What right allows the government to tax real estate?

The power that allows the government to tax real estate is the power of taxation. This authority is derived from the government's ability to impose taxes to fund public services and infrastructure such as schools, roads, and public safety, ensuring the proper functioning of government operations. Property taxes are a common form of taxation that is levied on real estate owners based on the assessed value of their property.

The framework of taxation is essential for maintaining the services and stability of a community, as it provides a consistent revenue source necessary for governmental functions. This power is codified in legislation, allowing local, state, and federal entities to impose taxes appropriately on real estate.

Other concepts like the power of escheat, police power, and eminent domain involve different aspects of property and government authority. Escheat deals with unused or unclaimed properties reverting to the state, police power relates to the government’s ability to regulate land use for the public good, and eminent domain allows the government to take private property for public use, typically with compensation. Each of these powers serves distinct purposes, but they do not confer the authority to impose taxes, which is specifically covered by the power of taxation.