Tax Compliance among Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
Tax Compliance among Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana
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Date
2016
Authors
Amanamah, Richmell Baaba
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Publisher
Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development
Abstract
The aim of the study was to identify the prime factors that affect SMEs’ tax compliance. The sampled size for
the study was 70 SMEs who were selected using convenient sampling for questionnaire administration. Data
collected from the field was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of SPSS. The results revealed that
taxes paid by respondents included income tax; a Kumasi Municipal Assembly (KMA) levy; VAT; and property
tax. Generally, 91.4 per cent of the respondents indicated that they are aware that tax compliance is obligatory
and 92.9 per cent are also aware that non-compliance is punishable by law. Ninety percent of respondents did not
have any form of tax education. 82.9% of respondents ranked taxes paid high while 85.7 per cent of respondents
said it was their biggest constraint. Respondents were of the opinion that a reduction in the taxable amount; use
of tax collected for developmental projects; enforcement of punishment for non-compliance; as well as educating
SMEs about their tax obligations would promote voluntary tax compliance. The study recommended that the
authorities who impose taxation on SMEs should review the taxable amount and widen the tax net to include
more SMEs to increase tax revenue. In addition, SMEs should be given proper tax education on the essence of
paying tax and their taxes should be properly accounted for. The penalties for tax non-compliance should be
enforced according to the law.
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Citation
Amanamah, R. B. (2016). Tax compliance among small and medium scale enterprises in Kumasi metropolis, Ghana. Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 7(16), 5-16.