This practitioner encyclopedia provides an in-depth analysis of issues surrounding property taxation, including economics, law, public finance, decentralisation, valuation and property tax reform. Its strengths lies in the vast international experience of the chapter authors and editors; it provides material that is topical, cutting edge and highly relevant to many of the disciplines involved in property taxation. Part 1 gives an overview of the property tax and its role in fostering and supporting decentralization. Part 2 focuses on the development of the property tax system itself. Part 3 considers the administrative policies and practices necessary to have a well-functioning property tax system. Part 4 provides a discussion of policymakers' attempts to pursue broader social and economic policy goals through the property tax system. Part 5 looks at various efforts to reform the property tax in countries that have a system in place deemed weak or ineffective.