In an era where digital access defines participation in economic systems, tax administrations around the world are harnessing mobile-first platforms to transform how taxpayers interact with the fiscal state.  

While it still might sound impossible to some people, paying taxes nowadays can be just as easy as sending a text message, and registering as a taxpayer takes minutes instead of hours. Mobile-first platforms are turning it all into reality — and transforming the way government agencies interact with citizens. 

In this post, we explore how such solutions are rewriting the rules of tax participation, while expanding inclusion, simplifying compliance, and boosting government revenue. 

Why Democratizing Tax Participation Matters 

Many people around the world view taxation as an extremely complex and even intimidating process. It’s especially true for the self-employed — gig workers, artisans, freelancers, street vendors, and countless others. 

But the reality is that a large share of workers worldwide operates in the informal economy — many of them by choice, many by necessity. Traditional systems often require a lot of extra time to visit government offices and a level of financial literacy that isn’t realistic for everyone. 

As a result, billions of people aren’t fully integrated into the tax base, even though they may significantly contribute to government revenue collection. For example, in Ghana, the informal sector contributes over 27% to GDP, according to The Business and Financial Times. Despite that, the informal sector’s contribution to total tax revenue remains tiny — often less than 5%. 

That’s where mobile-first platforms come in. 
 

How Mobile-First Platforms Change the Game 

Mobile phones are now everywhere. When tax services move to the device people already use every day, they stop being administrative hurdles and become practical tools citizens start using regularly. 

This shift isn’t just theoretical — according to the OECD and IMF, it shows real improvements: 

• Governments see faster onboarding and registrations when they offer apps or mobile access to tax services. 

• Self-employed taxpayers are more willing to participate when they can track their receipts, calculate what they owe, and pay directly from their phone. 

• Compliance improves organically because the friction that once repelled people — like paperwork and office visits — disappears. 
   

traceCORE Self-Employment Tax Solution: Practical Tax Inclusion 

Take a look at platforms like traceCORE Self-Employment Tax Solution — a mobility-powered system that helps self-employed workers navigate tax obligations with confidence. 

traceCORE’s solution lets users: 

• Register as taxpayers in minutes via the app or website 

• Record and issue receipts from their phone 

• Automatically calculate taxes and file returns 

• Pay securely without visiting the tax office in person 

The OECD notes that countries that adopt mobile solutions as part of a broader digital strategy, this translates into more people entering the formal economy, better data for government planning, and a bigger tax base without heavy enforcement. 

It’s not magic — just meeting people where they already are: on their mobile devices. 

 
Mobile Tax Innovations In Developing Countries 

Here are some mobile tax innovation examples from African countries and other developing regions — showing how mobile-first tools are being used to make tax systems more accessible, efficient, and inclusive. 

Why These Mobile Innovations Matter in Developing Contexts 

Across Africa and similar developing regions, mobile money penetration often outpaces bank account ownership, making mobile platforms a natural channel for tax interactions. 

Governments are explicitly linking tax systems with digital public infrastructure (like national IDs and mobile money) to broaden the tax base, especially among informal and micro-enterprises. 

In addition, simple mobile channels like USSD and SMS help bridge internet access gaps, enabling compliance without data-intensive apps. 

These innovations show that mobile-first tax systems are not abstract goals — they’re concrete tools helping governments make tax participation easier, faster, and fairer for millions of people who might otherwise remain outside the formal economy. 

 
How Mobile-First Solutions Improve Tax Compliance 

Governments and international bodies report clear trends showing that digital tools support compliance: 

This is what we mean by democratizing tax participation — shifting from a top-down, intimidating process to an accessible, everyday civic experience. 

Takeaways for Governments Ready to Innovate 

To harness the full power of mobile-first tax platforms, governments should: 

• Design mobile services with citizens in mind, not just tax rules. Simplicity and clarity matter. 

• Integrate with digital identity systems, so registration and authentication are seamless. 

• Partner with telecoms and mobile money providers, extending reach to people who may not have traditional bank accounts. 

• Support digital literacy, especially where feature phones are still common. 

• Measure and iterate — track who’s using the app and continuously improve the experience. 

Conclusion 

Mobile-first tax platforms are transforming the tax experience from a barrier into a bridge — one that connects citizens, jobs, growth, and public services.  

When tax participation is simple, transparent, and mobile-friendly, more people will not only comply — they will engage, trust, and contribute to their societies in ways that go well beyond revenue figures.