German Nonprofit Property Use Voids NY Tax Exemption Eligibility

A German education nonprofit used its building for purposes such as private meals exclusive to its members, making the group ineligible for a property tax exemption, a New York appeals court held Wednesday.

Germania of Poughkeepsie Inc. is organized exclusively for an exempt purpose under state law because it’s a nonprofit that provides educational classes and cultural events meant to preserve German culture, the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division said.

• “However, Germania’s application showed that the property was more frequently used to host regular meals and social gatherings that were closed to the public,” the ...