For the majority of the world, taxes are the main method by which countries raise revenue, and many argue that in Latin America and the Caribbean taxes are a missed opportunity to promote social change. Two recent reports by the Inter-American Development Bank and CAF, the development bank of Latin America, argue that some of the region's current tax systems could be useful tools to reduce income inequality, boost productivity, strengthen local governments and preserve the region's natural resources. When public funding comes primarily from a broad base of taxpayers, the system empowers citizens to demand more accountability from government and emphasizes the central role of public finance in promoting development with equity.