Plan To Shift Tax Assessments For Big Box Stores Plods Ahead

LANSING, Mich. (AP) - A plan to prevent big box stores from paying less in property taxes may be gaining steam in the Legislature after the House approved the measure before leaving for summer break.

Supporters say the bill will ensure property tax is assessed more equitably for large retail stores like Lowe's or Target. The House approved the plan 97-11 despite strong opposition from business interests in the state.

Opponents say it would complicate the tax appeal process, increase the cost of appeals and violate a state constitutional requirement that property be valued uniformly.

Bill sponsor Republican Rep. David Maturen says it's supposed to make sure the state's Tax Tribunal uses "truly comparable" measures to evaluate taxes.

It now goes to the Senate, which likely won't consider the legislation until fall.
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