News, Should some nonprofits pay property taxes?

[StealthRabbit]

There could be a fair and equitable way to assess critical service fees to non-profits, but then there is the issue of 'voter approved' tax increases. My rural fire levy just went from $200 to $550 and the fire station abandoned the station 5 miles away, and built a new one 15 miles (and two small towns) away. They won't enter into a 'mutual aid agreement' with the towns, as they are in a turf (tax) war.

Thus there is legitimate concern for the point of accountability of tax entity providers of services. (the 'Blank-check-syndrome')

Regional Port Districts (often exempt as Gov entity) seem to be a big culprit of property tax abuse. The 'free' services they require (and use as sales promotions) are HUGE (hazmat, fire, elect, water, sewer, roads, interchanges...). They are in 'business' and generating 'revenue', so they should pay taxes just like other commercial property owners who compete with them for attracting tenants. Sometimes they apply 'surcharges to rents' to go towards services, but those often are negotiated out as incentives.

Port districts can also be counterproductive to economic growth and stability, by hoarding land and not having the $$ to build necessary buildings, or offering below market rents for LONGTERM (20 yr) leases. Our area is extremely land constrained (waterfront and national scenic area adjacent), but the local port just rented 5 critical acres for a 'waste transfer station'. Only 3 entry level jobs created, lease is 25% market rate for 20 yrs with 20 yr extension. (and site is 'upwind / upriver' from all other port tenants..., great location for a dump, in a windy region)


When the Gov gets involved things usually don't work out so well... note 'bailouts'

[texdav]

Its not juts property taxes. But I do believe that if Chruches are included that the courts will overrule the whole law.Then of course their is the whole thing about feral properties that are used for housing etc being taxes to provide these same services.In the end;why should sate and federal property not be taxed that provide services to teh public just as non-profits do.Then of course their are thing slike schooldistrict and other non-municipla entiits that benefit from protection.It doesn't end at property taxes but can go alot further to foundations etc.I do believe that if churches are included the courts wil overule any such laws tho.

[trishguard]

I don't believe that anyone who owns their land (and any permanent structures on it) outright should have to pay any property taxes.

Property taxes are unethical and immoral.

[Asheville Native]

Originally Posted by killer2021

yes. Let them pay property tax and then lower the overall property tax for everyone else.

Also churches should have property tax on them as well.

Especially churches. Charging Fire, Police, etc. property taxes will only cause them to raise the tax rate so they can pay their taxes.

Churches have been on a gravy train, owning some very prime real estate tax free, putting the burden on everyone else. If you choose to donate to the church, fine, your business, but under the current system it costs everyone more.

And donations to churches should not be deductible.