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Local Tax Policy: A Primer provides the definitive discussion of how local governments raise revenue. The book addresses the fundamental influences on local tax and revenue policy including interjurisdictional competition, the politics of anti-taxation, and the relationships with state and federal governments.
List of contents
Chapter 1: Local Tax Policy
Localism as a Normative Good
Political and Economic Constraints on Localism
The Logic of the Property Tax
A Good Tax under Siege
There Are No Alternatives to Taxing Policy
Raising Revenue in the Modern Economy
Possible Solutions
Chapter Two: Local Taxation and American Federalism
The Logic of Localism
Economic Efficiencies
Political Virtues
Localism and Taxing Authority
Fiscal Autonomy under Siege
Chapter Three: Local Limits
The Politics of Taxation
Political Imperatives
Provide Services
Create Wealth
Avoid Redistribution
Political Biases
Tax Competition
Exporting the Tax Burden
Raising Revenue in an Era of Antitaxation
Building a Sound Local Tax System
Chapter 4: The Logic of the PropertyTax
Property Taxation in the United States
Virtues of the Property Tax
An Old Tax
A Stable Tax
An Easy-to-Administer Tax
A Benefits Tax
A Tax that Allows Control
A Visible Tax
Chapter 5: The Property Tax under Siege
Public Unhappiness
Visibility
Unfair Administration
Shifting Property Tax Burdens
Consequences of Public Dissatisfaction
Tax Limitations
A Proliferation of Exemptions
Economic Development Exemptions
Charitable Exemptions
Farm Relief
Government Property
Tax Relief Measures
Homestead Exemptions
Homestead Credits and Circuit Breakers
Property Tax Deferrals
The Case of School Finance
Chapter 6: Local-Option Sales and Excise Taxes
Local-Option Sales Taxes
Policy Reasons for Imposing Local-Option Sales Taxes
Promotion of Local Autonomy
Administrative Efficiency
Diversification of the Tax Base
Public Acceptance
Problems with Local-Option Sales Taxes
Shrinking Tax Base
Interjurisdiction Competition
Regressivity
Reduced State Flexibility
Fiscal Disparities
Outlook for Local-Option Sales Taxes
Local-Option Excise Taxes
Lodging Taxes
Meals Taxes
Fuel Excise Taxes
Local-Option Real Estate Transfer Taxes
Local-Option Tobacco Taxes
Chapter 7: Income and Business Taxes
Local-Option Income and Wage Taxes
Policy Issues around Taxing Income and Wages
Visibility and Accountability
Economic Efficiency
Revenue Growth and Diversification
Fairness
Fiscal Disparities
Taxing Commuters or Exporting Tax Burdens
Intergovernmental Issues
Political Bias
Outlook
Local-Option Business Taxes
Local-Option Business Income Taxes
Gross Receipts/License Taxes
Business Personal Property Taxes
Payroll Taxes
Outlook for Business Taxes
Chapter 8: Nontax Revenue Options
Intergovernmental Aid
Policy Justifications for Intergovernmental Aid
Problems with Intergovernmental Aid
Unreliability
Less Autonomy
Efficiency
Consequences for Local Tax Policy
User Fees and Charges
Policy Reasons for Imposing Charges
Economic Efficiency
Diversification of Revenue Sources
Local Control
Problems with Imposing Charges
Limitations on Revenue Growth
Fairness Concerns
Outlook for User Fees
Utilities and Other Service-for-Fee Enterprises
Chapter 9: Financing Local Government in a Global Economy
Globalism
Technological Advances
Deregulation
An Aging Population
Tax Policy in the New Economy
Chapter 10: A Blueprint for Strengthening Property Tax
Challenges to Local Tax Policy and Political Autonomy
Recommendations for Strengthening Local Tax Autonomy
Educate the Public on the Virtues of the Property Tax
Ease the Excesses of the Property Tax Revolts
Protect and Expand the Property Tax Base
Address the Problems of School Finance Equalization
About the author
David Brunori is a journalist, author, educator, and lawyer who specializes in state and local tax policy. He is a senior director at RSM US LLP where he advises clients on a wide range of state tax issues. He is also a Visiting Professor of Public Policy at the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University. He currently writes a weekly column for Law360 on state and local taxation. He has published numerous books and articles on state and local tax policy. Previously, he was a partner with a national law firm, served as an executive with an international publishing company, and was an appellate trial attorney with the Tax Division of the United States Department of Justice. He is a fellow at the National Academy of Public Administration and a fellow at the American College of Tax Counsel. He has a BA and MA from The George Washington University and a JD and MPPM from the University of Pittsburgh.
Summary
Local Tax Policy: A Primer provides the definitive discussion of how local governments raise revenue. The book addresses the fundamental influences on local tax and revenue policy including interjurisdictional competition, the politics of anti-taxation, and the relationships with state and federal governments.
