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Big-box Retail's Tax Evasion
Jun. 22nd, 2015 05:35 pmA discussion of parasitic methods big-box retailers use to systematically avoid paying what I would argue is their fair share in taxes.
A lawsuit brought by Lowe's in Marquette, MI forced tax assessors to value a store not based on its new construction cost, but on the value of abandoned Lowe's in other areas. Why? Because the stores are intentionally built to be disposable with no eye toward reuse. In fact, deed restrictions may make the property even less reusable. Therefore, the chain argues, the property value is drastically lower than they invested into land and improvements.
Some analyses have even shown that big-box retail is a *net tax loss* for some communities. This is parasitism.
A lawsuit brought by Lowe's in Marquette, MI forced tax assessors to value a store not based on its new construction cost, but on the value of abandoned Lowe's in other areas. Why? Because the stores are intentionally built to be disposable with no eye toward reuse. In fact, deed restrictions may make the property even less reusable. Therefore, the chain argues, the property value is drastically lower than they invested into land and improvements.
Some analyses have even shown that big-box retail is a *net tax loss* for some communities. This is parasitism.
