Assessing the Theory and Practice of Land Value Taxation

Through an examination of more than 30 countries and several U.S. municipalities that have implemented a land value tax as an alternative to the traditional property tax, this report helps officials create better tax reform packages for their jurisdictions. The report’s recommendations include using best assessing practices, adding a tax credit feature in communities where land-rich but income-poor citizens might suffer from land value taxation, and phasing in dual tax rates over several years.

About the Authors

Richard F. Dye is professor at the Institute of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago and the Ernest A. Johnson Professor of Economics Emeritus at Lake Forest College in Illinois. His research focuses on state and local government finance as it relates to economic development. He was a visiting fellow at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

Richard W. England is professor of economics and natural resources at the Whittemore School of Business and Economics, University of New Hampshire. His recent research has examined how local property taxation and zoning rules affect land use change in the United States. He was also a visiting fellow at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.