A Primer on Property Tax

'The chapters in this book explore in detail the choicesregarding both the structure and administration of the propertytax, drawing on the extensive knowledge the authors have acquiredin studying property taxes around the world. The chapters provide awide-ranging treatment of the design choices and administrativetasks, both in terms of the breadth of design options andadministrative tasks covered and the depth of the discussion. The authors describe the range of design choices, discuss theassociated issues and the advantages and disadvantages for each,and present the criteria to help choose among theoptions.'
From the book's Foreword by David L. Sjoquist, Professorof Economics and Dan E. Sweat Scholar Chair in Educational andCommunity Policy, Georgia State University
Property taxation is a key element in providing a solidfoundation and a stable funding source for basic publicservices.
Developing and implementing a property tax system is a complextask. This complexity is compounded by the diversity of legal,cultural and historical contexts of policymakers and taxadministrators. The World Development Report (1999-2000),Entering the 21st Century puts fiscal decentralization atthe top of the development agenda. This makes local taxation - andespecially the property tax option - of critical importance to bothtax and land policy, as well as the broader development agenda.
A Primer on Property Tax: Administration and Policyprovides the reader with an analysis of issues surrounding propertytax, including economics, law, public finance, decentralisation,valuation, GIS and property tax reform. A key strength of the booklies in the vast international experience of the authors and thebook will provide for the first time material which is topical,cutting-edge and highly relevant to many of the disciplinesinvolved in property taxation.
The authors examine the criteria applied to evaluate thestrengths and weaknesses of property tax, discuss the mainvaluation methods and the economic principles underpinning them andreview the legal and administrative aspects of property taxworldwide.