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Tue May 25, 2010 at 15:51:16 PM EDT
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(Very interesting proposition. I know some GRPers have floated the idea of making property taxes a smaller part of the tax base, and getting a local option bill passed that would allow towns to institute local income taxes instead. - promoted by eli_beckerman)
Property taxes are presently relied upon to fund more than for what they were designed to fund. Usually, property taxes are more of a tax burden to lower and middle income residents, contributing thus to the overall unfairness in the tax system. Although the larger issue of tax fairness needs to be addressed by the legislature by finding broader more progressive tax solutions, I wonder if there is an opportunity for towns and cities to make local property taxes more progressive. |
| scott_laugenour :: Progressive Property Taxes - A Candidate's Discussion |
| Floating this idea recently to a journalist and to a local town manager, who both responded with interest, I have decided to post this note here to begin a discussion.
A progressive property tax would function similarly to a progressive income tax. Property assessed at a higher value would pay a greater tax rate per $1000 than a property assessed at a lower value. I imagine a spread between a set minimum and maximum in a given jurisdiction.
Such a program would not affect existing levy limits, and probably would not immediately affect ovrall receipts, but it might help to more fairly spread the property tax burden among property owners.
This candidate for State Representative is interested in following any discussion that follows on this subject. Is anyone aware of any jurisdictions that have set property tax rates in this manner? If so, was it successful in making the system more fair? What procedures would need to be followed to adapt this? What local and legislative processes may need to be modified? What are the downsides? |
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Green Mass Group is an online forum for Green thought and collective action in Massachusetts. It is a community forum for justice, sustainability, democracy and health in the Commonwealth and beyond.
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"The time has come for global action to build a new world economic system that is no longer based on the illusion that limitless growth is possible on our precious and finite planet or that endless material gain promotes well-being. Instead, it will be a system that promotes harmony and respect for nature and for each other; that respects our ancient wisdom traditions and protects our most vulnerable people as our own family, and that gives us time to live and enjoy our lives and to appreciate rather than destroy our world. It will be an economic system, in short, that is fully sustainable and that is rooted in true, abiding well-being and happiness."
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