Survey results indicate strong citizen trust in tax revenue as the source for financing the welfare state

The notion that to pay taxes is an important civic duty was supported by as many as 94% of the respondents, and 87% of them indicated that all forms of malicious tax evasion are wrong. The results of this year’s survey point to a public perception of a very trustworthy Tax Administration. 

As many as 94% of the respondents agreed with the idea that taxes must be collected because they help maintain our welfare state. It is worth noting that last year, 89% of the respondents had agreed.  

“The majority of taxpayers are in favour of covering the welfare state’s costs this way. Although there is less disposable income, there is still a strong citizen support for financing the welfare state through fiscal revenue flows,” says Janne Myyry, Service Manager at the Tax Administration. 

A total of 94% of Finns consider it important to pay taxes because it is a civic duty.  

The above indicators are among the results of an attitude survey that the Tax Administration commissioned. 

Survey results also show that the great majority (87%) of the population is ready to condemn all forms of tax avoidance. Last year, the percentage with regard to an identical statement stood at 85%. 

Openness obviously drives people’s trust in the Tax Administration 

Another facet of the general public’s views is the attitude towards the Tax Administration’s day-to-day activity. 

When asked whether one can be certain that the Tax Administration’s decision concerning assessment of personal income taxes is exactly right, 83% answered yes. This indicator had a percentage of 86% last year.  

In general, the indicator that looks into citizen trust in the Tax Administration is almost unchanged: 82% of the respondents felt that the reliability of the Tax Administration’s activity is high. This is a slightly higher percentage than last year’s 81%.  

“Confidence has remained strong, and this year we first found out, with open answers, where the confidence comes from. The respondents valued the correctness and legality of the Tax Administration’s activities highly. In addition, openness and transparency received high marks,” Janne Myyry says. 

Some 65% feel that they can easily find guidance about tax assessment when needed. Last year, the percentage reached 67%. 

“Because of the cost savings in central goverment, the Tax Administration's services by phone and at walk-in service points have had a downsizing. This can be seen in the respondents’ answers to whether it is easy or difficult to find the guidance they need”, says Janne Myyry. 

The study also examined the Finns' perception of the public sector in general. After five years of decline, the answers are now pointing toward improvement.  

You can read more about the survey here:  

• The Tax Administration ordered the survey from the Bondata company.
• Survey respondents were approximately one thousand in number, representing ages 18 to 79. The interviews were conducted in September and October 2026.
• The Tax Administration has often utilised surveys in order to learn more about popular views. The first survey looking into the attitudes towards taxes and the Tax Administration was completed in 2013.

More about the subject: 

Tax Administration’s attitude survey of individual taxpayers, 2026 (only in Finnish)