Boston non-profit institutions are under fire for avoiding their PILOT program cash payments to the city, amounting to millions of dollars. Institutions like Harvard University and the Museum of Fine Arts receive credits for community benefits, allowing them to offset half of their tax bill. This system has raised questions about fairness, as individual taxpayers do not have the same opportunity to receive credits for community work. The community benefits provided by these institutions, such as access to cultural programs and summer jobs, are seen as insufficient in filling the city’s coffers. With the city in need of additional revenues, there are calls for non-profits to fulfill their cash payment obligations. Mayor Michelle Wu is expected to address this issue, as taxpayers continue to bear the burden of supporting these tax-exempt organizations. The disparity in tax obligations between ordinary citizens and well-endowed institutions has sparked public outrage, with demands for greater accountability and financial contributions from non-profits.
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