In 2012, North Dakota held a referendum to become the first US state to repeal property taxes.
The measure would have amended the state constitution to eliminate property taxes and mandate the government to find revenue through alternative means.
Proponents noted that a property tax was unnecessary because North Dakota had sufficient revenue from its state income tax and oil income.
They argued that property taxes were regressive taxation that disproportionately affected low-income homeowners and senior citizens. Further, repealing property taxes would provide financial relief to homeowners and foster economic growth by attracting businesses and residents.
A coalition of bureaucrats and special interest groups opposed the referendum.
In the end, voters rejected the referendum by a wide margin, with 78% voting to keep their property taxes.
Most people thoughtlessly accept property taxes as a normal part of life—like gravity or the sun setting in the west.
There is no way to pay off your property tax obligation in one fell swoop. It hangs over your head as long as you own the property.
However, the existence of property taxes raises some important, fundamental questions.
Do you really own something if someone forces you to make never-ending (and ever-increasing) payments on it?
Clearly, the answer is “no.”
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