Property Taxation in a Comparative Perspective: Lessons Learned from Seven Countries

Abstract

Property tax is an important source of revenue for local governments in many countries. Although decentralization reform has been introduced in Thailand for many years, local governments face revenue constraints, which directly affect the quality of public services. This article presents a comparative analysis of property tax systems in 7 countries that adopted decentralization at the same time as Thailand. The analysis consists of 4 main issues: (1) local government dependence on property taxes, (2) how property tax rate and base are determined in each country, (3) property assessment and tax collection mechanisms, and (4) policy measures adopted in each country to mitigate property tax burden for marginalized and vulnerable population. The article concludes with a set of recommendations about how to expand local revenue sources in Thailand, as well as a number of issues that must be taken into accountable in introducing property taxation to Thailand.