\section{Conclusion}\label{conclusion}
Tax transparency is a crucial aspect of a well-functioning society, as it
fosters trust, accountability, and fairness in the relationship between the
state and its citizens. Transparency allows for public scrutiny, which can help
identify inefficiencies, loopholes, or instances of corruption within the tax
system, ultimately leading to necessary reforms and improvements.

Unfortunately, it occurred to us that some tax departments still rely on
outdated, paper-based systems or legacy software, hindering their ability to
operate efficiently and transparently. The lack of digitization not only slows
down processes but also increases the risk of errors, data inconsistencies, and
potential mishandling of sensitive information.

The adoption of free and open-source software (FOSS) presents a compelling
solution. FOSS solutions offer several advantages, including
cost-effectiveness, customizability, and the ability to scrutinize the
underlying code for security and transparency purposes. By embracing FOSS, tax
departments can modernize their systems, streamline processes, and enhance data
integrity, ultimately fostering greater transparency and trust with the public.

The Donau system supports tax justice. The Donau not only manages to anonymize
user data, so that everyone is treated equally, but also helps the donor to
make use of their right to deduct donations from taxes. Because the donation
receipts are stored in a central location and can even be deposited in the
Donau, the likelihood of losing or forgetting to submit the receipts is
reduced.

Of course, bureaucracy and federalism can hinder the introduction of such a
system. Especially when it comes to the recognition of charities. But the Donau
could provide a first step into a more standardized system that handles
donations in a secure and privacy preserving way.
