Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB2

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/23
• Refer: 2/6/23
• Report Pass: 6/15/23
• Refer: 6/15/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Eliminating the personal property tax. (FE)

Impact

The removal of the personal property tax could have significant implications for state and local revenue streams. As the state has been compensating local taxing jurisdictions for revenue lost due to spending on personal property exemptions since 2019, the full elimination of this tax may necessitate adjustments to state financial strategies. Moreover, the bill includes provisions that allow manufacturing establishments that do not own real property in the state to continue claiming the manufacturing income tax credit, providing some continuity in support for the manufacturing sector amid these tax changes.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2 aims to eliminate the personal property tax in the state, which currently applies to items such as machinery and tools. The bill proposes that, starting with property tax assessments as of January 1, 2023, no items of personal property will be subject to this tax. This sweeping change seeks to simplify the tax structure and alleviate some of the financial burdens on businesses and individuals who are currently subject to personal property taxation.

Contention

There is potential for contention surrounding Assembly Bill 2, particularly regarding its impact on local government funding. Critics may voice concerns that removing the personal property tax could lead to significant revenue losses for municipalities that depend on these funds for local services and infrastructure. Supporters of the bill, however, argue that the elimination of the tax could foster a more favorable business environment, potentially encouraging growth and investment in the state. The overall dialogue suggests a division between prioritizing business incentives and maintaining local government financial stability.