An empirical study on the effect of tax aggressiveness on financial performance and firm value with moderating role of corporate governance: Evidence from the Philippines

The prevalence of tax aggressiveness necessitates a thorough understanding of the phenomenon. However, much of the literature is focused on its determinants and on the government. Accordingly, this paper focuses on its consequences and on the taxpayers, particularly corporations. Using a multi-theoretical perspective, we examined the effect of tax aggressiveness on financial performance and firm value with the moderating role of corporate governance among non-financial firms listed in the PSE from 2015 to 2019. Results showed that tax aggressiveness has a significant and positive effect on financial performance but an insignificant effect on firm value. Moreover, we found certain corporate governance characteristics to be significant moderators of these relationships. Board independence, board size, board age, and family ownership significantly moderate the relationship between tax aggressiveness and financial performance. Meanwhile, board independence, gender diversity, educational background, and family ownership significantly moderate the relationship between tax aggressiveness and firm value. This study expands existing literature on tax aggressiveness, especially within the context of developing countries, and provides relevant information to corporate management, investors, government, and academe and future researchers