Finns back taxes and welfare state, reject tax evasion
Thursday 5th November 2026 on 06:15 in
Finland
Finns remain strongly supportive of taxation and its role in funding the welfare state, while more people condemn tax evasion, according to a Finnish Tax Administration survey reported by Yle.
In the survey, 94 percent said paying taxes was an important civic duty, and the same share said tax collection was important for maintaining the welfare state, up from 89 percent last year. The proportion who condemned tax evasion in every situation rose to 87 percent from 85 percent.
However, confidence in the accuracy of tax decisions declined significantly on the survey’s five-point scale, although 83 percent still said they trusted their decisions to be correct. Respondents also found it less easy than last year to get information about taxation.
Overall, 72 percent said they paid their taxes willingly, while 28 percent agreed that they were often angry or frustrated about having to pay so much. Asked whether they would find it hard to accept a friend or relative buying goods or services without a receipt, 49 percent agreed fully or partly.
The survey was conducted by Bondata, which interviewed about 1,000 Finns aged 18 to 79 in September and October 2026. The Finnish Tax Administration has tracked public attitudes towards taxes and the agency since 2013.
Open comments, collected for the first time in this year’s survey, suggested that confidence was supported by accurate tax decisions, the ability to correct errors and knowledge of how tax revenue is spent. Respondents also praised knowledgeable and friendly customer service, access to staff and quick solutions, while calling for clearer information about how tax money is used.
OmaVero, the Tax Administration’s online service, was seen as strengthening trust through clear forms, pre-filled tax returns and up-to-date information. But some older people and those less comfortable with digital services said they found them difficult, raising concerns about equal access. Respondents also cited long telephone queues, difficulty reaching tax officials and fewer in-person service points.