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AB 1227

Relating to: an income tax credit for property taxes paid by certain senior citizens and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sequanna Taylor

Wisconsin would offer an income tax credit for property taxes paid by eligible seniors, with an appropriation to fund the program.

Fiscal estimate received
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1227

Summary: Assembly Bill 1227 (2025 Session) – Income Tax Credit for Property Taxes Paid by Certain Senior Citizens; Authorization of Appropriation

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Wisconsin
  • Bill Number: AB 1227
  • Session: 2025
  • Title: Relating to an income tax credit for property taxes paid by certain senior citizens and making an appropriation.
  • Status (as of provided materials): Introduced March 19, 2026; referred to the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means. Fiscal estimate received April 8, 2026. Some procedural actions indicated (e.g., failed to pass pursuant to SJR 1 on 2026-03-23 in a related action). Co-sponsor: Sequanna Taylor.

Purpose and Intent

The bill seeks to provide an income tax credit to certain senior citizens for property taxes paid. It also authorizes an appropriation to fund the credit program. The aim is to offer targeted tax relief to eligible seniors who bear property tax costs, reducing their overall tax burden.

Key Provisions (Substantive Provisions Likely Included)

Note: The exact statutory language is not provided in the materials. Based on the title and standard Wisconsin practice, the bill would typically include:
- Eligibility criteria for senior citizens (e.g., age threshold, residency, income limits, and property ownership or primary residence requirements).
- Credit amount and calculation:
- Whether the credit is a flat amount or percent-based.
- Whether the credit equals a portion of property taxes paid or a cap applies.
- Interaction with other credits or exemptions (e.g., homestead exemptions, senior credits).
- Property taxes eligible:
- Taxes paid on primary residence.
- Exclusions or inclusions (e.g., special assessments, installments).
- Claiming mechanism:
- How eligible taxpayers claim the credit (likely via the Wisconsin income tax return, with a required form or schedule).
- Documentation required to verify property taxes paid.
- Timing and administration:
- When the credit would be available (tax year or calendar year basis).
- Administrative responsibilities for the Department of Revenue (DOR) to administer, verify eligibility, and process claims.
- Budgetary / Appropriation:
- An appropriation is authorized to fund the credit program, including the total annual cost, potential limitations, and any carryover or sunset provisions.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Targeted Population: Wisconsin seniors who meet the eligibility criteria (likely based on age, income, residency, and property ownership).
  • Taxpayers Benefiting: Eligible individuals would receive a credit against their Wisconsin income tax liability, reducing net taxes owed. Depending on implementation, the credit could also affect households’ overall tax planning, potentially increasing after-tax income for low- to moderate-income seniors with high property tax burdens.
  • State Revenue and Budget: The appropriation would impact the state budget by providing funds to cover the credit. Fiscal estimates would assess annual fiscal impact, including revenue reduction and any administrative costs.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 19, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to Assembly Committee on Ways and Means (standard pathway for revenue-related measures).
  • Fiscal Note/Estimate: Fiscal estimate received April 8, 2026, indicating an assessment of anticipated costs and revenue impact.
  • Prior Related Action: A Senate-related path indicated “Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1” on March 23, 2026, suggesting prior procedural attempts or amendments; however, AB 1227 is a House bill. The notation may reflect a shared budget process or joint resolution used for budgetary matters.
  • Sponsorship: Primary sponsor is Representative (name not fully listed in materials); Co-sponsor: Sequanna Taylor.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Equity and Targeting: If eligibility is restricted to seniors below certain income levels, the program could focus benefits on those with higher property tax-to-income burdens.
  • Budgetary Trade-offs: The appropriation could have meaningful budgetary implications, depending on the credit size and number of eligible filers. Fiscal notes would be key to understanding annual cost and potential impact on revenue.
  • Program Design: The degree of interaction with existing property tax relief tools (e.g., senior exemptions, circuit-breaker style credits) will influence administrative complexity and taxpayer impact.
  • Timing: If the credit applies to tax year 2025 or 2026 onward, taxpayers would need to know in advance when and how to claim the credit.

If you would like, I can adapt this summary to include hypothetical example calculations (e.g., sample credit amounts and eligibility thresholds) once you provide the bill’s specific numeric provisions or we can await the official text and fiscal note for precise figures.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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