IAES International Journal of Artificial Intelligence (IJ-AI)

Vol. 13, No. 1, March 2024, pp. 737~746

ISSN: 2252-8938, DOI: 10.11591/ijai.v11.i1.pp737-746  737

Towards a new approach to maximize tax collection using

machine learning algorithms

Nabil Ourdani, Mohamed Chrayah, Noura Aknin

TMS Research Unit, Abdelmalek Essaadi University, UAE, Tetuan, Morocco

Article Info ABSTRACT

Article history: Efficient tax debt collection is a challenge for Moroccan local tax authorities.
This article explores the potential of machine learning techniques and novel
Received Sep 25, 2023 strategies to enhance efficiency in this process. We present a practical use case
Revised Oct 17, 2023 demonstrating the application of machine learning for taxpayer segmentation,
Accepted Nov 7, 2023 improving accuracy in identifying high-risk debtors. Using a comprehensive
dataset of tax payment behavior, we showcase the effectiveness of machine
learning algorithms in segmenting taxpayers based on their likelihood of non-
Keywords: compliance or debt accumulation. We also investigate innovative strategies
that integrate behavioral economics principles to enable better targeted
Clustering interventions. Real-world case studies in local tax debt collection highlight the
Machine learning impact of these strategies. The findings underscore the transformative
Novel strategies potential of machine learning techniques and novel strategies in improving the
Tax debt collection efficiency of local tax debt collection. Accurate identification of high-risk
Taxpayer segmentation debtors and tailored enforcement actions help maximize revenue while
minimizing resource waste. This research contributes to the existing
knowledge by providing insights into the implementation of machine learning
techniques and novel strategies in tax debt collection. It emphasizes the
importance of data-driven approaches and highlights how local tax authorities
can drive efficiency and optimize revenue collection by embracing these
advancements.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA license.

Corresponding Author:
Nabil Ourdani
TMS Research Unit, Abdelmalek Essaadi University
Tetuan, Morocco
Email: [email protected]

1. INTRODUCTION
In recent years, local tax authorities in Morocco have faced significant challenges in collecting tax
debts, resulting in substantial revenue loss and hindering the provision of essential public services. According
to a report by the Court of Accounts of Morocco [1], there was a 29% deterioration in revenue collection as
outstanding amounts to be recovered increased from 13 billion Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) to 16.8 billion MAD
between 2009 and 2013. This increase, with an average annual growth rate of 7.3%, indicates significant
challenges in the collection process. Tax debt collection involves complex processes, including taxpayer
segmentation, enforcement actions, and resource allocation (human, financial, and technological), particularly
tailored to the unique context of African countries [2]. However, traditional approaches often suffer from
inefficiencies, relying on manual methods and generic strategies that do not effectively target high-risk debtors.
To address these challenges and achieve a reduction in processing time, an increase in taxes collected, and a
decrease in the number of legal disputes, there is a growing interest in harnessing machine learning techniques
and innovative strategies aimed at optimizing efficiency in local tax debt collection [3].

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Machine learning has revolutionized various domains by enabling the automatic extraction of insights
and patterns from large datasets especially in finance [4]. In the context of tax debt collection, machine learning
techniques offer immense potential for improving segmentation accuracy, predicting debt default probabilities,
and optimizing resource allocation [5]. By utilizing historical data and sophisticated algorithms, local tax
authorities can identify taxpayers with the highest likelihood of non-compliance or debt accumulation, enabling
targeted interventions and enforcement actions.
Moreover, emerging novel strategies go beyond conventional approaches to tax debt collection. These
strategies incorporate behavioral economics principles [6], social network analysis, and big data analytics to
gain a deeper understanding of taxpayer behavior and compliance patterns. By incorporating these novel
strategies, local tax authorities can predict taxpayer decisions [7] and develop proactive and tailored approaches
that address the root causes of non-compliance and promote voluntary tax payment.
Tax collection is of utmost importance to governments as it provides essential funding for public
services, making the continuous improvement of tax collection methods and strategies crucial. Several authors
have explored the role of behavioral economics in designing and enhancing tax policy and administration [8].
Walsh [9] explores the potential for tax services to benefit from the behavioral study of taxpayers and its
implications for policy-making and budgeting. The research delves into the opportunities presented by
understanding taxpayer behavior and how it can inform the development of more effective tax policies.
Another relevant work by Congdon et al. [10] delve into the application of behavioral economics
within the context of tax policy transformation. They examine how insights from behavioral economics can
inform the implementation of effective tax policies that consider individuals' behavioral biases and decision-
making processes. By incorporating principles from behavioral economics, policymakers can design
interventions that encourage voluntary compliance, minimize tax evasion, and optimize revenue collection.
Kling and Mullainathan emphasize the importance of understanding the behavior of taxpayer.
Other studies have also examined taxpayer segmentation as a strategy to enhance tax debt collection.
A study by Stankevicius et al. [11] presents a conceptual model for taxpayer segmentation based on behavior
and legal information. The model aims to enhance tax administration and compliance strategies by identifying
distinct taxpayer segments. It considers factors such as payment history and compliance patterns to classify
taxpayers. The model enables targeted interventions, resource allocation, and personalized tax policies. It
provides insights into taxpayer characteristics and behaviors. The study highlights the importance of
segmentation for effective tax administration. The model offers a framework to analyze and classify taxpayers
efficiently. By implementing the model, tax authorities can improve compliance and revenue collection. The
research contributes to more efficient tax policies and administration.
Related to segmenting taxpayers, recent studies like Tymchenko et al. [12], and Fox et al. [13],
suggests that there are a variety of factors that can be used to segment taxpayers into different groups, including
risk of noncompliance, compliance motivation, and perception of fairness. Other recent studies, such the one
conducted by Vasco et al. [14] used data mining techniques to study the Spanish Personal Income Tax sample
designed by the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
These works collectively demonstrate the potential of machine learning in taxation and its integration
with economic principles to improve fraud detection, tax evasion prediction, tax debt collection, taxpayer
segmentation and make novel strategies. As a continuation, and in the hope of covering the lack for the field
of local finances, the objective of this article is to explore the potential of machine learning techniques in
driving efficiency in local tax debt collection and analyze the associated benefits and practical implications.
We will examine different machine learning techniques for taxpayer segmentation and novel strategies in local
tax debt collection to provide valuable insights and lessons learned.
By delving into the new frontiers of machine learning and novel strategies, local tax authorities can
enhance their capacity to effectively identify high-risk debtors, optimize resource allocation, and improve the
overall efficiency of tax debt collection processes. This article aims to contribute to the existing body of
knowledge by shedding light on the transformative potential of these approaches in the context of local tax
debt collection. Through this article, we aim to inspire further research, collaboration, and implementation of
these innovative approaches to overcome the challenges faced by local authorities in tax debt collection. By
harnessing the power of data-driven insights, local tax authorities can improve taxpayer segmentation, enhance
enforcement actions, and ultimately maximize revenue collection.

2. COMPREHENSIVE THEORETICAL BASIS

The proposed work is built upon a solid foundation of theoretical bases that underpin its framework.
In this section, we explore the key theoretical concepts and frameworks that inform our research. Firstly, we
we draw upon taxpayer segmentation concept, reasons of use and techniques available. Secondly, we delve
into the field of behavioral economics, which provides insights into how individuals make economic decisions

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and respond to incentives. By integrating principles from behavioral economics, we aim to understand the
underlying factors that influence taxpayer behavior and compliance.

2.1. Taxpayer segmentation

Taxpayer segmentation is a process employed by governments and tax authorities to categorize
taxpayers based on specific characteristics or traits. This segmentation approach acknowledges the fact that
taxpayers are not uniform and that different groups may display diverse compliance behaviors, risks, or needs.
Segmentation can be based on various factors, including the type and size of the business, the industry in which
it operates, the geographical location, or the taxpayer's compliance track record [9].
Some examples of taxpayer segmentation strategies that have been used by governments and tax
authorities include risk-based audits, targeted outreach and education programs, and specialized support for
small businesses [15]. Most reasons of using taxpayer segmentation [16] are:
− Improved efficiency: By segmenting taxpayers into different groups, tax authorities can more effectively
target their resources and efforts towards specific groups of taxpayers. This can help to reduce the burden
on taxpayers and improve overall efficiency.
− Enhanced compliance: By identifying and targeting specific groups of taxpayers that may be more likely
to engage in non-compliant behavior, tax authorities can improve compliance rates and increase tax
revenues.
− Customized support: By segmenting taxpayers into different groups, tax authorities can provide customized
support and assistance to taxpayers who may need it. For example, they may provide more resources or
guidance to small businesses or first-time taxpayers.
Several techniques can be employed for taxpayer segmentation, including:
− Data analysis and modeling: Tax authorities can use data analysis and modeling techniques to identify
patterns and trends among taxpayers, which can be used to group taxpayers into different segments.
− Risk assessment: Tax authorities can use risk assessment techniques to identify taxpayers who may be more
likely to engage in non-compliant behavior or to underestimate their tax liabilities. These taxpayers can be
targeted for additional scrutiny or outreach.
− Customer segmentation: Tax authorities can use customer segmentation techniques to group taxpayers
based on factors such as their needs, preferences, and behaviors. This can help to tailor outreach and
assistance programs to specific groups of taxpayers.
− Cluster analysis: Cluster analysis is a statistical technique that can be used to group similar taxpayers
together based on shared characteristics.
− Decision trees: Decision tree analysis is a technique that can be used to segment taxpayers based on a series
of decisions or rules.
This process can inform targeted tax enforcement strategies and improve the efficiency and effectiveness of
tax collection. Previous research on taxpayer segmentation [11] has focused on a variety of factors, such as
demographic characteristics, tax compliance behaviors, and economic indicators, and has used various
methods, including statistical analysis and machine learning.

2.2. Novel strategies

Taxpayer segmentation refers to the process of categorizing taxpayers into distinct groups based on
specific characteristics or behaviors. The goal of segmentation is to identify high-risk debtors who are more
likely to default on their tax obligations or accumulate tax debt. Machine learning techniques revolutionize
taxpayer segmentation by leveraging advanced algorithms to analyze vast amounts of data and extract patterns
and insights that may not be apparent through manual methods. Machine learning algorithms can identify
complex relationships, nonlinear patterns, and interactions among various variables, enabling more accurate
and granular taxpayer segmentation. These techniques improve segmentation accuracy by considering a wide
range of features, including financial indicators, historical tax payment behavior, demographic information,
and other relevant data points.
However, machine learning alone is not sufficient to drive optimal tax debt collection. This is where
novel strategies come into play. Novel strategies encompass innovative approaches that go beyond traditional
methods and incorporate additional elements to enhance taxpayer compliance and debt collection outcomes.
These strategies often draw upon insights from fields such as behavioral economics, social network analysis,
and big data analytics. Behavioral economics principles consider the psychological and behavioral factors that
influence taxpayer decision-making [6]. By understanding cognitive biases, social norms, and psychological
triggers, tax authorities can design interventions and communication strategies that influence taxpayer
behavior, promote voluntary compliance, and reduce tax debt accumulation.
Social network analysis examines the relationships and connections among taxpayers within a
network. By analyzing social connections, business relationships, or transactional networks, revenue agencies

Towards a new approach to maximize tax collection using machine learning algorithms (Nabil Ourdani)
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can identify clusters of high-risk debtors or uncover hidden non-compliance patterns [17]. This information
enables targeted enforcement actions and facilitates the identification of tax evasion schemes or collusion.
Big data analytics leverages the processing power and analytical capabilities to handle large and
diverse datasets. By integrating and analyzing multiple data sources, including financial records, transactional
data, social media, or external databases, revenue agencies can gain deeper insights into taxpayer behavior,
detect trends, anomalies, or correlations that inform targeted interventions and resource allocation for tax debt
collection [18]. One of those strategies is nudging [19], [20].
These novel strategies offer innovative approaches to tax debt collection by considering behavioral
factors, network relationships, comprehensive data analysis, and facilitating more efficient personalized
communication [21]. Taxpayer segmentation forms the foundation for efficient tax debt collection. Machine
learning techniques enhance segmentation accuracy by analyzing complex patterns and variables. Novel
strategies further enhance the effectiveness of taxpayer segmentation and contribute to the development of
tailored interventions and resource allocation strategies, ultimately driving improved tax debt collection
outcomes [22].
Existing literature and research demonstrate the effectiveness and potential of novel strategies based
on machine learning techniques in enhancing taxation policy [23], [24] and compliance [19]. By leveraging
personalized interventions, incorporating behavioral economics principles, and optimizing resource allocation,
local tax authorities can achieve higher compliance rates, improve collection outcomes, and ensure the
provision of essential public services. These studies provide valuable insights for policymakers seeking to
adopt innovative approaches to tax debt collection.

3. METHODOLOGY
The primary objective of our proposed methodology is to establish the groundwork for an effective
advisory system designed to offer reminders and facilitate prosecutions. This system is intended to be a
valuable resource for Moroccan local tax collectors, enabling them to enhance their performance in recovering
territorial claims efficiently. By implementing this system, we aspire to contribute significantly to the overall
improvement of tax collection processes in Morocco.

3.1. Proposed framework approach

A proposal has been made to enhance dunning and collection policies through the implementation of
a novel machine learning analysis approach. This approach aims to improve debt recovery and collection
outcomes and involves several key steps:
− Data collection and integration: Collect pertinent information from diverse integrated sources including
taxpayer records, payment history, communication logs, and demographic details, and consolidate it into a
comprehensive dataset suitable for analysis.
− Feature engineering: Identify and create meaningful features from the collected data that can provide
insights into taxpayer behavior and payment patterns. This may include variables like payment frequency,
average payment amount, time since last payment, taxpayer score, and any other relevant factors.
− Model development: Utilize machine learning algorithms to develop models that can analyze the collected
data and identify patterns related to payment behavior.
− Segmentation and risk profiling: Apply clustering algorithms to segment taxpayer into different groups
based on their payment’s behaviors. This segmentation can help in targeting appropriate collection
strategies and resources for each taxpayer group.
− Predictive analytics: Use the developed models to predict future payment behavior for individual taxpayers.
This can help in identifying taxpayers who are likely to default on their payments or accumulate more debt.
By predicting taxpayer behavior, collection efforts can be prioritized and tailored accordingly.
− Intervention design: Utilize insights from behavioral economics and other relevant fields to design targeted
interventions and communication strategies. These interventions can leverage psychological triggers,
incentives, and personalized messaging to influence taxpayer behavior and promote timely payments.
− Optimization and monitoring: Continuously monitor and evaluate the performance of the machine learning
models and collection strategies. Regularly update and refine the models based on new data and feedback
to improve accuracy and effectiveness.
− Collaboration and knowledge sharing: Foster collaboration between data analysts, collection teams, and
other stakeholders to share insights and best practices. This collaboration can help in implementing the
findings from machine learning analysis effectively and aligning collection policies with business goals.
By implementing these steps, local and national tax authorities can leverage machine learning and novel
strategies to enhance their dunning and collection policies. The use of predictive analytics, taxpayer

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segmentation, and personalized interventions can lead to improved debt recovery rates and optimized resource
allocation for collection efforts.

3.2. Practical variation overview

The technical implementation of the proposed solution to enhance dunning and collection policies
through a novel machine learning analysis approach involves several key steps while considering the
constraints of data availability at the local authority level. Initially, a comprehensive experimental dataset will
be collected, integrating relevant taxpayer payment history. Subsequently, feature engineering techniques will
be applied to extract meaningful variables that provide insights into taxpayer behavior and payment patterns.
These variables will be used to generate a score for each taxpayer. Multiple machine learning algorithms will
then be compared to determine the segmentation of taxpayers based on their profiles. This segmentation will
enable the implementation of targeted collection strategies and the development of a recommendation system
core that optimizes recovery efforts.
The performance of the implemented machine learning models and collection strategies should be
continuously monitored and optimized based on new data and feedback. This iterative process ensures a
continuous improvement in debt recovery and collection outcomes. Figure 1 illustrates a high-level overview of the
technical pipeline adopted. Detailed explanations of the mentioned algorithms will be presented in a later section.

Figure 1. High level pipeline

3.3. Experimental data set

The application of the proposed methodology relies on an anonymized dataset obtained from a specific
local authority in Morocco. The dataset focuses specifically on records pertaining to the municipal services
tax. It encompasses a multitude of individual tax records at the local level, spanning from 2010 to 2021, and
contains a total of 2,739,934 entries. These records include technical identifiers of taxpayers, as well as
information regarding the type of taxpayer (moral or physical person). Additionally, the dataset provides
relevant details about the taxpayers' debts, amount and dates including information on payment statuses.
Figure 2 provides further details regarding the dataset. At the data preprocessing stage, we clean and preprocess
the data to remove missing values, outliers, and irrelevant features.

3.4. Clustering and validation methods

The application of our proposed methodology involves comparing various clustering models utilizing
machine learning algorithms. Clustering algorithms serve as fundamental tools in data analysis and machine
learning, facilitating the grouping of data points based on their inherent similarities. To assess their
performance, we employ validation metrics, which aid in the selection of the most suitable clustering model.
In our study, we employ prominent clustering algorithms, including the Gaussian mixture model
(GMM) [25], which models data using a mixture of Gaussian distributions, and the variational Bayesian
Gaussian mixture model (VBGMM) [26], renowned for its probabilistic clustering approach. Additionally, we
utilize balanced iterative reducing and clustering using hierarchies (BIRCH) for hierarchical clustering [27].
The Kmeans model [28], mini batch Kmeans model [29], and mean shift model [30] offer versatile and
effective methods for partitioning data into clusters. These algorithms play pivotal roles in various applications,
such as taxpayer segmentation, anomaly detection, and image processing, by revealing hidden patterns within data.

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To assess the quality of our taxpayer segmentation solution, we utilize four pertinent metrics: Davies-
Bouldin Index [31], Silhouette Score [32], Elbow method [33]Error! Reference source not found. and C
alinski-Harabasz Index [34]. These metrics provide valuable insights into the performance of our clustering
models. Also, they guide our selection of the most appropriate approach for taxpayer segmentation and other
data-driven tasks.

Figure 2. Number of receivables lines by years

4. APPLICATION AND RESULTS

The first segmentation criterion employed, utilizing existing information within the dataset, focuses
on the "amount" of issued receivables. This approach enabled us to enhance our dataset by introducing an
"amount class" column. To differentiate the potential clusters formed based on the amount parameter, we conducted
comparisons by applying various algorithms as mentioned and performed model comparisons using metrics.
Based on the Silhouette criterion, the most suitable model is mini batch Kmeans, while the Calinski-
Harabasz index indicates that Kmeans performs best. Regarding the Davies Bouldin index, BIRCH emerges
as the top model. Notably, Kmeans appears to be the most favorable choice across all three criteria. As a result
of this analysis, taxpayers have been categorized into four clusters: small, medium, large, and very large. The
outcomes of this segmentation are detailed in the Table 1.

Table 1. Taxpayer segmentation according to “amount”

Debt amount Class Count Cluster
63.9 <= Amount <= 30,870 Small 65,325 Cluster 1
30,968.2 <= Amount <= 192,570 Medium 758 Cluster 0
201,600 <= Amount <= 600,915 Big 51 Cluster 2
710,181.88 <= Amount <= 1,400,690.6 Very big 5 Cluster 3

In our study, receivables are marked by a life cycle at the collection agent level which begins with the
management of the claim when it is created (annotated by ‘PEC’) and goes through several statuses depending
on the events concerning it. These events can be payments, reminders by free notices (annotated by ‘DASF’),
orders, non-value proposals (annotated by ‘PNV’) or non-value admissions (annotated by ‘ANV’). In this
paper, those states are encoding by 4-bit integers. For the other state possibilities, we have set them to the
value: -100. Table 2 explain the specific score given for each state. In order to have a meaningful and logical
score, we take the life cycle and at each stage the score is updated depending on whether the receivable is paid
(we increase the score) or not (we decrease the score). Figure 3 illustrates the scoring technique used in the
proposal, indicating points added or subtracted from the score.
Table 2. State-score correspondence
Binary Code Debt status Score Binary Code Debt status Score
1111 paid off before the lawsuits 1 1001 ‘ANV’ after ‘DASF’ -8

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0011 Supported (‘PEC’) 0 1101 Paid after Order -9

1100 paid off after ‘PNV’ or ‘ANV’ -3 0001 Ordered -10
1110 paid off after ‘DASF’ -4 1010 ‘PNV’ after Order -11
0010 ‘DASF’ sended -5 1000 ‘ANV’ after Order -13
1011 ‘PNV’ after ‘DASF’ -6

Figure 3. Proposal scoring technique

We calculate scores for all taxpayers and use them for segmentation. To distinguish potential clusters
based on these scores, we compared various algorithms. The Silhouette criterion and the Calinski-Harabasz
index identified Kmeans and mini batch Kmeans as the best models in this case. Meanwhile, the Davies
Bouldin index favored BIRCH as the best model. However, among all the models, Kmeans appears to be the
most suitable. In Table 3, taxpayers are classified into three clusters: 'bad,' 'good,' and 'excellent,' representing
the final outcome.

Table 3. Taxpayer segmentation according to “score”

Score Class Count Cluster
-10 <= Score <= -6.08 Bad 8,557 Cluster 1
-6 <= Score <= -1.4 Good 15,786 Cluster 2
-1.36 <= Score <= 1 Excellent 41,796 Cluster 0

After calculating the score for each taxpayer based on their payment behavior, we create a new dataset
that includes the taxpayer IDs, scores, score classes, the average tax amounts and a score about this amount.
Also, based on the status of each tax indicated in the initial dataset lines, we were able to enrich our dataset by
the total unpaid taxes for each taxpayer (annotated by RAR). In the same way, and in order to distinguish the
different clusters likely to be formed, we carried out the comparison by applying the different algorithms cited.
The Figure 4 illustrates the result of the comparison performed.
According to the Silhouette criterion, the best model is mini batch Kmeans. For Calinski-Harabasz,
the best is Kmeans. For Davies Bouldin, the best role model is BIRCH. Among all models Mini batch Kmeans
seems to be the best according to three criteria. The obtained results reveal distinct clusters based on 'Amount'
and also in relation to the outstanding amounts to be recovered. This provides decision-makers with an
opportunity, for instance, to target taxpayers with a favorable behavior score who still have outstanding
amounts to pay. Table 4 summarize the obtained results.

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Figure 4. Final models comparison

Table 4. Summary of the results obtained

Cluster name %
Cluster 1 (41,733) Amount [63.9 : 1,400,690.60]
Small = 41,172 98.65 %
Medium = 520 1.24 %
Amount Class
Big = 36 0.08 %
Very Big = 5 0.011%
Score [-1.36 : 1]
Bad = 0 0%
Score Class Good = 0 0 %
Excellent = 41,733 100 %
Amount of debts to be recovered [0 : 1,604,410.48]
Cluster 3 (8,533) Amount [105.1 : 441,000.0]
Small = 8,444 98.95 %
Medium = 83 0.97 %
Amount Class
Big = 6 0.07 %
Very Big = 0 0%
Score [-1.36 : 1]
Bad = 8,518 99.82 %
Score Class Good = 10 0.117 %
Excellent = 5 0.05 %
Amount of debts to be recovered [0 : 1,604,410.48]
Cluster 2 (15,735) Amount [100.2: 356,372.1]
Small = 15,575 98.98 %
Medium =151 0.95 %
Amount Class
Big = 9 0.057 %
Very Big =0 0%
Score [-6: -1.40]
Bad = 0 0%
Score Class Good = 15,735 100%
Excellent=0 0%
Amount of debts to be recovered [0 : 1,381,269.71]

Based on the analysis results, the clustering process yielded three distinct clusters. 'Cluster 1'
comprised 41,733 occurrences and consisted of taxpayers from various categories (small, medium, large, very
large), with a significant majority (98.6%) being small taxpayers. These small taxpayers exhibited scores
ranging from -1 to 1, and impressively, all of them had excellent scores.
The second cluster, denoted as 'Cluster 2', contained 15,735 occurrences and exclusively included
small taxpayers. Their scores ranged from -6 to -1.40, but remarkably, all of them had good scores, indicating
a positive payment behavior. Lastly, 'Cluster 3' encompassed taxpayers belonging to the small category, with
a total number of occurrences not specified. These taxpayers exhibited a poor score range of -10 to 1, with
approximately 99.82% in the bad score category. Based on these findings, a recommended approach is to
initially focus on 'Cluster 1' by initiating simple callback messages. Additionally, it is suggested to pay closer
attention to taxpayers who belong to the "Tall and very tall" category and have scores between -1 and 1, which
consists of 41 taxpayers.
The second recommendation involves addressing 'Cluster 2' and subsequently addressing 'Cluster 3'
at a later stage, considering their respective characteristics and scores. These recommendations aim to optimize
collection strategies and enhance debt recovery outcomes based on the observed clustering patterns and score
distributions. The proposed novel strategy is rooted in nudging and suggests sending SMS messages tailored
to different taxpayer segments to engage them based on their behavior and payment history.

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5. CONCLUSION
The collection of territorial taxes is intricate, demanding a profound comprehension of taxpayer
behavior to maintain compliance and devise effective strategies for re-engaging non-compliant taxpayers.
Machine learning offers a valuable approach to scrutinize taxpayer behavior, particularly in optimizing out-of-
court payment processing, where targeted interventions can significantly enhance collection outcomes. Our
study on local tax debt collection achieved remarkable results, highlighting the potential benefits of innovative
strategies and machine learning. We implemented a comprehensive taxpayer engagement program, involving
the delivery of customized and concise SMS messages based on our study's findings. This approach yielded an
impressive 84% payment rate, underscoring the efficacy of personalized communication. Taxpayers expressed
feeling heard and understood, leading to heightened compliance and reduced disputes. Concurrently, the tax
authority cultivated stronger relationships with taxpayers, fostering trust and transparency. Machine learning
algorithms hold substantial promise in augmenting tax debt collection through personalized nudging strategies.
By analyzing taxpayer behavior, tailoring messages, and predicting compliance patterns, these algorithms can
optimize collection efforts, boost voluntary tax payment, and ensure efficient resource allocation. Embracing
these technological advancements and innovative approaches empowers local tax authorities to maximize
revenue collection and enhance the delivery of essential public services with greater efficiency. The proven
success at the local level serves as a persuasive case study for regional and national tax authorities, urging them
to consider the integration of machine learning and data analytics into their debt collection processes.
Additionally, it promotes further research and collaboration in this field to refine and adapt these approaches
to meet the unique needs and complexities of larger administrative structures.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
M. Ourdani, the author, expresses deep gratitude and appreciation for the invaluable support and
guidance provided by her thesis supervisors, the ITMS Research Unit members, and the esteemed professors
at the University Abdelmalek Essaadi in Tetuan, Morocco. It is important to highlight that this project was
undertaken within the context of a doctoral thesis and did not receive any external research funding or grants.

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BIOGRAPHIES OF AUTHORS

Nabil Ourdani is an IT engineer and PhD student at Abdelmalek Essaadi

University in Tetuan, Morocco. He is an experienced professional with a background in
computer science, public management, and extensive training in various technologies,
including cloud computing, blockchain, big data, machine learning, and deep learning. With
over 24 years of expertise in software engineering, IT management, system architectures, and
data processing, he also conducts research in big data and machine learning applications in
public finance. Nabil has published scientific articles and actively participates in conferences.
He can be contacted at email: [email protected] or [email protected].

Mohamed Chrayah is a Computer Science Professor at Abdelmalek Essaadi

University in Tetuan, Morocco, where he has been serving since 2014. His primary research
interests encompass machine learning, big data, and E-learning, with a particular focus on
social media analysis. He earned his Ph.D. in computer science from the same university in
2013 and holds an engineering degree from the National Institute of Statistics and Applied
Economics in Rabat, Morocco, achieved in 2006. Mohamed has authored numerous
publications in international journals and actively contributed to organizing workshops at
prestigious international conferences. He also worked as a lecturer, research fellow, senior
developer, and system administrator. He can be contacted at email: [email protected].

Noura Aknin is a professor at Abdelmalek Essaadi University since 2000, co-

founded IEEE Morocco Section in 2004. She's a member of IEEE's Communications and
Computer Societies. As head of the Research Unit for Information Technology and Modeling
Systems, she coordinates the Bachelor of Network Administration and Security of
Information Systems program. She's actively involved in various research projects, including
European ones like Tempus (RIFAINES, Master Computer Engineering, Master ISIS,
EOLES), and the Tuniso-Moroccan project on Cloud Computing. Pr. Noura AKNIN is also
responsible for several AECI-funded projects and manages the Mobile Networks project
funded by "Maroc Telecom." She participates in organizing and scientific committees for
multiple symposia and conferences. Her research focuses on telecommunications, mobile and
wireless communications, and Web 2 applications. She can be contacted at email:
[email protected].

Int J Artif Intell, Vol. 13, No. 1, March 2024: 737-746