Governor Evers Plans to Close Dark Store Tax Loophole

Governor Tony Evers told the annual meeting of the Wisconsin Counties Association something they’ve been waiting to hear.  Evers said, “Our budget is not just about transportation. My budget is also going to make good on the promise I made to you last December, to close the dark store loophole in the state of Wisconsin. ”  The loophole allows big box retailers to base their tax assessments based on the value of vacant stores, which reduces their property taxes and shifts the burden to homeowners and small businesses.  Some Democrats complain that nearly 60 municipalities have been forced to provide large tax refunds to big-box stores because of the dark store loophole.