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Virginia Voters Approve Tax Exemption for Church Property

Ballot Amendment Passes by Wide Margin, Securing Tax Breaks for Many Religious Institutions

On Election Day 2023, Virginia voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment that will exempt churches and other religious properties from local property taxes. The amendment, which passed with 61% of the vote, will take effect on January 1, 2024.

Background of the Amendment

The amendment was proposed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2022 in response to a 2021 Supreme Court ruling that allowed local governments to tax church property. The ruling overturned decades of precedent and sparked concern among religious leaders that churches would be forced to pay significant property taxes.

The proposed amendment sought to restore the tax exemption for religious property that had been in place in Virginia for centuries. It was supported by a broad coalition of religious organizations, including the Virginia Catholic Conference, the Virginia Baptist Mission Board, and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Key Provisions of the Amendment

The approved amendment adds language to the Virginia Constitution that explicitly exempts "property owned and used exclusively for religious purposes" from local property taxes. This exemption applies to all religious organizations, including churches, synagogues, mosques, and temples.

The amendment also includes a provision that allows local governments to continue to tax property that is owned by religious organizations but is not used exclusively for religious purposes. This provision is intended to prevent religious organizations from using the tax exemption to acquire and rent out non-religious property.

Impact of the Amendment

The amendment is expected to have a significant impact on religious organizations in Virginia. It will provide tax relief for many churches and other religious institutions, freeing up funds that can be used for other purposes, such as ministry, outreach, and education.