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Prior to finalizing annual budget decisions, localities should inform taxpayers of the property tax rate required to maintain revenues at the same level as the prior year. 

The primary sources of government revenue are income, sales, and property taxes.

There is an increasing interest in taxes on energy consumption.

Policymakers should take action to raise revenues, promote energy conservation, and reduce climate change.

The mainstay of local taxation is the tax on real estate, known as the property tax. It is used to fund an array of critical state and local services, most notably public schools.

States should adequately fund and broaden their methods of financing public education. Education financing should be shifted from property taxes to less regressive forms of taxation. 

States should generally avoid arbitrary limitations on property taxes.

There are two main ways for governments to collect taxes. One is by taxing income directly. This is known as an income tax. The other is taxing only income that is spent.

Tax reform should focus on raising sufficient revenue. It should make the tax system more equitable and efficient. Reforms should: 

States should increase the progressive nature of their income tax systems.