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Do Local Governments Engage in Strategic Property-Tax Competition?

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  • Brueckner, Jan K.
  • Saavedra, Luz A.

Abstract

This paper uses spatial econometric methods to investigate property-tax competition among local governments. The theoretical model is drawn from the literature on tax competition, in which local jurisdictions choose property-tax rates taking into account the migration of mobile capital in response to tax differentials. Using a "spatial lag" econometric model, the paper estimates the reaction function of the representative community, which relates the community’s property-tax rate to its own characteristics and to the tax rates in competing communities. A nonzero reaction-function slope indicates the presence of strategic interaction in the choice of tax rates. The estimation uses cross-section data on property taxes and other socio-economic variables for cities in the Boston metropolitan area. The results, which are presented for two periods before and after imposition of Proposition 2 1/ 2 (a tax limitation measure), indicate the presence of strategic interaction.

Suggested Citation

  • Brueckner, Jan K. & Saavedra, Luz A., 2001. "Do Local Governments Engage in Strategic Property-Tax Competition?," National Tax Journal, National Tax Association;National Tax Journal, vol. 54(2), pages 203-230, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:ntj:journl:v:54:y:2001:i:2:p:203-30
    DOI: 10.17310/ntj.2001.2.02
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