Timor-Leste Tax Revenue
Tax revenue as % of GDP GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS
Timor-Leste's tax revenue was 12.02% in 2025, ranked 93rd globally. This represents a 44.5% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2010–2025.
Overview
Timor-Leste's tax revenue stood at 12.02% in 2025, a decline of +9.63% from 2022. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 12.02% by 2025. Timor-Leste ranked 93rd globally.
Timor‑Leste’s tax revenue has collapsed from an all‑time peak of 147.64 in 2012 to a historic trough of 12.02 in 2025, placing the country 93rd globally in the latest World Bank series. Over the 14‑year coverage period the indicator fell sharply, with the earliest recorded value of 110.17 in 2010 already far above the current level, underscoring a persistent downward trajectory rather than a temporary fluctuation. The decline is stark when compared with peers of similar ranking: Nepal recorded 12.07, Uzbekistan 11.93 and the Russian Federation 12.20 in the same year, suggesting that Timor‑Leste is now clustered with low‑tax‑revenue economies despite its earlier fiscal capacity. Structural constraints, limited tax administration capacity and a narrow formal sector have likely contributed to the erosion of the tax base. If reforms expand the taxable base, improve compliance and diversify revenue sources, the downward trend could be reversed and the country may regain a more sustainable fiscal position.
Data & projection
| Year | Tax Revenue | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025* trend | 12.02% | - | - |
| 2025 | 12.02% | −9.63% | #93 |
| 2022 | 21.64% | +6.56% | #84 |
| 2021 | 15.09% | +2.44% | #58 |
| 2020 | 12.64% | −10.17% | #40 |
| 2019 | 22.81% | −2.44% | #112 |
| 2018 | 25.25% | +5.02% | #125 |
| 2017 | 20.23% | +5.14% | #101 |
| 2016 | 15.09% | −21.08% | #67 |
| 2015 | 36.17% | −26.62% | #146 |
| 2014 | 62.79% | −31.07% | #143 |
| 2013 | 93.87% | −53.78% | #133 |
| 2012 | 147.64% | +12.16% | #135 |
| 2011 | 135.48% | +25.31% | #131 |
| 2010 | 110.17% | – | #127 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Timor-Leste matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw tax revenue improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Timor-Leste's tax revenue was 12.02% in 2025. Ranked 93rd globally. This represents a 44.5% decrease from the previous year.
Timor-Leste's tax revenue peaked at 147.64% in 2012.
The lowest tax revenue in Timor-Leste was 12.02% in 2025.
Timor-Leste ranks 93rd globally in tax revenue as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is GC.TAX.TOTL.GD.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Timor-Leste's tax revenue is projected to reach 12.02% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The tax revenue of Timor-Leste in 2025 was 12.02%. This ranks 93rd in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_timor-leste_tax-revenue,
title = {Timor-Leste Tax Revenue},
url = {https://historysaid.com/timor-leste/tax-revenue/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}