Reforming state law or creating new laws is often a long process that demands careful strategy, skilled lobbying, legislative leadership, and most importantly, the active involvement of individuals impacted by change. The long road to eliminating Wisconsin’s personal property tax has been a top NFIB tax reform priority for many years. In fact, ten years ago NFIB members were asked, via the State Ballot, whether the personal property tax should be eliminated. The results showed an overwhelming majority – 81 percent – backed legislation that would eliminate the complex outdated personal property tax.
The following is a statement by Senator Dan Knodl (Germantown), one of the authors and legislative leaders who successfully steered this important legislation through the Legislature.
“It is with “heavy hearts” that we bid farewell to an old companion, the Personal Property Tax in the state of Wisconsin. The Personal Property Tax, known affectionately to loved ones as “PPT,” passed away at the age of 186 on January 1, 2024. An investigation ruled the official cause of death to be 2023 Act 12, which was enacted last June following years of effort by myself and my legislative colleagues.
Born in 1837 while Wisconsin was still a territory, the PPT enjoyed its youth as a primary source of revenue for the state, as households and businesses paid property taxes on their clothing, jewelry, furniture, and other valuable items. Following the birth of its younger siblings, particularly the Income Tax in 1911 and the Sales Tax in 1962, the PPT became an increasingly inefficient and complicated way to collect revenue.
For those who navigated its complicated labyrinth of paperwork, deadlines, and assessments, the PPT was a constant companion, albeit one not always welcomed. It demanded attention, resources, and occasionally a bit of frustration.
As we “mourn” the loss of the PPT, we honor its memory and the role it once played. We also celebrate the void it leaves behind, which will be filled with new opportunities for businesses to thrive unencumbered and focus on what they do best—creating jobs and growing our economy.
May the Personal Property Tax rest in peace, and may our state continue to move toward a more streamlined, business-friendly environment that fosters growth and innovation. On Wisconsin!”
NFIB, on behalf of our state’s small business community, is grateful to Senators Knodl, Stroebel, Testin, and Pfaff, also Representatives Armstrong, Allen, and Callahan for their steadfast support for legislation to eliminate the personal property tax.
