IMF’s tax “double standards” hits India most, says Oxfam

New Delhi: Oxfam International has said India received the highest number of regressive tax recommendations from the International Monetary Fund between 2022 and 2024, raising concerns over growing inequality.

The analysis, based on 1,049 tax recommendations to 125 countries, found that 59% of IMF advice to low- and lower-middle-income nations was regressive, compared to 52% progressive recommendations for high-income countries. Oxfam alleged a “double standard”, saying wealthier nations are encouraged to adopt progressive taxation, while poorer countries are pushed toward policies such as higher consumption taxes that disproportionately burden low- and middle-income groups.

India topped the list of countries receiving regressive advice, followed by other Global South economies. South Asia emerged as the region with the most regressive recommendations.