(DEUTSCHE WELLE) A new report by activists and economists about
Myanmar’s taxation system highlights its lack of transparency
and accountability. In Myanmar, taxes may include arbitrary cash
payments and even forced labor. The report released this week
says while Myanmar has legislation governing taxation, the
actual tax system often includes forced labor, forced purchasing
of goods or even confiscation of land and other property. The
report, based on a survey of over 340 people over a two year
period, says taxes on households are generally collected by
local village councils and the armed forces. State organisations
such as the Union Solidarity and Development Association (USDA)
also levy taxes including funds ahead of November’s general
elections. People are also forced to pay arbitrary fees at
checkpoints and to give donations for festivals, school
buildings, school registration and equipment. Alison Vicary, an
economist from Australia's Macquarie University, said the
officials collecting the taxes, often