A conceptual map of tax rule change

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to present a conceptual map to assist tax scholars in framing their analyses of tax rule change. The map is developed in two stages; the first identifies the various factors that bring pressure to bear on the tax system to initiate rule change. The second stage observes the subsequent effect of change, or a failure to change, in terms of taxpayer response, which in turn becomes a further pressure for more change. The map is illustrated using two vignettes from different periods in time, and it is hoped that it will inspire tax scholars, from whatever disciplinary background, to embrace the complexity and hidden depths of tax as a field of enquiry.