Financial Distress, Capital Intensity, Sales Growth, and Tax Avoidance: Profitability as a Moderator in IDX Energy Firms, 2019–2024

Abstract

Background: Tax avoidance is a lawful strategy used by firms to manage tax obligations by utilizing available gaps within taxation regulations. Previous studies have shown inconsistent findings regarding the effects of financial distress, capital intensity, and sales growth on tax avoidance. Additionally, empirical evidence regarding the moderating role of profitability in the relationship between financial distress and tax avoidance among Indonesian energy-sector firms remains limited. Objective: This study aims to examine the effects of financial distress, capital intensity, and sales growth on tax avoidance and to investigate the moderating role of profitability in the relationship between financial distress and tax avoidance among energy-sector firms listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange during 2019–2024. Methods: A quantitative approach was applied using panel data regression and Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA). The sample consisted of 23 energy-sector firms selected through purposive sampling, generating 124 firm-year observations after outlier removal. Data analysis was conducted using the Random Effects Model (REM) with EViews 13. Results: The findings reveal that financial distress and capital intensity have positive and significant effects on tax avoidance, while sales growth has a negative and significant effect. Profitability significantly moderates the relationship between financial distress and tax avoidance by weakening the positive effect of financial distress on tax avoidance. Conclusion: Financial distress, capital intensity, and sales growth are significant factors influencing tax avoidance among Indonesian energy-sector firms. Profitability reduces firms’ tendency to engage in tax avoidance when experiencing financial distress.