Property tax in the local government financing system: A comparative analysis in local government units

Abstract

The financing system of local government is a fundamental component of a stable and efficient governance framework, playing a crucial role in implementing the principle of fiscal decentralization. This system guarantees that local authorities receive sufficient financial resources, enabling them to carry out their legally assigned duties in an effective and efficient manner. A stable and predictable financing system not only contributes to the autonomy of local authorities but also enhances the quality of public services provided to citizens at the local level. Property tax stands out as a key revenue stream for local governments, having demonstrated its effectiveness as one of the most appropriate taxation methods at this administrative level. Its primary function is to secure a stable income for local budgets, facilitating the funding of various infrastructure, social, and development projects of importance to local communities. In the Republic of Serbia, the process of fiscal decentralization was significantly improved with the adoption of the Law on Local Government Financing in 2006, which transferred property taxation to the exclusive jurisdiction of local governments. This reform encompassed key aspects of local tax policy, including determining the tax base, collection, and control of property tax, as well as granting local governments the authority to set tax rates within the limits prescribed by law. A further step toward increasing the efficiency of this system was achieved through amendments to the Property Tax Law in 2010, aimed at eliminating certain administrative obstacles and inefficiencies within the tax system. These amendments contributed to improved tax collection, strengthened the capacities of local tax administrations, and enhanced transparency in managing local revenues. Overall, the continuous improvement of the local government financing system through tax policy reforms represents a crucial prerequisite for strengthening the fiscal autonomy of local authorities, improving public services, and achieving the principles of sustainable local development.