Contact: Rep. Katrina Shankland, (608) 267-9649
MADISON – This week, Governor Tony Evers announced he will include a provision to close the dark store loophole in the 2019-2021 biennial budget. The loophole allows big box retailers to base their tax assessments on their value as a vacant store rather than a store in operation. The dark store loophole saves national retail chains millions of dollars while shifting the property tax burden onto homeowners and small businesses.
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. 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.”
