By Joe Bachman
Editor

MADISON — Governor Tony Evers announced that he will include a provision to close the controversial dark store loophole in the 2019-21 biennial budget. In November, Portage County voters took to the polls and voted in favor of a resolution which will urge state officials to close the loophole.

What is a Dark Store Loophole?

This tax loophole essentially allows big box retailers to assess their taxes based on the value of a vacant store, rather than the value of the store itself. This moves shifts property tax burdens on to many homeowners and small businesses.

According to the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, large retailers make the case that the value of a property is the same whether it is an abandoned building, (a ‘dark store’), or a flourishing and profitable business. However, many believe that retailers should be taxed on the value within the inventory and profit in the store, and not as an empty building.

Katrina Shankland. (Contributed)

The passed November referendum urged state officials to take action, which Gov. Evers will look to follow through on. Many counties across the state have adopted similar resolutions.

Representative Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) released the following statement in response:

“For years, local government leaders and homeowners have urged us to close the dark store loophole and offer relief from the costly legal challenges that well-funded national retailers keep bringing to our communities,” said Shankland. “A resounding majority of Portage County voters went to the polls in November and voted to end this unfair tax loophole, with 81% voting yes. It’s clear that it’s past time to act on this issue.

“That’s why I’m thrilled that Governor Evers announced his plan to end this unfair tax break for national corporate retailers at the expense of homeowners and small businesses. I’m looking forward to working with him to lower the property tax burden for homeowners and put Wisconsin families first.”