THE WISCONSIN TAX LAW PROVIDES WHO MUST FILE: RETURN OF PERSONAL PROPERTY REQUIRED BY LAW

Sec 70.35 Any person, firm or corporation as defined in section 70.35 receiving from the assessor a return of personal property must submit such return to the assessor on or before MARCH 1st. This return becomes confidential information not available for public inspection.

PENALTIES FOR OMISSIONS, FALSE STATEMENTS AND NON-FILING

Sec 70.36 Any person, firm or corporation having personal property subject to assessment who makes a false statement, or omits such property from the return required by Sec. 70.35 with intent to evade payment of the just taxes on such property, shall forfeit the sum of $10.00 for each $100.00 or major fraction withheld from the knowledge of the assessor or Board of Review. Sec. 70.35 Any person, firm or corporation which fails, neglects or refuses to make and file this return shall be denied any abatement by the Board of Review of the assessment of its personal property unless such return is filed with the Board together with a statement of the reason for non-filing.

CHANGE OF LOCATION OR OWNER

Sec. 70.13(6) No change of location or sale of any personal property after the first day of January in any year shall affect the assessment in such year.

PROPERTY EXEMPTED

This report should include all personal property of value which is not specifically exempt per the Wisconsin Statutes (Section 70.111). Some of the more common exemptions include automobiles, trucks, aircraft and machinery of state-designated manufactures. If you believe that your organization may qualify for total exemption from the property tax, a completed exemption request for must be filed with the Assessor absolutely by March 1 in the year exemption is being sought for. Forms are available in the Assessor’s Office and at www.revenue.wi.gov/forms/govexmpt/pr-230.pdf

MANUFACTURERS

Sec. 70.995 If you believe your business is manufacturing by nature, you may be assessable by the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Office of the Supervisor of Manufacturing Assessments. That office can inform you whether your principal business activity meets the statutory definition and you are thereby subject to assessment by them rather than the municipal assessor’s office. Their contact information: Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Manufacturing and Utility Section, 610 Gibson Street, Suite 7, Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701, Ph: 715.836.4925, Fx: 715.836.6690, email: mfgtel79@revenue.wi.gov