This paper analyses the implications of mandatory attestation of tax returns. Attestations are provided by independent auditors competing on price. The paper identifies the conditions under which gatekeeping is socially desirable.In the most general set-up, in which the detection of erroneous...

This paper deals with the issue of whether the Revenue Service (RS) should be allowed, or even encouraged, to negotiate settlement agreements with taxpayers subject to examination. We consider the case in which the RS enjoys discretion at the settlement stage, its stance being guided by...