Some of the largest nonprofits own land that, if owned by a profit-making enterprise, would generate hefty tax bills. The American Heart Association's 10,124-square-foot Centrepark West building has a nontaxable value of $1.1 million, according to the Palm Beach County property appraiser. The Arthritis Foundation's Hibiscus Street office is worth about $2 million. The Palm Beach Lakes convention center, used by Jehovah's Witnesses, is worth a tax-exempt $15.8 million.Moss is not suggesting that nonprofits begin paying property taxes. And many of West Palm's nonprofits do not own land or buildings here.
But, Moss said, all benefit from fire and police protection, two items that eat up 74 percent of the city budget.
"They are users of services, and I think they should voluntarily pay something to help defray the cost of those services," Moss said. "Why should residents' taxes go up to be able to provide services for nonprofits?"
The idea isn't a first.
http://www.palmbeachpost.com/localnews/content/local_news/epaper/2004/08/15/w1c_nonprofit_0815.html