Lankaster's characteristic theory can be regarded as a model in the field of general system theory. Thus it can be successfully applied for the estimation of the tax basis in the real estate taxation. The main idea is that different objects of real estate can be ranged on the basis of a multi-criteria valuation. In this sense each criterion should be viewed as an item of value. Thus each criterion possesses different weight in the final estimate. The paper raises the question whether the structure of criteria for the estimation of the tax basis is built up adequately to the economic realities. That is, whether the numbers of coefficients also represent actually the expectations of tax-payers.
