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This study’s objectives were to assess the extent the AEO programme contributed to improved customs tax compliance among participating businesses and how the AEO programme has affected trade facilitation in South Africa. A mixed-method research approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data from a survey. The sample size was 22, selected through purposive stratified sampling, including 1 tax lecturer from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and 21 middle management employees from the South African tax administrator’s AEO department. Key informants reported that the AEO programme has enhanced compliance rates through the implementation of improvement initiatives, the establishment of partnerships, and support for non-compliant applicants. The AEO programme is a voluntary initiative created by the World Customs Organisation in order to ensure compliance and facilitate trade. The programme enhances trade by offering dedicated support through CRM teams, streamlining business operations, and ensuring the swift release of goods.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the burden of tax compliance on small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Durban, which is located in South Africa. Taxes impose considerable and regressive compliance costs, which restrict the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), notwithstanding the efforts of the government. During the course of this investigation, quantitative, cross-sectional, and survey research methodologies were utilised. The creation of new jobs is the objective of the 'New Growth Path' initiative of the South African government. The realm of small businesses is the most widespread sector that has the potential to assist in the achievement of this objective. On the other hand, the development of this sector is hampered by rules concerning tax compliance. The number of small enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal has decreased by 13.5% over the past several years. According to the findings of a survey conducted with 96 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), forty percent of SMEs consider regulatory expenses to be the primary barrier to growth. The burden of tax compliance is continuously increasing, and the costs of tax compliance continue to be regressive, which places an even bigger strain on small firms by increasing the burden. As a result of the fact that the majority of their resources are devoted to tax compliance requirements, the findings suggested that the majority of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) prefer tax regimes that are simpler and have lower rates. It has been established via previous research that the costs associated with tax compliance are large, regressive, and continue to increase, resulting in an administrative burden. Tax advantages for small businesses in South Africa are not very impressive, and the majority of owners are not aware of the tax savings that are available to them. It is suggested that Social Security Administration (SARS) launch more efficient efforts in order to educate proprietors of small businesses about the concessions that are available.

This study investigated the effects of digitalisation of tax administration on tax compliance among selected small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ibadan North West Local Government Oyo State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which explains technology adoption through perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and external constraints. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and structured questionnaires were administered to 367 SMEs across key business sectors. Of these, 352 valid responses were analysed using SPSS through descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The study examined the level of digital technology adoption, the perceived influence of digital tax administration on compliance, the drivers of non-compliance, and preferred policy measures for improvement. Findings revealed generally low digital technology adoption among SMEs, with 42.9% reporting very low adoption and 36.6% reporting low adoption. The major barriers were poor internet connectivity, high cost of technology and digital tools, limited technical skills, and inadequate awareness. Perceptions of digital tax reforms showed limited realised compliance benefits, as 48.9% of respondents reported no noticeable improvement in compliance, 21.3% reported improved ease of compliance, while 29.8% stated that compliance had become more difficult. Non-compliance was mainly linked to limited awareness of tax obligations, weak enforcement, affordability challenges, and low digital capability. The study concludes that digitalisation can improve SME tax compliance only when foundational readiness gaps are addressed. It recommends improving broadband reliability, reducing digital access costs, strengthening taxpayer education, simplifying digital tax processes, providing practical training, and ensuring consistent and fair enforcement.

This study investigated the effects of digitalisation of tax administration on tax compliance among selected small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ibadan North West Local Government Oyo State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), which explains technology adoption through perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, and external constraints. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and structured questionnaires were administered to 367 SMEs across key business sectors. Of these, 352 valid responses were analysed using SPSS through descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The study examined the level of digital technology adoption, the perceived influence of digital tax administration on compliance, the drivers of non-compliance, and preferred policy measures for improvement. Findings revealed generally low digital technology adoption among SMEs, with 42.9% reporting very low adoption and 36.6% reporting low adoption. The major barriers were poor internet connectivity, high cost of technology and digital tools, limited technical skills, and inadequate awareness. Perceptions of digital tax reforms showed limited realised compliance benefits, as 48.9% of respondents reported no noticeable improvement in compliance, 21.3% reported improved ease of compliance, while 29.8% stated that compliance had become more difficult. Non-compliance was mainly linked to limited awareness of tax obligations, weak enforcement, affordability challenges, and low digital capability. The study concludes that digitalisation can improve SME tax compliance only when foundational readiness gaps are addressed. It recommends improving broadband reliability, reducing digital access costs, strengthening taxpayer education, simplifying digital tax processes, providing practical training, and ensuring consistent and fair enforcement.

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the burden of tax compliance on small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) in Durban, which is located in South Africa. Taxes impose considerable and regressive compliance costs, which restrict the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), notwithstanding the efforts of the government. During the course of this investigation, quantitative, cross-sectional, and survey research methodologies were utilised. The creation of new jobs is the objective of the 'New Growth Path' initiative of the South African government. The realm of small businesses is the most widespread sector that has the potential to assist in the achievement of this objective. On the other hand, the development of this sector is hampered by rules concerning tax compliance. The number of small enterprises in KwaZulu-Natal has decreased by 13.5% over the past several years. According to the findings of a survey conducted with 96 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), forty percent of SMEs consider regulatory expenses to be the primary barrier to growth. The burden of tax compliance is continuously increasing, and the costs of tax compliance continue to be regressive, which places an even bigger strain on small firms by increasing the burden. As a result of the fact that the majority of their resources are devoted to tax compliance requirements, the findings suggested that the majority of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) prefer tax regimes that are simpler and have lower rates. It has been established via previous research that the costs associated with tax compliance are large, regressive, and continue to increase, resulting in an administrative burden. Tax advantages for small businesses in South Africa are not very impressive, and the majority of owners are not aware of the tax savings that are available to them. It is suggested that Social Security Administration (SARS) launch more efficient efforts in order to educate proprietors of small businesses about the concessions that are available.

This study’s objectives were to assess the extent the AEO programme contributed to improved customs tax compliance among participating businesses and how the AEO programme has affected trade facilitation in South Africa. A mixed-method research approach was used, combining qualitative and quantitative data from a survey. The sample size was 22, selected through purposive stratified sampling, including 1 tax lecturer from the University of KwaZulu-Natal and 21 middle management employees from the South African tax administrator’s AEO department. Key informants reported that the AEO programme has enhanced compliance rates through the implementation of improvement initiatives, the establishment of partnerships, and support for non-compliant applicants. The AEO programme is a voluntary initiative created by the World Customs Organisation in order to ensure compliance and facilitate trade. The programme enhances trade by offering dedicated support through CRM teams, streamlining business operations, and ensuring the swift release of goods.