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Equalisation Grants and Local Taxation: The Case of Poland

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  • Monika Banaszewska

Abstract

This paper uses data on real estate tax revenue obtained by Polish municipalities from 2005 to 2017 to determine whether equalisation grants discourage local governments from collecting their own revenue. This question lies at the heart of efforts to build revenue equalisation systems for local government units. A discontinuous change in the transfer scheme makes it possible to employ a quasi-experimental approach (difference-in-differences estimation). An increase in the vertical equalisation rate is found to diminish the tax effort of municipalities that receive equalisation grants. The income effect of these grants is also documented. The research results indicate that shifts in an institutional setting trigger permanent changes in local fiscal policies. Moreover, it has been found that the effect increases after a few years and remains significant in the medium term. This implies that any modifications in the sub-national fiscal framework should be preceded by thorough analysis and consultations.

Suggested Citation

  • Monika Banaszewska, 2023. "Equalisation Grants and Local Taxation: The Case of Poland," Gospodarka Narodowa. The Polish Journal of Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, issue 2, pages 47-65.
    • Handle: RePEc:sgh:gosnar:y:2023:i:2:p:47-65
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    vertical equalisation; marginal equalisation rate; local tax policy; tax effort; yardstick competition;
    All these keywords.

    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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