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Local fiscal equalisation based on fiscal capacity: the case of Austria

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  • Martin Scheider

Abstract

This paper deals with local fiscal equalisation in Austria. The system of intergovernmental relations in Austria includes different regulations in order to equalise differences in the fiscal capacity of the municipalities. This leads to so-called ‘compensation effects’, because additional revenues from a local government’s own tax are (at least partly) compensated by losses from equalisation grants. This paper carries out a detailed analysis of these compensation effects. It is shown that they create strong fiscal disincentives for the local governments: on average, 55 per cent of additional revenues from the communal tax (which is the most important of a local government’s own taxes) are compensated by losses of equalisation grants. In extreme cases, local governments can lose up to 144 per cent of the additional tax yields collected. These local governments would be better off if they made no effort to increase their tax base.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Scheider, 2002. "Local fiscal equalisation based on fiscal capacity: the case of Austria," Fiscal Studies, Institute for Fiscal Studies, vol. 23(1), pages 105-133, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:ifs:fistud:v:23:y:2002:i:1:p:105-133
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    Cited by:

    1. Zekun Li & Shenjing He & Shiliang Su & Guie Li & Fei Chen, 2020. "Public Services Equalization in Urbanizing China: Indicators, Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Implications on Regional Economic Disparities," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 152(1), pages 1-65, November.
    2. Renee Philip & John Janssen, 2002. "Indicators of Fiscal Impulse for New Zealand," Treasury Working Paper Series 02/30, New Zealand Treasury.
    3. Hansjörg Blöchliger & Claire Charbit, 2008. "Fiscal equalisation," OECD Journal: Economic Studies, OECD Publishing, vol. 2008(1), pages 1-22.
    4. International Monetary Fund, 2008. "Austria: Selected Issues," IMF Staff Country Reports 2008/189, International Monetary Fund.
    5. D’Inverno, Giovanna & Vidoli, Francesco & De Witte, Kristof, 2023. "Sustainable budgeting and financial balance: Which lever will you pull?," European Journal of Operational Research, Elsevier, vol. 309(2), pages 857-871.
    6. Köppl-Turyna, Monika & Strohner, Ludwig, 2023. "Reformoptionen des österreichischen Finanzausgleichs," Policy Notes 52, EcoAustria – Institute for Economic Research.

    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • H71 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - State and Local Taxation, Subsidies, and Revenue
    • H77 - Public Economics - - State and Local Government; Intergovernmental Relations - - - Intergovernmental Relations; Federalism

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