Property Taxation: Issues in Implementation

Abstract

Property taxation is the backbone of municipal finance in a number of developed countries. Over the years, however, it has not been without controversy on a number of implementation issues. For example, discussion has often emerged over the role that property taxes should play in financing municipal services. This is discussed in part B of this paper. Part C covers a number of implementation issues on such things as identifying taxable properties, choosing an appropriate tax base, setting up a proper assessment system and establishing property tax rates. Part D briefly summarizes the current and proposed property tax system in Russia and offers suggestions for improving it to achieve greater efficiency, accountability and fairness in the implementation of a property tax system.