ABSTRACT
The main purpose of this chapter is to compare and contrast several of the principle elements relating to ad valorem property tax systems. What is clear from the findings presented in this book are both the broad similarities and the significant differences between countries' systems. This dichotomy is however, more apparent than real as each tier of government with an interest in property taxation is essentially trying to achieve one specific goal, that of revenue generation. In some instances the subsidiary issues of land policy, land development, environmental aspects and income redistribution can also be influenced to varying degrees through the implementation oflocal property taxes.
