Brass Tax compiles and evaluates collection techniques.

• Position: Brief article

Brass Tax. The Compendium of Local Government Collection Powers and Practices, is an ambitious undertaking by the Arlington County Treasurer's Office to compile the various collection tools available to local governments throughout the United States and Canada. The listing of these practices is accompanied by an analysis of how each tool may be implemented and used to enhance collection authority in jurisdictions.

The publication aims to:

* identify collection techniques defined by the laws of states or provinces

* determine which techniques are actually being used

* evaluate the effectiveness of the techniques

* encourage the adoption of effective techniques

* provide model legislation for adoption

* develop new techniques

The publication concludes that there is generally no "correct" way to collect delinquent taxes. It also notes that real estate taxes tend to be...