Lowe’s Fights to Revive ‘Dark Store’ Tax Strategy in Wisconsin

Lowe’s Companies Inc. on Wednesday fought for the possibility of steep property tax reductions for Wisconsin businesses before the state’s high court.

The state Supreme Court’s decision could determine whether “dark stores” factor into property valuations.

The oral argument boiled down to whether and when state courts should allow the sales of vacant business properties—often valued far less than real estate holding operating businesses—into the mix of comparable sales used to create tax assessments.

For Lowe’s, it could mean a roughly 50% assessment reduction in just one store in the city of Delavan. For the broader business community, it could ...