A Markov-based decision model of tax evasion for risk-averse firms in Greece

Goumagias, Nikolaos and Hristu-Varsakelis, Dimitrios (2013) A Markov-based decision model of tax evasion for risk-averse firms in Greece. In: Optimization Theory, Decision Making, and Operations Research Applications. Springer Proceedings in Mathematics & Statistics, 31 . Springer, London, pp. 211-221. ISBN 9781461451334

[img] Text (Book chapter)
Goumagias-Varsakelis.pdf - Draft Version
Restricted to Repository staff only

Download (297kB)
Official URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-5134-1_15

Abstract

We develop a Markov-based optimization model that captures the process via which a risk-averse firm in Greece decides whether to engage in tax evasion. The firm seeks to maximize the expected utility of its wealth, the latter viewed as a function of the portion of profits which the firm attempts to conceal from the government. Our model takes into account the basic features of the Greek tax system, including random audits and tax penalties applied when the audit reveals any wrongdoing. The proposed model is used to (1) show that the parameters currently in place are conducive to tax evasion and (2) “chart” the problem’s parameter space in order to identify “virtuous” combinations (from the point of view of the government), and obtain a relationship between audit probability, tax penalty and likelihood of the firm engaging in tax evasion.

Item Type: Book Section
Subjects: G200 Operational Research
G500 Information Systems
L100 Economics
Department: Faculties > Business and Law > Newcastle Business School
Depositing User: Dr Nikolaos Goumagias
Date Deposited: 10 Oct 2016 16:22
Last Modified: 31 Jul 2021 21:17
URI: http://nrl.northumbria.ac.uk/id/eprint/27970

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item

Downloads

Downloads per month over past year

View more statistics