Revenue authorities: Are they the right vehicle for improved tax administration?

It is now well recognised that reforms to tax administration are as importa nt as tax policy changes for overall fiscal reform. One institutional model of tax administration, which has been quite widely adopted in Africa in re cent years, is that of the semi-independent Revenue Authority. This approac h is based on the executive agency model, widely adopted in the UK and else where, as a way of improving performance of certain governmental functions. This article looks at the arguments for and against the Revenue Authority model, and examines a number of practical issues in the design of such an a gency. It draws on the recent experience of Revenue Authorities in a number of countries. It concludes that the Revenue Authority model can offer an a ppropriate institutional framework for reforming tax administration, partic ular where low pay rates and rigid civil service systems inhibit effective management. However, Revenue Authorities do not solve all problems, and can only be expected to deliver results if they form part of a wider reform. C opyright (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.