This guidance note outlines an approach to implementing a simplified automated valuation model (AVM) for property taxation in lower-income countries. Like all AVMs, the points-based valuation system uses a formula to calculate a proxy for the value of properties that can be used for tax purposes. It emphasises data gathering processes that are simple and verifiable, and prioritizes formulas that are also relatively simple and transparent.

The guidance note describes the steps required to implement the points-based valuation system, including various considerations and trade-offs that can help adapt the approach to different contexts. It also discusses the criteria included in the model, followed by strategies to organise data collection, gather market information to calibrate the model, build the model, and update and adjust the model to meet the needs of specific contexts. The guidance note concludes by demonstrating how the model is applied to property data to generate value estimates that can be used for taxation.

The guidance note is published by the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI), an ICTD initiative based at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, University of Toronto.

 

 

Authors

Nicolas Orgeira Pillai

Nicolas Orgeira is a a Doctoral Fellow with the Local Government Initiative (LoGRI), an initiative of ICTD based at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy at the University of Toronto.

Xaver Schenker

Xaver Schenker is an independent technical expert who has been collaborating and leading on a variety of projects with the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI), an initiative of ICTD based at the Munk School of Global Affairs and Public Policy, University of Toronto. 

Wilson Prichard

Wilson Prichard is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto, a Research Fellow at the Institute of Development Studies, Chair of the Local Government Revenue Initiative (LoGRI) and former Executive Officer of the International Centre for Tax and Development (2020-2024). His research focuses on the relationship between taxation and citizen demands for improved governance in sub-Saharan Africa.

Graeme Stewart-Wilson

Graeme Stewart-Wilson is a PhD student in Political Science at the University of Toronto and a researcher with ICTD. His research focuses on tax reform in sub-Saharan Africa.
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