(I'm not a lawyer-- so, take the advice appropriately)
Property tax law is quite different in each state.  You probably should talk to other nonprofits in Washington.  I heard that Washington nonprofits recently formed an association of nonprofits-- you should check with them. 

If you can find a lawyer who knows Washington nonprofit law and is willing to help, that would be a good start. 

sheldon

..............
Sheldon Mains
SPOKES Bike Walk Connect
Minneapolis, MN 612/618-7149
Three ways to donate to SPOKES:
1. Volunteer.  2. Donate repairable used bikes. 3. Financial donations always welcome. Check www.SpokesConnect.org for details.

On Fri, Dec 5, 2014 at 4:50 PM, Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear <chauncey@ptrecyclery.org> wrote:
Hey Folks,

          This is Chauncey from The ReCyclery in Port Townsend, WA a 501(c3) non-profit cycling organization. We are operating on city property for free in exchange for the programs and outreach we do to get more individuals on bicycles. As a part of our work, we operate a retail space. The state has decided that we are not exempt from leasehold tax because we operate a retail space and they want to charge us 13% of the leased property's value per year. Let's just say, it's a lot of money in taxes if you consider the "potential" value of the space. I'm wondering if anyone has experience with this issue and whether or not you were able to come to a favorable decision that was reasonable for your organization's budget. Much appreciation!

--
Sincerely,

Chauncey Tudhope-Locklear (Chief Biking Officer)
The ReCyclery
1925 Blaine St. STE #500
Port Townsend, WA 98368
360-643-0734 (personal cell)

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