Evaluating fairness in property taxation, a condominium perspective

Abstract

The investigation examines both the theoretical and logistical characteristics of property taxation. The investigation considers the fairness of property taxation and evaluates it as both a wealth tax and as a benefit tax. By examining past government decisions there was sufficient justification for evaluating property tax as both a wealth tax and a benefit tax. In evaluating the fairness of property taxation from a condominium perspective, the study uses the City of Winnipeg as a case study. The study examines the accuracy of assessments and compares property tax revenues from condominiums to apportioned municipal expenditures. By examining property tax fairness using the definition of a wealth tax, condominiums are taxed unfairly but not inequitably. When condominium property taxation was evaluated as a benefit tax there was evidence to suggest that condominiums were taxed fairly according to theory. However, when considering Provincial and Winnip g court decisions, the definition of tax fairness becomes less apparent. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)