School of Economics

 Invites you to a

Microeconometrics & Public Policy seminar presented by

Andrew Simon

(University of Chicago)

Inequality in Property Tax Appeals: Evidence from Field Experiments with Homeowners and Assessors

Co-authors:

 Justin Holz (University of Michigan)

David Novgorodsky (Walmart)

Friday 29 September 2023

12.00pm – 1.00pm

 Seminar Room 650
A02 Social Sciences Building

Camperdown Campus
The University of Sydney NSW 2006

Despite minority homeowners facing a disproportionate property tax burden, they are less likely to take action to reduce their taxes by filing an appeal. We use two field experiments, one with homeowners and the other with county assessors, to understand the drivers of inequality in property taxes and homeowner appeal behavior. In a survey experiment with Indiana homeowners, we show that information frictions and perceived discrimination contribute to the racial appeal gap.  We additionally find racial differences in the treatment of homeowners by assessors based on both appeal outcomes and through a complementary correspondence study where assessors are less likely to provide aid to minority homeowners who want to appeal.  This provides additional evidence of discrimination. Additionally, we consider the gender appeal gap, and document unequal treatment between female and male homeowners by assessors. Overall, our results indicate that appeals are not effective at reducing biases in assessments.

For further information contact: Microeconometrics & Public Policy Seminar Coordinator
Dr Gregor Pfeifer & Dr Rebecca McKibbin

For all upcoming seminars in School of Economics see Our events and Calendar