New Delhi, Jan 5 (NationPress) A recent report reveals that public confidence in taxation is notably strongest in Asia, with India distinguishing itself through its commendable tax morale and faith in the fiscal system. The report highlights that nearly 45 percent of Indian participants believe tax revenues are directed towards the public good. Furthermore, 41 percent perceive paying taxes as a contribution to their community, emphasizing the concept of tax as a collective civic responsibility, according to findings released by ACCA, IFAC, Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ), and the OECD.

Reflecting a high ethical standard, 68 percent of Indian respondents stated they would never rationalize tax evasion, even if given the chance, the report noted.

The survey also emphasizes India’s strong connection between taxation and sustainability, with 80 percent of Indian respondents willing to pay an additional amount in taxes to support sustainable development goals. This indicates widespread public acceptance of fiscal policies as a means for long-term social and environmental advancement.

“The insights from India reflect a larger trend across Asia where trust in taxation remains robust, driven by perceptions of fairness, transparency, and public value. The willingness of Indian respondents to contribute more through taxes for sustainable development also highlights a growing convergence between fiscal policy and enduring societal objectives,” commented Md. Sajid Khan, Director–India at ACCA.

The results show that taxpayers throughout Asia predominantly view their tax systems as equitable and exhibit significantly greater confidence that their taxes yield fair public value compared to respondents from other regions.

Among the 29 countries surveyed, respondents were more inclined to see taxes as a contribution to their community rather than just an expense, showcasing strong theoretical support for the fiscal contract. This sentiment was particularly strong in South-East Asia, where nearly two-thirds (64.7 percent) concurred.

“Asia’s robust public trust in taxation provides valuable insights for the global community. People here regard tax as a community contribution and not merely a cost, but this trust is not guaranteed,” remarked Helen Brand OBE, Chief Executive of ACCA.

Manal Corwin, Director of the OECD Centre for Tax Policy and Administration, added that this is the initial phase of a new OECD project focused on tax morale in Asia.

“In the coming year, we will engage with governments in the region to explore the factors that foster trust in taxation across Asia and identify best practices to enhance this trust. This will aid governments in designing fairer, more responsive, and coherent tax systems,” Corwin concluded.