Access to third-party information trails is widely believed to be critical to the development of modern tax systems, but there is limited direct evidence of the effects of changes in information trails. This paper investigates the enforcement effect of an increased availability of third-party information, and sheds light on how governments can harness this information despite collusion opportunities. I exploit unique administrative data on firms and consumers from an anti-tax evasion program in Sao Paulo, Brazil (Nota Fiscal Paulista) that created monetary rewards for consumers to ensure that firms report final sales transactions, and establishes an online verification system that aids consumers in whistle-blowing firms. Using variation in intensity of exposure to the policy, I estimate that firms’ reported revenue increased by at least 22% over four years. The compliance effect is stronger for firms that face a high volume of consumers, consistent with positive shifts in audit probability from whistle-blower threats. I also investigate the effect of whistle-blowers directly: firms report 14% more receipts and 6% more revenue after receiving the first consumer complaint. To study the role of the value of rewards in improving enforcement, I show evidence consistent with the possibility that lottery incentives amplify consumer responses due to behavioral biases, which would make it more costly for firms to try to match government incentives in a collusive deal. I conclude by discussing policy implications.
Consumers as Tax Auditors
Joana Naritomi
AMERICAN ECONOMIC REVIEW (FORTHCOMING) - 2019
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