This reference book defines hundreds of terms related to buildings, properties, markets, regulations, and appraisal. Specialized sections cover property types, business valuation, international valuation, real estate organizations and professional designations, legal and regulatory aspects, uniform standards, information technology, measures and conversions, and architecture and construction. The architecture and construction section is heavily illustrated with black-and-white photographs and diagrams. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR.

In A Good Tax, tax expert Joan Youngman skillfully considers how to improve the operation of the property tax and supply the information that is often missing in public debate. She analyzes the legal, administrative, and political challenges to the property tax in the United States and offers recommendations for its improvement. The book is accessibly written for policy analysts and public officials who are dealing with specific property tax issues and for those concerned with property tax issues in general.

The land value tax is the focus of this Policy Focus Report, Assessing the Theory and Practice of Land Value Taxation. A concept dating back to Henry George, the land value tax is a variant of the property tax that imposes a higher tax rate on land than on improvements, or taxes only the land value. Many other types of changes in property tax policy, such as assessment freezes or limitations, have undesirable side effects, including unequal treatment of similarly situated taxpayers and distortion of economic incentives. The land value tax can enhance both the fairness and the efficiency of property tax collection, with few undesirable effects; land is effectively in fixed supply, so an increase in the tax rate on land value will raise revenue without distorting the incentives for owners to invest in and use their land. A land value tax has also been seen as a way to combat urban sprawl by encouraging density and infill development. Authors Richard F. Dye and Richard W. England examine the experience of those who have implemented the land value tax -- more than 30 countries around the world, and in the United States, several municipalities dating back to 1913, when the Pennsylvania legislature permitted Pittsburgh and Scranton to tax land values at a higher rate than building values. A 1951 statute gave smaller Pennsylvania cities the same option to enact a two-rate property tax, a variation of the land value tax. About 15 communities currently use this type of tax program, while others tried and rescinded it. Hawaii also has experience with two-rate taxation, and Virginia and Connecticut have authorized municipalities to choose a two-rate property tax. The land value tax has been subjected to studies comparing jurisdictions with and without it, and to legal challenges. A land value tax also raises administrative issues, particularly in the area of property tax assessments. Land value taxation is an attractive alternative to the traditional property tax, especially to much more problematic types of property tax measures such as assessment limitations, the authors conclude. A land value tax is best implemented if local officials use best assessing practices to keep land and improvement values up to date; phase in dual tax rates over several years; and include a tax credit feature in those communities where land-rich but income-poor citizens might suffer from land value taxation.

This policy focus report examines options that exist for timely and efficient aid to needy taxpayers, including circuit breaker programs that reduce taxes based on income level; truth in taxation measures; deferral options on property tax payments; partial exemptions on owner-occupied or homestead properties; and classified tax rates.

An essential volume for anyone needing information on the property tax: appraisers, taxpayers, students, reformers, government officials. Adopted as the official assessment manual by many states. A readable, authoritative text. Covers valuation methods used by private appraisers & by assessors. Addresses tax policy & management issues related to efficient assessment administration. Treats both practice & underlying theory. Contents include The Ad Valorem Tax System; A Framework for Valuation; The Economics of Real Property Appraisal; Appraisal Theory: Mass Appraisal & Single-Property Appraisal; Data Collection & Management; The Sales Comparison Approach; Land Valuation; The Cost Approach; An Introduction to the Income Approach; Real Investment & Finance; Income, Expense & Lease Analysis; Mass Appraisal; Mass Appraisal Model Building Theory; Mass Appraisal Model Calibration; Elements of Administration; Mapping System Management; Revaluation Planning; Computers in Mass Appraisal; Sales Analysis & Mass Appraisal Performance Evaluation; Quality Assurance, Notifications, Appeals & Public Relations. Index, glossary, references & list of equations. Complemented by Assessment Administration Practices in the U.S. & Canada: 1992 Update. pap. $50 (ISBN 0-88329-082-0) See annotation. To order call: 312-947-2053.

This report examines the various types of taxable property and explains the mechanics of how property taxes are levied. It also examines various types of property and examines how states classify property and how they apply different assessment ratios. Even though the property tax is largely a local tax, state law provides the power to impose it. In addition, state legislatures develop property tax policies that have major effects on local governments' ability to raise revenue and provide services.--Publisher's description.