Effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender: evidence from the SMEs in Zimbabwe

The paper examined the effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender. A positivist research philosophy and quantitative research strategy were adopted. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 220 SMEs owners and representatives using a structured in...

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Main Authors: Wilbert Manyanga, James Kanyepe, Asphat Muposhi, Tendai Manyanga, Augustine Torayi Mataba
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-08-01
Series:Cogent Business & Management
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311975.2025.2543975
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author Wilbert Manyanga
James Kanyepe
Asphat Muposhi
Tendai Manyanga
Augustine Torayi Mataba
author_facet Wilbert Manyanga
James Kanyepe
Asphat Muposhi
Tendai Manyanga
Augustine Torayi Mataba
author_sort Wilbert Manyanga
collection DOAJ
description The paper examined the effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender. A positivist research philosophy and quantitative research strategy were adopted. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 220 SMEs owners and representatives using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. SMEs owners and representatives were selected by randomly intercepting them at break time and lunch time during SMEs conferences and workshops in Harare, Zimbabwe. Structural equation modelling was used to test research hypotheses. The study established that low tax penalties, low tax rates and fairness and equity of a tax system positively influence tax compliance. Furthermore, the study established that gender moderates the effect of low tax penalties, low tax rates and fairness and equity of a tax system on tax compliance. Results imply that reasonable tax penalty and tax rates accompanied by a fair and equity tax system play an imperative role in increasing tax compliance and revenue for the nation. Also, the results imply that gender plays a moderating role in influencing tax compliance. Policymakers should consider low tax rates, low penalties and fairness and equity in the tax system to improve tax compliance by SMEs. Also, policymakers should consider ways to ensure that all taxpayers are tax compliant, despite their gender. The tax authorities may use deterrence letters or letters of demand to ensure males are compliant.
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spelling doaj-art-58a00ba3ff8f4fa783226ebcbc2090d42025-08-20T03:02:47ZengTaylor & Francis GroupCogent Business & Management2331-19752025-08-0112110.1080/23311975.2025.2543975Effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender: evidence from the SMEs in ZimbabweWilbert Manyanga0James Kanyepe1Asphat Muposhi2Tendai Manyanga3Augustine Torayi Mataba4Department of Information and Marketing Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru, ZimbabweDepartment of Business Management, University of BotswanaDepartment of Information and Marketing Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru, ZimbabweDepartment of Education, Department of Educational Studies, Zimbabwe Open University, Harare, ZimbabweDepartment of Management Sciences, Midlands State University, Gweru, ZimbabweThe paper examined the effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender. A positivist research philosophy and quantitative research strategy were adopted. A cross-sectional survey design was used to collect data from 220 SMEs owners and representatives using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. SMEs owners and representatives were selected by randomly intercepting them at break time and lunch time during SMEs conferences and workshops in Harare, Zimbabwe. Structural equation modelling was used to test research hypotheses. The study established that low tax penalties, low tax rates and fairness and equity of a tax system positively influence tax compliance. Furthermore, the study established that gender moderates the effect of low tax penalties, low tax rates and fairness and equity of a tax system on tax compliance. Results imply that reasonable tax penalty and tax rates accompanied by a fair and equity tax system play an imperative role in increasing tax compliance and revenue for the nation. Also, the results imply that gender plays a moderating role in influencing tax compliance. Policymakers should consider low tax rates, low penalties and fairness and equity in the tax system to improve tax compliance by SMEs. Also, policymakers should consider ways to ensure that all taxpayers are tax compliant, despite their gender. The tax authorities may use deterrence letters or letters of demand to ensure males are compliant.https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311975.2025.2543975EquityfairnessSMEstax compliancetax penaltytax policies
spellingShingle Wilbert Manyanga
James Kanyepe
Asphat Muposhi
Tendai Manyanga
Augustine Torayi Mataba
Effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender: evidence from the SMEs in Zimbabwe
Cogent Business & Management
Equity
fairness
SMEs
tax compliance
tax penalty
tax policies
title Effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender: evidence from the SMEs in Zimbabwe
title_full Effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender: evidence from the SMEs in Zimbabwe
title_fullStr Effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender: evidence from the SMEs in Zimbabwe
title_full_unstemmed Effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender: evidence from the SMEs in Zimbabwe
title_short Effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender: evidence from the SMEs in Zimbabwe
title_sort effect of tax policies on tax compliance and the moderating role of gender evidence from the smes in zimbabwe
topic Equity
fairness
SMEs
tax compliance
tax penalty
tax policies
url https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/23311975.2025.2543975
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