Success Story: Better Systems – Better Services

This system enables the maximization of tax property revenues. The General Director of Tax and Finance Department in the Municipality of Elbasan, Qemal Tusha, notes that the digital territory register is based on reliable data via a GIS-based territory register, which facilitates the issuance of accurate and fair property tax bills. The Municipality of Elbasan, with the support of USAID, has developed a computer-based platform that executes a Geographic Information System (GIS) application. This application includes information on location, size, value, and ownership of properties, and facilitates property tax collection and administration through the creation of tax-related elements of a working territory register. The web-based application's primary functionality is to support parcel- and building-based query, selection, display, and mapping. The platform enables municipal staff to maintain GIS-based territorial registries, recording all property data and ensuring accurate and reliable property information. This is vital for fair, accurate, and complete property tax identification. The Municipality of Elbasan has recently finalized its territory register, with a GIS database containing accurate data for more than 35,800 buildings, 53,300 immovable properties, and 49,500 taxpayers. The development of digital territory registers is a key component of the USAID Planning and Local Governance Project, which has assisted partner municipalities in Albania, including Korça, Fier, Lushnja, Berat, Elbasan, and Kamza, in developing computer-based platforms that execute GIS applications. These platforms have been essential in creating robust territorial registries, addressing the concern of partner local government units (LGUs) regarding the lack of local territorial registers with accurate information on location and other details on individual properties. The accurate and reliable property information provided by the digital territory register plays a crucial role in building institutions, markets, and democracy by making a local government accountable to its taxpayers. Property taxes are more than just a source of revenue and growth; they also contribute to the development of local governance and the well-being of citizens.