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Bill > SB21
WI SB21
Creating an employee ownership conversion costs tax credit, a deduction for capital gains from the transfer of a business to employee ownership, and an employee ownership education and outreach program. (FE)
summary
Introduced
02/05/2025
02/05/2025
In Committee
02/05/2025
02/05/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill creates tax incentives related to businesses in this state converting to an employee ownership business structure and requires the Department of Revenue to establish an outreach and education program to promote employee ownership business structures. Employee ownership conversion costs tax credit Under the bill, DOR may certify a business to claim a nonrefundable income tax credit for an amount equal to 70 percent of costs related to converting the business to a worker-owned cooperative or 50 percent of the costs related to LRB-1413/1 KP:cdc&skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 21 converting the business to an employee stock ownership plan. The credit is limited to a maximum amount of $100,000. A business is qualified to receive the credit if the business is subject to income and franchise taxes in this state and, at the time the business receives the credit, does not have an employee stock ownership plan and is not, in whole or in part, a worker-owned cooperative. Capital gain deduction The bill also creates an individual income tax subtraction and a corporate income and franchise tax deduction for the amount of the capital gain realized from the transfer of ownership of a business in this state to an employee stock ownership plan or worker-owned cooperative. Employee ownership outreach and education Finally, the bill directs DOR to establish an economic development program for the purpose of promoting employee ownership business structures, including the business structures of employee stock ownership plans and worker-owned cooperatives, through education, outreach, technical assistance, and training related to converting existing businesses to an employee ownership business structure or starting new businesses with an employee ownership business structure. The bill directs DOR to submit an application to the U.S. secretary of labor for a grant under 29 USC 3228 for use in administering the program created in the bill. Because this bill relates to an exemption from state or local taxes, it may be referred to the Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions for a report to be printed as an appendix to the bill. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill creates tax incentives and an education program to support businesses converting to employee ownership structures in Wisconsin. Specifically, the bill establishes a tax credit for businesses converting to either a worker-owned cooperative or an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP), allowing businesses to claim up to 70% of conversion costs for cooperatives or 50% of conversion costs for ESOPs, with a maximum credit of $100,000. The bill also introduces a capital gains tax deduction for business owners who transfer ownership to an ESOP or worker-owned cooperative, provided the employee-owned entity acquires more than 50% of the business. Additionally, the bill directs the Department of Revenue to create an economic development program focused on promoting employee ownership through education, outreach, technical assistance, and training. This program aims to help employees and employers explore and understand employee ownership business structures, with the department authorized to seek federal grants to support these efforts. The tax credits and deductions will apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and the department can allocate up to $5 million in total credits annually.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (26)
Jesse James (R)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Cory Tomczyk (R)*,
Clint Anderson (D),
Ryan Clancy (D),
Angelina Cruz (D),
Ben DeSmidt (D),
Benjamin Franklin (R),
Joy Goeben (R),
Russell Goodwin (D),
Rick Gundrum (R),
Francesca Hong (D),
Andrew Hysell (D),
Dean Kaufert (R),
Rob Kreibich (R),
Darrin Madison (D),
Dave Maxey (R),
Vincent Miresse (D),
Todd Novak (R),
Jim Piwowarczyk (R),
Pricilla Prado (D),
Shae Sortwell (R),
Angela Stroud (D),
Ron Tusler (R),
Randy Udell (D),
Chuck Wichgers (R),
Last Action
Senate Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Senator James (on 06/27/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
Document Type | Source Location |
---|---|
State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb21 |
Senate Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/SB21-SSA1-SA1.pdf |
Senate Substitute Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/SB21-SSA1.pdf |
Fiscal Note - SB21: Fiscal Estimate From DOR | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb21/sb21_dor.pdf |
BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB21.pdf |
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