Determine the Effect of Subjective Norms on Tax Compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Mbugani and Igogo wards in Nyamagana District

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the effect of subjective norms on tax compliance among small and medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Mbugani and Igogo wards in Nyamagana district The study adopted a cross-sectional survey in the investigation with quantitative approach where primary data were collected from SMEs with 293 taxpayers’ sample size. Self-administered questionnaires were used to gather the data. Descriptive statistical methods, correlation and regression analyses were used to analyze the data. The data was then analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Scientist software (SPSS version 25),using Regression analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA).The research findings based on hypothesis revealed that,subjective norms are positively related (coefficient = .510, t = 4.437, p = .000) to tax compliance and significant. The researcher also conducted reliability tests that produced Cronbach’s alpha (α) coefficients around .70 and above. In running regression analysis, measures with the highest variances in each construct were considered whose analysis of variance (ANOVA) model was statistically significant (F=10.563, p=0.000). Overall, the results show if SMEs are subjected to social acceptance (subjective norms) and social interaction and awareness beliefs there is a positive effect to tax compliance. Therefore a direct Tax Education without addressing the social norms might not meet their respective objectives.