Philadelphia Nonprofits Nervous Over Tax Proposal

Revenue commissioner Keith Richardson acknowledged that the language in the amendments was "vague" in parts and would have to be rewritten, particularly to make it clear the city was not seeking to tax dorm fees.

"Our intent is being misconstrued," Richardson said, adding that the changes were unrelated to the city's fiscal crisis. "We are trying to close a loophole" and tax only business activities that are unrelated to the core mission of a nonprofit group.