Key research themes
1. How can comprehensive tax reform balance economic growth, equity, and administrative efficiency?
This theme explores the design and implementation of tax reforms that simultaneously promote economic competitiveness, ensure fairness in tax burdens across income groups, and maintain or improve the efficiency of tax administration. Central to this area is the tension between reducing distortive taxes on investment and labor to foster growth while addressing income inequality through progressive taxation and preserving government revenues for public services. Methodological approaches include quantitative evaluation of tax burdens, overlapping-generations life-cycle models, and comparative international cross-country analyses to assess effective tax rates, welfare implications, and political feasibility.
2. What are the challenges and innovations in tax administration and enforcement in emerging and digital economies?
This research theme addresses the evolving complexities in tax administration, particularly in emerging markets and digital economies where globalization, digital platforms, and cross-border economic activities challenge conventional tax collection and compliance efforts. It includes legal reforms to harmonize taxpayer identification, administrative capacity building, incorporation of technology, and the balancing of state power versus taxpayer protections. Empirical investigations involve qualitative case studies, quantitative compliance data, and legal analysis of tax identification and anti-avoidance mechanisms.
3. How do tax policies influence income inequality and socioeconomic equity?
Research in this theme investigates the capacity of tax systems, especially progressive income taxation and fiscal redistribution, to reduce economic disparities. It focuses on the distributional impacts of tax structures, taxpayer perceptions, tax revenue usage for social programs, and behavioral responses. Methodologies encompass empirical analyses combining survey data on taxpayer awareness and perception with examinations of tax incidence and social welfare outcomes to assess equity implications and guide policy improvements.