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Characteristics of households in the informal sector of an emerging economy

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  • S. Sookram
  • P. K. Watson
  • F. Schneider

Abstract

Using the case study of Trinidad and Tobago, we investigate the socio-economic, demographic and attitudinal characteristics of households that participate in the informal sector of an emerging economy and their perception of the risk of detection by tax authorities while doing so. Data are gathered from a cross-sectional field survey covering 570 households. Results using multinomial logit and ordered probit models suggest that households are motivated to participate in the informal sector when members spend little time in formal sector activity, believe that taxes are too high and their incomes are too low, have dependents to support and believe that the resulting tax evasion will go undetected. Their perception of the risk of detection by the tax authority is determined largely by the income they earn in the formal sector and the extent of government bureaucracy prevailing there.

Suggested Citation

  • S. Sookram & P. K. Watson & F. Schneider, 2009. "Characteristics of households in the informal sector of an emerging economy," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 41(27), pages 3545-3559.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:applec:v:41:y:2009:i:27:p:3545-3559
    DOI: 10.1080/00036840701493733
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    1. Ronald G. Cummings & Jorge Martinez-Vazquez & Michael McKee & Benno Torgler, 2005. "Effects of Tax Morale on Tax Compliance: Experimental and Survey Evidence (2005)," International Center for Public Policy Working Paper Series, at AYSPS, GSU paper0516, International Center for Public Policy, Andrew Young School of Policy Studies, Georgia State University.
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    3. Frank A. Cowell, 1990. "Cheating the Government: The Economics of Evasion," MIT Press Books, The MIT Press, edition 1, volume 1, number 0262532484, December.
    4. Ronald G. Cummings & Jorge Martinez-Vazquez & Michael McKee & Benno Torgler, 2005. "Effects of Tax Morale on Tax Compliance: Experimental and Survey Evidence," CREMA Working Paper Series 2005-29, Center for Research in Economics, Management and the Arts (CREMA).
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    Cited by:

    1. Eghosa Igudia & Robert Ackrill & Simeon Coleman, 2017. "Entrepreneurial Responses to Austerity: The Role of the Informal Sector," NBS Discussion Papers in Economics 2017/09, Economics, Nottingham Business School, Nottingham Trent University.

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