Wisconsin Republicans seek 2017 sales tax holiday
- Sep 21, 2016 | Gail Cole
Republican lawmakers in Wisconsin have released their Forward Agenda, “a broad outline of goals for next session and the future of Wisconsin.” It includes the creation of a sales tax holiday.
Tax-free periods have been considered before in Wisconsin, most recently this spring. They’ve had the support of many Republicans, including Governor Scott Walker. As the agenda explains, a sales tax holiday would “give tax relief to all Wisconsinites and help hardworking families stretch their budgets in preparation for the new school year.” In 2014, legislators considered a fall tax-free period for energy efficient appliances in addition to a back-to-school holiday.
Previous proposed holidays failed (in part at least) because of fiscal concerns. According to a 2016 Wisconsin Department of Revenue fiscal analysis, an annual sales tax holiday would decrease state sales and use tax revenue by $13.2 million each year. There would also be a drop in local sales tax revenue of approximately $952,000 annually.
The agenda is a wish list, a statement of all the Republicans hope to accomplish, not what they will actually achieve. Retailers using tax automation will be well-prepared for any eventuality. Learn how sales tax software facilitates compliance in all states.
