Legislature OKs bill to address ‘dark store’ tax scheme, measure to lift limits on clean syringes

As Beacon previously reported, large chain stores try to exploit a “dark store” tax scheme by arguing their retail properties should be valued the same as abandoned shopping centers that have lost economic value. A 2019 report by the Maine Center for Economic Policy (MECEP) found that of the 25 Maine towns with the highest retail sales, 17 had big box stores appeal their property tax valuations. The analysis further found that valuations were requested to be reduced by 34% on average.

Click here to read the full story, first published March 23, 2022, in Beacon.