Dark Store Loophole Will Be Taken Up This Fall

State Senator Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling tells KFIZ News it’s likely the State Senate will take up the “Dark Store” loophole issue this fall. The loophole has allowed big box stores and large retailers to get lower assessments and rebates. Some argue their businesses should be assessed not as going businesses, but as if they were vacant. Others have successfully argued their businesses are paying above market lease rates. Shilling says there are bills to consider on both sides of the issue. She says she is sympathetic to communities where businesses have successfully used the loophole essentially shifting the tax burden to other property taxpayers. Both the Fond du Lac City Council and Fond du Lac County Board are on record opposing continuation of the loophole.