Methodology and Overview of the IMF’s World Revenue Longitudinal Database

This note presents the methodology behind the IMF’s World Revenue Longitudinal Database, a comprehensive data set that tracks government revenue trends since the early 1990s. With data for 193 countries, including 190 IMF member countries, the World Revenue Longitudinal Database provides policymakers, researchers, and the public with invaluable insights into the evolution of the level and composition of revenues and tax revenues. It is a unique, consistent, and reliable source for comparing countries around the world, helping to shape policies that support the Sustainable Development Goals, climate action, and economic equity. Updated annually, the database and accompanying technical note provide a concise overview of recent revenue developments, data revisions, and methodological improvements, making it an essential resource for understanding revenue mobilization developments at the global level.