Bribery: Must a Tax Official Follow Orders to Lower Taxes Illegally — and Can He Accept Money for It?

Practical Laws of Islam as per the teachings of Imam Khamenei

Bribery: Must a Tax Official Follow Orders to Lower Taxes Illegally — and Can He Accept Money for It?

English:

Question #1243:

An accountant working for the tax department administration was asked by his boss to decrease the amount of taxes that should be paid by a particular company. Is it incumbent on the accountant to obey the orders of his superior? It is to be noted, however, that if the accountant did not obey his boss, he would be put in an unbearable situation. And is it permissible for him to take some of this money in return for obeying the orders?

Answer #1243:

There is no objection to obeying the boss in this regard. However, he should not receive money for it.

-Imam Khamenei, Practical Laws of Islam, Importance and Conditions of Bribery - PDF Version Page 203