The centre for tax analysis in developing countries

Institute for Fiscal Studies

Impact

TaxDev supports governments to design and implement evidence-based tax and social protection policies, helping them to achieve their revenue, poverty reduction, and growth objectives.

Our theory of change and how we assess impact

We assess TaxDev’s outcomes and impact across four key dimensions; centred around:

  • Increasing the availability and use of data for policy analysis
  • Conducting applied, high-quality analysis which responds to partners' needs, and feeds into key policy decisions
  • Supporting the development of skills and core functions within TPUs, and encouraging peer learning and exchange
  • Generating high-quality academic and policy research, with effective dissemination and engagement with diverse audiences

External review and validation

Our performance is reviewed and validated annually by FCDO , and we consistently score highly in their in-depth review process. 

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We embed ongoing learning into programme design and delivery and share
good practice to maximise impact and value for money.

Our impact in numbers

 

Our country partners and research

 

Videos & impact stories

Impact

Combining evidence and behavioural insights to design Rwanda's VAT reward programme

In March 2024, the Government of Rwanda introduced a VAT Reward Programme to incentivise consumers to request invoices and reduce under-reporting. ...

Impact

Using robust evidence to build Rwanda's tax reform package

In February 2025, the Government of Rwanda agreed a comprehensive tax policy reform package aligned with priorities set out in its 2021–2024 Medium-Term Revenue Strategy (MTRS). ...

Impact

Designing a more progressive PAYE system to support Rwanda's low-income workers

Between 2019 and 2023, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and the Rwanda Revenue Authority conducted an in-depth review of Rwanda's PAYE thresholds. ...

Impact

Strengthening fiscal transparency: tax expenditure reporting in Rwanda and Uganda

Policymakers in low- and middle-income countries (L&MICs) are increasingly interested in estimating foregone revenues through tax expenditures (TEs). ...

Impact

Supporting sustainable, locally-led tax policy through Medium-Term Revenue Strategies (MTRSs)

Medium-Term Revenue Strategies (MTRSs) can provide governments with structured roadmaps which link tax policy and administration to broader economic and social goals. ...

Impact

How evidence-based collaboration shaped Uganda's beer excise reform

In 2025, Uganda revised its beer excise duty structure for the first time in eight years. ...

Impact

Rigorously evaluating Ghana's customs valuation policy

In 2019, the Government of Ghana introduced a new customs policy which reduced the benchmark values used by the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) to process the taxes due on imports. ...

UK Government Centres of Expertise - Public Finance UK-RI-ESRC