Equalisation Grants and Local Taxation: The Case of Poland
Equalisation Grants and Local Taxation: The Case of Poland

Summary/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.

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