Reforming state taxes on property

Vol: 
6/2020
Author name: 
Freebairn, J
Year: 
2020
Month: 
June
Abstract: 

Alternative details of tax reform options to replace the current conveyance duty on property transfers, the narrow base land tax, and arguably also stamp duty on property insurance, with an annual property tax in an approximate revenue neutral reform package are described and evaluated. A comprehensive tax base and flat rate replacement land tax offers maximum gains in efficiency and simplicity. But, viewed against the taxes to be replaced it has important tax redistribution effects. Less redistributive options include longer term systems and transition options. Longer term system replacement options include: different taxes for commercial, resident rental, and owner occupied property; improved property rather than land value for the tax base; and a progressive rate rather than a flat rate. Transition adjustment path options include: credit for recent paid conveyance duty; gradual phase down of conveyance duty rate and phase up of replacement property tax. Provision for liquidity constrained owners to carry forward the replacement annual property tax is supported.

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