Making the Property Tax Work

Abstract

As with any reform, making the property tax work requires visionary leadership, an appropriate policy framework, strong administrative capacity, and appropriate incentives to mobilize the political, administrative and popular support needed to enhance property tax revenues, equity and efficiency. This paper focuses on these requirements for successful property tax reform, identifying the key policy and administrative components and possible strategies needed to make the property tax work. Part 1 outlines the broader public sector reform environment needed to facilitate and support sustainable property tax reform. Part 2 identifies the policy and administration determinants affecting the realization of property tax revenue, equity and efficiency outcomes. Part 3 focuses on the ingredients needed to design a successful reform implementation strategy, while Part 4 summarizes the key recommendations for making the property tax work, especially in transitional and developing countries.