What does the term "tax base" refer to?

The term "tax base" refers specifically to the assessed value that is subject to taxation. It encompasses the total value of property, income, or sales that a government can tax. This value is determined through assessments that evaluate the worth of tangible and intangible assets, and it serves as the foundation upon which tax rates are applied to generate revenue for government activities and services. Understanding the tax base is critical because it directly influences how much revenue a jurisdiction can collect and consequently affects funding for public services such as education, infrastructure, and safety.