A new global survey by ACCA, IFAC, and the OECD reveals a significant gap between taxpayer support for the idea of paying taxes and their trust in how those taxes are actually spent. While a majority believe taxes contribute to the community, only a third see their governments using tax revenues for the public good.
This lack of trust is particularly pronounced in Latin America, where taxpayers are less likely to see a fair return on their taxes and have lower confidence in the integrity of the tax system.
The survey highlights the importance of building trust in tax systems for sustainable development. Tax accountants are consistently ranked as the most trusted source of tax information, underscoring the profession’s critical role in bridging the gap between governments and taxpayers. The findings emphasize the need for governments to improve transparency and accountability in tax spending to strengthen public trust and ensure the effective and equitable use of tax revenues.
