PRESUMPTIVE TAXATION METHODS: A REVIEW OF THE EMPIRICAL LITERATURE

This paper reviews the empirical literature studying the effect of the introduction of presumptive taxation methods on taxpayers' behavior. Although the concept of presumptive taxation entails numerous alternative methods to determine tax liabilities, I survey two main areas of the literature: indirect tax assessment methods and presumptive minimum taxes. The review investigates efficiency and equity implications of presumptive taxation methods. Conflicting conclusions emerge about the effectiveness of presumptive policy tools in achieving different goals, such as the increase of voluntary tax compliance, the growth of tax revenues, and the reduction of shadow economy and fiscal evasion.