The Effect of Tax Incentives Practices on Sustainability of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Ethiopia During the Outbreak of Corona Virus Pandemic (preprint)

ABSTRACT

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the effect of tax incentive practise on sustainability of MSMEs during outbreak of corona virus pandemic in Ethiopia. Design/methodology/approach: In order to achieve this objective, the researchers have employed quantitative research approach with explanatory research design in which six hypotheses have been tested. The primary data was collected from 300 respondents using structured questionnaires. Multiple regression model was employed to identify the effect of tax incentives on sustainability of MSMEs in Ethiopia. Findings: According to the regression analysis, this study revealed that tax holiday, tax allowance, reduction in tax rate, accelerated depreciation, loss carry forward and tax exemption have positive and statistically significant effect on the sustainability of the MSMEs. Based on the finding of the study was concluded that the existence of tax incentive practice has positive contribution to sustainability of the micro, small and medium sized enterprise.Research limitations/implications The current study was geographically focus on Ethiopia by considering the micro, small and medium sized enterprises sector. The subject wise was focused on the effect of the tax incentives(tax holiday, tax allowance, tax exemption, and accelerated depreciation, reduction in tax rate, and loss carry forward) and on the sustainability of MSMEs. The study used primary data which is limited to a year of  2020. It might be improved in the future if other researchers incorporate large firms in the country and uses secondary data for analysis. Practical implications To survive, micro, small and medium scale enterprises need the support from the government in the form of tax incentives. The role of tax incentives in enhancing the growth of micro, small and medium sized enterprises is very significant on the sustainability of MSMEs as well as the economy as a whole. Hence, the findings and recommendations of the current study might serve as an ingredient and be informative to the policy makers on MSMEs sector. It might also give a general insight to the policy makers, academician and professional groups of society and the public at large with regard to the role of effect of tax incentives on the sustainability and growth of MSMEs during outbreak of coronavirus.Originality/value This study contributes to empirical evidence about the effect of tax incentives practices on sustainability of micro, small and medium enterprises in Ethiopia by considering tax incentive practice in terms of tax holiday, tax allowance, reduction in tax rate, accelerated depreciation, loss carry forward and tax exemption. As tax incentives theories supported the findings of this study, we have concluded that tax incentive practices provided by government have positive contribution for the sustainability and growth of micro, small and medium sized enterprises in Ethiopia