Giving citizens the right means to contribute to the society – reflections and experiences from SwedenSwedish Tax Agency – Eric Thorén

Topics

• The Swedish context• Drivers for citizen participation• What we have done and where we are• Thoughts for the future

The Swedish context

The Swedish context

• Very high 3rd party reporting• Relatively easy to ”do the right

thing”

• A Tax agency that is viewed as an authority that is:– helping in doing the right thing– defending those who are doing

the right thing– addressing those who aren’t

doing the right thing

Tax Gap8-9 %

Audit results1-2 %

Right from the beginning

~90 %

Drives for citizen participation

Drivers for citizen participation

• Confidence in the authority (we are good guys)– Just and fair decisions from the authority– Emphatic treatment that supports the citizen– Simplicity in doing the right thing (regulations and services)– Secure and comfortable solutions

• Social norms in our society – Swedes like the infrastructure of the society

What we have done and where we are

• Educational efforts– High schools– Campaign

• Transforming the Swedish Tax Agency

”It’s OK if people work without paying tax”

Disagree Agree

2002 42% 25%

2004 55% 18%

Thoughts for the future

Thoughts for the future

• Simplicity (regulations and services)• Comprehensibility – all the way• Availability - not only a “tech thing”• On the citizen’s term• Enhanced cooperation with industry/unions/civic

groups

Muchas gracias!