Corporate Criminality and Tax Evasion: UK vs Singapore Case Analysis

1. Write an academic essay for:

Corporate Criminality and Tax Evasion, based on the following question:

“How effective has action by the UK government been in reducing the tax gap? Compare the action in the UK with that of one other country (Singapore).”

Expected Structure

1. Introduction (≈300 words)

• Define the tax gap concept using authoritative sources (e.g., OECD, HMRC).
• State the purpose and scope of the essay.
• Present a clear thesis statement, e.g.:

“This essay critically evaluates the effectiveness of the UK Government’s strategies to reduce the tax gap, contrasting them with Singapore’s streamlined tax compliance system, to determine which model achieves greater fiscal integrity and deterrence.”

2. The UK’s Approach to Reducing the Tax Gap (≈1,000 words)

• Evaluate the effectiveness of:

• Legislative tools (Criminal Finances Act 2017, Finance Act 2020).
• Administrative reforms (Making Tax Digital, compliance initiatives).

• Discuss whether these measures have meaningfully reduced the tax gap.
• Consider counterarguments, enforcement weaknesses, or unintended consequences.
• Use evidence (HMRC data, reports) critically, not descriptively.

Example footnote:
HMRC, Measuring Tax Gaps 2023 Edition (HMRC, 2023) https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/measuring-tax-gaps-2023-edition accessed 3 November 2025.

3. Singapore’s Approach (≈1,000 words)

• Analyse how Singapore’s system prevents tax gaps through simplicity, digitalisation, and deterrence.
• Evaluate the impact of laws such as the Income Tax Act (Cap. 134) and Corruption, Drug Trafficking and Other Serious Crimes (Confiscation of Benefits) Act.
• Assess the institutional effectiveness of the IRAS model.
• Compare compliance culture and deterrence strategies with those of the UK.

Example footnote:
Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS), Annual Report 2023/24 (IRAS, 2024) https://www.iras.gov.sg accessed 3 November 2025.

4. Comparative Analysis (≈500 words)

• Critically compare:

• UK’s deterrence-based enforcement vs Singapore’s compliance-based culture.
• The complexity of UK law vs Singapore’s administrative simplicity.
• Effectiveness in reducing non-compliance and building taxpayer trust.
• Discuss why one model performs better — use reasoning, not only facts.

Support arguments with comparative legal theory and academic commentary.

5. Conclusion (≈200 words)

• Present a reasoned judgment on which system is more effective overall.
• Reflect briefly on policy implications for global tax governance.
• Avoid summary — end with evaluation (what works, what doesn’t, and why).

Accounting Assignment Answers: Experts Answer on Above Questions on Tax Evasion

Introduction

The amount of tax that needs to be paid to the tax authority and the amount that is already paid is considered in calculating the tax gap. The main focus of analysis in this essay is on evaluating the effectiveness of the UK Government in deducting the tax gap and comparing it with that of the approach followed in Singapore.

UK’s approach to reducing the tax gap

In the UK, there are legislative tools aimed at enhancing corporate and individual accountability with the objective of deterring any tax evasion and enforcing effective prosecutions. The UK also has administrative reforms in the form of HMRC digitisation push which intends to make tax digital and thereby reducing any chances of tax evasion. In terms of effectiveness of these strategies, they are quite effective in restricting tax evasion, as these measures have produced measurable enforcement gains and there is still scope available at a larger level to stop tax evasion.

Singapore’s approach

With respect to Singapore’s approach, Singapore has system design and simplicity which emphasizes clear rules, relatively low rates and administrative simplicity. There are specific offences and penalties specified within the Income Tax Act to reduce any chances of evasion. From an administrative effectiveness point of view, Singapore has IRAS e-filing that encourages e-filing and compliance interventions. Singapore has clear penalties, robust enforcement and public compliance culture, and together they reduce the need for adversarial enforcement. With respect to its effectiveness, the outcomes indicate a lower operational gap and higher collection efficiency as compared to a larger economy like the UK.

Comparative analysis

The comparison between UK and Singapore indicates that the UK emphasizes a mixed model which includes strong deterrence through prosecutions and data analytics whereas Singapore emphasizes on system design and efficient administration. The UK has a complex tax code whereas Singapore has a simpler tax architecture.

Want a Full Worked Out Answer with References?

Creating a sound analysis by comparing the taxation system of two countries like the UK and Singapore requires in-depth knowledge and good analytical abilities. If you are facing difficulties in comparing the UK and Singapore’s strategies to reduce the tax gap, consider taking accounting assignment help from our professional experts in Singapore.

Check Samples of Assignment on Accounting Subject Written by Experts

The post UK vs Singapore: Tackling Tax Evasion and the Tax Gap appeared first on Assignment Help Singapore.