Church Parish center only partially exempt
A Roman Catholic parish office building has been granted only 50% real estate tax exemption in Pennsylvania. The state’s Commonwealth Court has affirmed a trial court decision upholding the finding of the county Board of Assessment Appeals. St. Joseph’s Parish owns about 39 acres in Downingtown, Chester County, including a church, school, convent, rectory and administration building, all of which are tax exempt. In 2016, it built what it called the Holy Family Center, a 5442 square foot building containing the pastor’s office, the business office, meeting rooms and an adoration chapel. The Parish sought a full exemption, but the Board exempted only about half. Pennsylvania provides...
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