Statute of Limitations for Tax Evasion

We investigate the effects of retroactive audits and varying statutes of limitations on tax compliance through a laboratory experiment. First, we solve a dynamic model using Bellman's solution to show that longer limitation periods promote compliance by raising expected penalties, as each past period carries a higher probability of inspection. Second, in our experiment, we manipulate the statute of limitations (0, 1, 3, and 6 periods), providing data that support the model's predictions. Our data also suggest that a 3-year statute of limitation optimally balances compliance benefits with administrative efficiency.