India’s High Levels of Public Trust in Tax System Revealed in Global Survey
A recent survey conducted by prominent global accountancy and policy organizations has shed light on the public trust levels in India’s tax system. The survey, titled “Public Trust in Tax 2025: Asia and Beyond,” was a collaborative effort by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the OECD.
With responses from over 12,000 individuals across 29 countries, predominantly in Asia, the survey highlighted India’s positive perception of its tax system. According to an Asian News International (ANI) report, nearly 45% of Indian respondents believe that tax revenues are utilized for the public good. Additionally, 41% view paying taxes as a contribution to their community rather than a mere financial burden.
The survey also uncovered a strong aversion to tax evasion among Indian participants. An impressive 68% stated that they would never justify cheating on taxes, even if given the opportunity. Furthermore, approximately 80% expressed willingness to pay additional taxes if the funds were allocated towards supporting sustainable development initiatives.
Comparing sentiments across Asia, the survey revealed that respondents in the region were more likely to perceive tax systems as fair and transparent compared to Europe and Latin America. It also highlighted the effectiveness of digital tax services in tax administration and emphasized the importance of clear communication from tax authorities in building trust.
Md Sajid Khan, director of ACCA India, emphasized the alignment between fiscal policy and societal goals, noting that Indian respondents’ willingness to contribute more through taxes for sustainable development reflects this growing alignment. He added that trust in tax systems is reinforced globally when citizens observe clear outcomes, equity, and accountability in revenue utilization.
The survey findings were discussed at the IFAC Connect ASIAPAC 2025 event in Jakarta and are set to be officially launched at a global webinar in the coming month.
The original article, “India shows relatively high trust in tax system, global survey finds,” was first published by The Accountant, a brand owned by GlobalData.
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