The Future of U.S. Public School Revenue from the Property Tax

This Policy Brief examines the property tax as a critical source of revenue for public schools in the United States. It demonstrates the high proportion of public education funding provided by the property tax as well as the stability of the property tax compared to the three state taxes (sales tax, income tax, and corporate income tax). It explores current conditions that may lead to future reductions in state and federal aid. Finally, it recommends policies to improve the property tax, to build greater public support for the tax as a stable source of public school funding.