An analysis of the risk and limitations of placing reliance on lifestyle audits in the fight against corruption and tax evasion in South Africa

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dc.contributor.advisor Hill, Tanya
dc.contributor.postgraduate Nkangane, Nasiphi Tutuka
dc.date.accessioned 2023-10-18T06:50:50Z
dc.date.available 2023-10-18T06:50:50Z
dc.date.created 2023-04
dc.date.issued 2022-08-31
dc.description Mini Dissertation (MCom (Taxation))--University of Pretoria, 2022. en_US
dc.description.abstract Background: Taxation and corruption are global phenomena, and no society is immune to corruption. Lifestyle audits are used to identify corruption and tax evasion. These audits are commonly used by investigators to determine whether a person’s lifestyle is equivalent to their known income. The outcomes from the investigation aid in deterring those who find themselves under investigation. There are certain risks that need to be considered when relying on the outcomes from conducting these audits. Main purpose of study: The purpose of the study is to analyse the risks, limitations, adverse factors, and the public’s perceptions on placing reliance on lifestyle audits in the fight against corruption and tax evasion in South Africa. Method: In this study qualitative and quantitative methods in collecting and analysing data were applied, therefore a mixed-method approach was followed. A survey was distributed to respondents, which aimed at identifying the risks, limitations, adverse factors and the public’s perception of placing reliance on lifestyle audits in the fight against corruption and tax evasion in South Africa. Results: It was found that corruption and fraud are the leading factors that negatively impact the reliance on lifestyle audits. It was also found that the main risks and limitations of placing reliance on lifestyle audits are a lack of information, violence against lifestyle auditors and whistle-blowers, violation of an individual’s rights, the lifestyle audit selection process, and the lack of skills and expertise of lifestyle auditors. Conclusions: Lifestyle audits are a good start in detecting corruption and tax evasion. However, there are many risks and limitations that hinder the effectiveness of lifestyle audits in South Africa. Corruption needs to be addressed before lifestyle audits can be utilised as a reliable tool in the fight against corruption and tax evasion. en_US
dc.description.availability Unrestricted en_US
dc.description.degree MCom (Taxation) en_US
dc.description.department Taxation en_US
dc.identifier.citation * en_US
dc.identifier.other A2023 en_US
dc.identifier.uri http://hdl.handle.net/2263/92970
dc.language.iso en en_US
dc.publisher University of Pretoria
dc.rights © 2021 University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.
dc.subject UCTD en_US
dc.subject Lifestyle Audit Risks en_US
dc.subject Lifestyle Audits en_US
dc.subject Tax Evasion en_US
dc.subject Corruption in South Africa en_US
dc.subject Lifestyle Audit Challenges en_US
dc.subject Lifestyle Audit Limitations en_US
dc.subject Forensic Investigators en_US
dc.title An analysis of the risk and limitations of placing reliance on lifestyle audits in the fight against corruption and tax evasion in South Africa en_US
dc.type Mini Dissertation en_US


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