Bavaria's New Property Tax Reform Sparks Debate on Fairness

As municipalities set new tax rates, the reform's impact varies across property owners, raising questions about equity and efficiency.

Bavaria's property tax reform links tax rates to land and building area rather than property value, unlike other German states.
Finance Minister Albert Füracker defends the reform as a necessary response to a court ruling deeming the old system unconstitutional.
The reform aims to be revenue-neutral for municipalities, but individual tax burdens may shift, leading to discontent among property owners.
Critics argue the reform lacks fairness, particularly for owners of premium properties, while supporters highlight reduced bureaucracy.
Some municipalities, like Niesky, have opted to keep tax rates unchanged for now, pending further evaluation of the reform's financial impact.