N. Virginia Church’s Tax Bill Prompts Debate Over Land Use

Prince William County, Va., has levied a $1,000 property-tax bill on vacant land owned by a local church, fueling a debate over state regulations on exemptions for faith institutions, writes The Washington Post.

New Life Gainesville Church contends the wooded lot behind its chapel is part of the church and should have the same tax-free status as the building. County officials say they are following Virginia law, which confers the exemption only on land used “exclusively” for religious purposes.

The tax bills have become an issue in the suburban Washington county, where new churches are popping up to serve a rising population. Robert Tuttle, a George Washington University law professor, said local governments are scrutinizing tax rolls more closely as churches get bigger and budgets get tighter.