IN THE KNOW

State law exempts places of religious worship and clergy residences owned by qualified religious groups from property taxes.

To qualify, religious organizations must be organized and operated primarily for religious worship or the spiritual welfare of individuals.

The exemption applies to actual places of religious worship, personal property used at the place of worship, residences for clergy and personal property used at the residences.

If a religious group owns land for expanding or constructing a place of worship, that land may be exempt for three years (or six if it is a contiguous parcel), so long as the land produces no revenue.