strongly and moderately agreed
respectively that one of the reasons for the huge number of nil filers in the Sub-City is lack of
effective control.

As indicated in Item 2 of table 3.3, 8(44.5%) believe it creates work overload and 10(55.6%)
believe it takes time so that unable to control the potential taxpayers. This shows the impact of
huge nil filer destructs the controlling system.

Table 3.4 The Feelings of Tax payers towards VAT

Tax payers
Item
Options No. Percentage
Very high
2 11.1
High
2 11.1
Moderate
4 22.2
Tax payers thought towards VAT
Low
6 33.3
Very low
4 22.2
TOTAL
18 100

As indicated table 3.4, 6(33.3%) were very high 4(22.2%) were high 4(22.2%) were moderate
2(11.1%) were low and 2(11.1%) were very high of VAT officer respondents. The result show
that the tax payers thought towards VAT is low.
 Officials
Item Options
No. Percentage
Very high 1 5.6
High 2 11.1
Moderate 3 16.7
Express Number of voluntary VAT payers
Low 5 27.8
Very low 7 38.9
Total 18 100

As indicated table 3.5, In terms of voluntary compliance of VAT registrant taxpayers in Arada
Sub City, the survey results show that it is poor. 1(5.6%) were very high 2(11.1%) were high
3(16.7%) were moderate 5(27.8%) were low 7(38.9%) were very low of VAT registered
taxpayer respondents revealed that many tax payers are not willing to be registered for VAT.
According to the outcomes of interviews with managers, voluntarily compliance of the taxpayers
in the sub-city is not good due to three reasons. First, taxpayers’ thought towards VAT is one of
the reasons. That means, there are taxpayers who think VAT increases the price of goods and
services they sell so that they lose their customers. Others think if they sale goods and services
with VAT invoices at the end of the year the tax office know their annual turnover and forced to
pay more amount of income tax than what they have paid before. However, there are taxpayers
who do not voluntary comply due to lack of awareness. Second, lack of uniform registration of
similar businesses within the same area and “equal” businesses activities. Third, lack of effective
control and enforcement were the main reasons
 Tax payers
No. Items Options No. Percentage

Monthly returns for small firms is 16.5

costly
There are many filing requirements 19
Laws and procedures not clear and 30.6
Major problems of VAT
1 simple
collection
Monthly massive cross checking takes 22.3
long time
Tax collectors are not skilled enough 11.6
Total 100
Yes 82 67.8
Non registration of other
taxpayers for VAT have 39 32.2
2 No
a negative impact in your
company Total 121 100

As indicated in item 1 table 3.6, The major problem of VAT collection regarding to tax payers
16.5% were monthly returns for declaration is costly for small firms; 19% There are many filing
requirements; 30.6% laws and procedures not clear and simple; 22.3% monthly massive cross
checking takes long time; 11.6% Tax collectors are not skilled enough. This shows that majority
of the problem of VAT collection is raised by Laws and procedures not being clear and simple.
In the interview the mangers have indicated that it’s true that the law could be perceived as hard
to follow but the sub city have been working and will continue working on shaping the
procedures to be time efficient and easy to follow.

As indicated in item 2 table 3.6, the presence of potential taxpayers unregistered for VAT;
82(67.8%) of VAT registrant taxpayer respondents think un registrants have a negative impact
on their company and rest 39(32.2%) responded no to the question. There’s a general consensus
amongst the taxpayers that the unregistered have a negative impact on legal businesses. In
addition, this shows the office cannot collect the potential tax from the sub city.
 Tax payers
Item Options
No. Percentage
Education and assistance program for 27 22.3
taxpayers
Strength of Arada Sub City Qualified human resource 25 20.6
Revenue Office Honest human resource 44 36.6
Office facility 25 20.6
Total 121 100

As indicated table 3.7, the strength of Arada Sub-city revenue office based on tax payers
opinions ; 27(22.3%) responded the sub-city adequate and assist the tax payer; 25(20.6%) of the
human resource staffs are qualified; 44(36.6%) were Honest human resource staff; and
25(20.6%) for the office facility. This indicates honest human resource has supported the well
being of the revenue office. The mangers have agreed with the result of our research and
expressed their concern in the effectiveness of VAT administration and blamed the lack of job
specific training and high turnover rate in the workforce. They have also credited the problems to
lack of budget and the country’s salary scale.
 Tax payers
Item Options
No. Percentage
Yes 31 25.6

If there is no penalty, is there a possibility that

No 90 74.4
you may not be registered for VAT?

Total 121 100

As indicated table 3.8, According to the survey responses of VAT registrant taxpayers, if there is
no penalty 90(74.4%) of the respondents revealed they may not be registered for VAT, while
31(25.6%) may still register. Greater part of the tax payers expressed they were not willing to
register for VAT; this may be due to lack of awareness in the public.

Table 3.9 Express the Number of Taxpayers who are not registered for VAT

Tax payers
No. Items Options
No. Percentage
High 60 49.6
Express the amount of
Moderate 40 33
1 taxpayers who are not
registered for VAT Low 21 17.4

Total 121 100

Poor VAT administrative system 25 41.7
Due to problems from their
If your answer is high, 19 31.7
suppliers
2 which of the following
Due to fear of competition from
could be the reason? 16 26.6
unregistered similar businesses
Total 60 100
As indicated in item 1 of table 3.9, the number of taxpayers who are not registered for VAT
based on the view of tax payers 60(49.6%) were high; 40(33%) were moderate and 21(17.4%)
were low; this shows there are still many potential taxpayers who did not registered for VAT.

As indicated in item 2 table 3.9, 25(41.7%) were Poor VAT administrative system; 19(31.7%)
were Due to problems from their suppliers and 16(26.6%) were fear of competition from
unregistered similar businesses. As survey responses indicated, one of the problems in taxpayer
registration is lack of uniformity; still there are many potential taxpayers who did not register for
VAT.

Table 3.10 VAT Auditing and Enforcement Effectiveness

Tax payers Officer

No. Items Option
No. Percentage No. Percentage
Yes 51 42.1
Do you have
confidence in the
No 70 57.9
1 assessment and
auditing evaluation of
Total 121 100
the Sub City?

Incompetency of 40 78.4
If your answer is no
auditors
2 for the above question
Corruption 11 22.6
describe your reason
Total 51 100
Do you agree your Strongly agree 1 6.66%
office is effective in Agree 5 27.7%
3 auditing and Neutral 7 38.8%
enforcement of VAT Disagree 5 27.7%
Strongly disagree - -
Total 18 100
As indicated in item 1 table 3.10, response of tax payers 70(57.9%) do not have confidence on
the Arada Sub-City Revenue Office VAT assessment and auditing practice. the rest 51(42.1%)
believe that the sub city’s Revenue Office VAT assessment and auditing practice is trustworthy.
This shows that the sub city has below par VAT assessment and auditing practices. And as
described by the coordinator the sub city performance is better than previous years by
cooperating with customers and by upgrading the staff, they have a plan to make the assessment
and audit simple and satisfactory to their customers.

As indicated in item 2 table 3.10, according to the above unsatisfactory VAT registrant taxpayer
respondents 55(78.4%) were Incompetency of auditors; 15(22.6%) were Corruption. This shows
that the majority have agreed that tax officials are not skilled enough to assess and audit, this
could have a detrimental effect on the VAT system. The mangers have expressed their concern in
the lack of job specific training and high turnover rate in the workforce.

As indicated in item 3 table 3.10, According to officer Effective in auditing and enforcement of
VAT, 1(6.66%) strongly agree; 5(27.7%) Agree; 7(38.9%) were Neutral and 5(27.7%) have
expressed their disagreement; the belief of even the tax officials in the system is debatable with
only 34% of them believing in the system wholeheartedly.

Table 3.11 Honesty and Loyalty of VAT Registrants

Tax payers Officials
Item Options
No. Percentage No. Percentage
VAT registrants sell goods and 33 27.3 6 33.3
services without tax invoice
In terms of
VAT registrants manipulate 49 40.5 10 55.6
honesty and
Cash Register Machine
loyalty of VAT
VAT registrants provide fake 39 32.2 2 11.1
registrants
invoices to secure more input
tax
Total 121 100 18 100
As indicated in table 3.11, VAT registrant taxpayers respondents’ In terms of honesty and loyalty
of VAT registrants, 33(27.3%) of the total respondents revealed many VAT registrants sell
goods and services without tax invoices. In addition to this, 49(40.5%) of the respondents
revealed some taxpayers manipulate cash register machines and 39(32.2%) VAT registrants
provide fake invoices to secure more input tax.
The same question was provided for tax officials of the office and the respondents’ response In
terms of. Honesty and loyalty of VAT registrants, 6(33.3%) of the total respondents revealed
many VAT registrants sell goods and services without tax invoices. In addition to this,
10(55.6%) of the respondents revealed some taxpayers manipulate cash register machines and
2(11.1%) VAT registrants provide fake invoices to secure more input tax. As indicated it’s
believed the majority of the taxpayers manipulate the cash register machine to their benefit
which results in inaccurate and inconsistent VAT collection.

Table 3.12 Tax Payers Opinion about the Threshold, 500,000 Birr
Tax payer
Item Options
No. Percentage
Very high 42 34.7
High 30 24.8
Moderate 27 22.3
What is your opinion about the threshold, 500,000 Birr?
Low 15 12.4
Very low 7 5.8
Total 121 100

As indicated in table 3.12, 42(34.7%) were very high 30(24.8%) were high, 27(22.3%) were
moderate, 15(12.4%) were low 7(5.8%) were very low. The data shown in table 3.12 is to be
expected considering the data was collected from merchants whose ambitions are mainly to
lower tax and maximize profit. The VAT legislation of Ethiopia revealed that businesses
undertaking taxable activities in Ethiopia with an annual turnover of ETB 500,000 and more
required filing an application for VAT registration. In addition to this, according to the
discussion with the managers, to bring those required to register but did not do so in to the VAT
net, the authority devised two types of forced registration schemes. First, compelling all
businesses in a specific sector regardless of the level of their annual turnover based on some
criteria. For instance, importers, gold smiths, shoe factories, contractors above grade 10 are
some of them. The second scheme was by estimating the daily income (sales) of taxpayers to
calculate their annual turnover in door to door inspection by tax officials.

The coordinators of the Arada sub city have described the trends of the Office in administering
VAT in the last five years as follows: The number of VAT registrant have been rising along with
the revenue of the sub city in the last five years, in addition VAT collection procedure has been
improving in structure and human resource management.
 CHAPTER FOUR
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1. SUMMARY

This study has been assessed an assessment of value added tax administration in arada sub city to
achieve objective, related literature were reviewed, 150 questionnaires distributed to VAT
registrant taxpayers in Arada Sub City, 121 were returned representing 80.6 percent, and from 18
questionnaires distributed to tax officials in the sub city, all were returned representing 100
percent. In addition, interviews were held with two managers of the sub city.

Based on data presentation, analysis and interpretation of the data we have summarized it as follows

> Arada sub-city’s higher managements has expressed to us that the sub city’s revenue has been
progressively increasing after the introduction of the VAT collection law.
> Arada sub-city registered taxpayers and VAT registrants have been increasing in quantity year
after year, with an estimated increase of 10% expected for the coming fiscal year.
> According to higher managements of the Arada sub city, VAT collection procedure has been
improving with quick, clear and easy to follow procedures being introduced to the system.
> Concerning to the effectiveness of the authority in collecting VAT, 12(66%) of them agree that
it’s not effective and the sub city hasn’t been strongly monitoring.
> The most effective method of monitoring the VAT collection system has been door to door, this
is shown by 10(55.6%) of Tax officers preferring it to other methods.
> Its common belief among the taxpayers that the amount of registered VAT taxpayers is low in
number, this idea is shared by 60(49.5%) of them. Who believe that Arada sub city is not strongly
monitoring its subjects.
> There’s doubt in the effectiveness of the office amongst the tax officials with 5(28%) of them
disagreeing and 7(39%) of them having a neutral opinion about it.
> The public opinion about VAT is vastly negative, with 67(55.5%) of them having a negative
outlook. This has been a major hindrance to the system.
A Lack of consistency and problems in the lawmaking body are hindering the monitoring and audit
of VAT registrants.
4.2. CONCLUSIONS

Based on summary of the finding we have concluded as follows

> The sub city’s revenue has increased progressively after the introduction of the VAT
collection law.
> VAT collection law has been effective in accomplishing its objective of increasing Tax
registrants as well as tax payers.
> Most of tax payer did not declare honestly their tax liabilities, because they are using
under invoice system, they are selling without invoice and some taxpayers manipulate
cash register machines.
> Despite the fact that door to door inspection being preferred, the office have found it
harder to practice it mainly due to shortage of manpower to inspect door to door and to
deliver tax notices to tax payers on time.
> The low level of interest in registering for VAT is an indication of lack of awareness of
the public in that sector.
> The VAT collection of the authority has not been fully achieved due to inefficient
administration.
> The authority has not been providing continuous and effective training to its employees,
which has contributed to high levels of unprofessionalism.
4.3. RECOMMENDATIONS

> Arada sub city small tax payer’s branch office should create awareness in the form of
workshop or distributing magazines which is prepared on the importance of VAT
collection to the improvement of public goods in general to the business people who are
involved in VAT collection.
> During our research complaints about skilled manpower was a common denominator
amongst the taxpayers, so that management body of the office should recruit skilled
manpower in the area especially who are assigned in tax auditing.
> The management of the sub city should prepare or design a reward for those business
people in sub city who are performing highest VAT collection during the fiscal year. The
reward can be certificate or lump sum amount of money.
> The management body of the sub city should work on awareness creation to the general
public on the importance of VAT payment for the economic development of their area.
This can be done by distributing informative broachers and posters in relation to the
issue.
> Since the threshold set by the law does not give equitable ground for each business, the
sub city has stretch to make it equitable.
> Tax payers should try to solve their problems with arada sub city through discussion and
agreement.
> Imitate consumer to request VAT invoice through awareness programs.
Questionnaire for tax officials in Arada Sub City

Dear respondents

This study is conducted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the BA Degree. This
questionnaire has been prepared in view of assessing the problem of Value Added Tax
administration in Arada Sub City. The primary objective of this questionnaire is to collect
data, information and opinion for research purpose. Information this questionnaire shall be
used for academic purposes only and will be handled and stored with the highest order of
confidentiality. Please do not write your name anywhere on the questionnaire.

We thank you very much in advance for your cooperation.

Put “ V “ in the box of your choice and write in the blank space where it provided

Section A. Personal Data

1. Sex: Male Female

2. Level of education

Grade 12 and below First Degree

Certficate/Diploma Second Degree/Above

3. Your position

4. For how many years you are in this position?.

Below 2 years 2-4 years Above 4 years

Section B. Questions related to the tax office

5. In registration process followed for unregistered taxpayers for VAT before, what system
do you follow?

Door to door inspection

Checking purchase invoices of registered taxpayers

If any other, (specify here)__________________________________

6. Reports indicate huge number of nil filler in your sub-city. Some say it is due to lack of
effective control.

Strongly Agree Disagree

Agree Strongly Disagree

Neutral

7. What is the impact of huge nil fillers on your service delivery? (you can choose more than
one option)

Create work overload

Takes time so that unable to control the potential taxpayers

If any other, mention it here_

8. How do you evaluate the strength of your office with respect to the following
parameters?

Excellent Very Good Good Faire Poor Very Poor

Simple and stable tax laws

Good service to taxpayers |__|

Simple filing and payment proceduA |

Appropriate penalties
 Fair and efficient appeals system

9. Do you agree your office is effective in auditing and enforcement of VAT?

Strongly Agree Disagree

Agree Strongly Disagree

Neutral

Section "C" Questions related to taxpayers

10. How do you express the number of voluntary VAT payers in your Sub City?

Very high High Moderate

Low Very low

11. What do you think about taxpayers thought towards VAT?

Excellent Good Fair

Poor Very poor

12. In terms of honesty and loyalty of VAT registrants, how do you guess the following?

Many Few None

VAT registrants sell goods and
services without tax invoice
VAT registrants manipulate Cash
Register Machine
VAT registrants provide fake invoices
to secure more input tax
15. Give your general comment on the overall VAT administration of the Arada Sub
City__________________________________________________________________

Thank you
Interview Guide

(Queries on general issues to be answered by the heads of Arada Sub City Revenue

Office and Arada Sub City Small Taxpayers' Branch of ERCA)

1. How do you evaluate the trends of Arada Sub City Revenue Office in administering
VAT in the last five years?
2. What are the main constraints in administering VAT in your sub city in terms of;
registration, collection, auditing, refund and enforcement activities?
3. How do you express the voluntary compliance of taxpayers in your sub city and if
any effort or plan to improve it?
4. Do you have simplified laws and procedures particularly for small businesses?
5. What about your service delivery in terms of; office facilities, qualified and honest
human resource, sufficient man power and so on?
6. Finally, please, generalize the degree of effectiveness of the Sub City in VAT
administration.

Thank you very much

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Institute of
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