LANSING, MI— A bipartisan group of state representatives has introduced legislation aimed at closing the “Dark Store” tax loophole.
It allows big-box retailers to reduce property tax liabilities by claiming their stores should be assessed based on sale prices of vacant, often deed-restricted stores.
The bill package would prohibit retailers from using vacant, deed-restricted stores as comparables; require petitioners to provide appraisals when filing appeals; and set standards for the Michigan Tax Tribunal’s independent determinations of true cash value that ensure they are made in accordance with generally accepted appraisal principles.
The legislation’s sponsors include Democrat Jenn Hill of Marquette and Republican Greg Markkanen of Hancock.
