The Effect on Growth of a Tax Shift between Land Value Taxes and Income Taxes in Denmark

Abstract

A land value tax (LVT) is different from a property tax in that it only taxes the underlying land, not the structure built on top of it. LVT is recognized by economists across the political spectrum, as the only tax raising significant revenue which theoretically does not diminish economic activity (and even increases it). This is in part because land is fixed and supply, and cannot be moved when taxed. An LVT instead encourages development of the land. This paper maps the ratio of LVT to other taxes in Denmark over time, and assesses its effect on economic growth. We can conclude that just as in theory, empirical evidence in the case of Denmark also shows positive results with regards to economic growth.