A global survey conducted by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), in collaboration with the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, and the OECD, has revealed high levels of public trust in India’s tax system. The study, titled Public Trust in Tax 2025: Asia and Beyond, surveyed over 12,000 participants across 29 countries, highlighting that Asia leads the world in confidence regarding the fairness of taxes, with India performing particularly well.
In India, nearly 45% of respondents believe that tax revenues are reasonably allocated for the public good, signaling widespread acknowledgment that taxation contributes positively to society. Additionally, about 41% of Indian taxpayers consider paying taxes not as a financial burden but as a civic duty, reflecting a deeply ingrained ethical approach toward compliance. Notably, 68% of Indian participants stated that they would never justify tax evasion, even if presented with an opportunity, illustrating the strength of voluntary compliance in the country’s fiscal culture.
The survey further indicates that Indian taxpayers are willing to contribute more for societal benefit, with approximately 80% expressing readiness to pay higher taxes to support sustainable development and long-term social initiatives. This alignment between citizen values and government priorities suggests growing confidence in taxation as a tool for equity, accountability, and social progress.
Across Asia, the study identified digital tax services and clear communication as key factors enhancing trust in fiscal systems. India’s results underscore the importance of transparency, fairness, and visible public benefits in tax expenditure, reinforcing public confidence and strengthening fiscal governance. The findings position India as a model for other nations seeking to build trust between taxpayers and government through ethical, efficient, and citizen-focused taxation policies.
