Abstract:
The purpose of the study focused on exploring areas of mending the tax net from the
tax officials’ perspective. The theoretical framework for this study was anchored on
the deterrence theory and principal-agent theory. The study adopted a qualitative
approach using a case study and thematic analysis to analyse responses. A sample of
twelve (12) respondents consisting of tax officials at Swedru GRA office was
purposefully selected for this study. Three main objectives were set to explore this
study; knowledge of various loopholes in the tax system, various tax reforms that
have contributed to mending the tax net and contemporary strategies to improve tax
compliance. The study's findings indicated that tax systems that contain tax loopholes
include; income tax, property tax and tax on domestic goods and services. Again,
Covid-19 Health Recovery Levy Act, Financial Sector Recovery Levy Act, Energy
Sector Levy (Amendment), and Electronic Transfer levy Act) are various tax reforms
that have contributed to mending the tax net. Contemporary tax compliance strategies
include; responsible accountability, digitization and formalized stakeholder
engagement. The study recommended that GRA consider amending systems
supporting income tax, property and domestic tax. Robust systems should be adopted.
Again, actual tax rates are to be charged on these various tax forms. Outrageous tax
rates are an indication of an unforeseen tax loophole. The study suggested a
quantitative approach, and other geographical jurisdictions confirmed research results
at Swedru GRA office.
Description:
A dissertation in the Department of Accounting,
School of Business, submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Master of Business Administration
(Accounting )
in the University of Education, Winneba
