Central Wisconsin Representative Happy to See Closure of Dark Store Loophole
Monday, February 11th, 2019 -- 7:48 AM
(WRN) -A central Wisconsin representative is happy to see the closure of the dark store loophole in Governor Evers proposed budget.The loophole allows big box retailers to argue that they should be paying their property taxes as if their stores are vacant, rather than active businesses. Representative Katrina Shankland is hoping that will change.
"Hopefully in that time, legislators will hear from their constituents on this issue. And they took a look at the results from all the referenda all over the state which passed overwhelmingly. It's clear that people want us to do this and I hope that legislators follow suit."
Shankland says she's thrilled that Governor Tony Evers has announced a plan to end the dark store loophole. The Stevens Point native explains what the dark store loophole does for large retailers in regards to taxes.
"The dark store loophole allows big-box retailers to base their tax assessment on the value of their store as a vacant store. Rather than a store that's in operation. This isn't how this works for anyone else."
Shankland says current law allows retailers to pay taxes on their stores as if they were vacant, and not as an operative business.
"We're going to see the property tax burden no longer being shifted onto homeowners and small businesses. And having these national retail chains pay their fair share."
If the loophole elimination survives debate in the legislature it would be eliminated when Governor Ever signs the budget sometime in the fall.
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