Examining Value Added Tax Administration Practice in Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was set out to assess value added tax administration in Ethiopian ministry of revenue Hawassa branch. To achieve the objective of this study, the researcher employed a mixed research approach and descriptive research design to describe the current status of value-added tax administration practice, performance, challenges, and opportunities in the ministry of revenue Ethiopia. Descriptive statistics was employed to analysis the data. The results of this study confirmed that VAT administration practice was challenged by lack of clarity and simplicity of tax procedure, lack of awareness of taxpayers, nepotism in the tax system, and lack of a sufficient number of skilled personnel on an automated system for customs data management, gaps in the administration in such areas as refunding, invoicing and filing requirements. Hence, the study suggested the ministry of revenue Hawassa branch and tax policy makers in Ethiopia VAT revenue performance and mitigates the challenges faced by the ministry of revenue Hawassa branch.