Chapter 70

70.11(27)(a)1. 1. “Building” means any structure used for sheltering people, machinery, animals or plants; storing property; or working, office, parking, sales or display space.

70.11(27)(a)2. 2. “Machinery” means a structure or assemblage of parts that transmits forces, motion or energy from one part to another in a predetermined way by electrical, mechanical or chemical means, but “machinery” does not include a building.

70.11(27)(a)3. 3. “Manufacturing” means engaging in an activity classified as manufacturing under s. 70.995.

70.11(27)(a)4. 4. “Power wiring” means bus duct, secondary service wiring or other wiring that is used exclusively to provide electrical service to production machines that are exempt under par. (b). “Power wiring” does not include transformers.

70.11(27)(a)5. 5. “Production process” means the manufacturing activities beginning with conveyance of raw materials from plant inventory to a work point of the same plant and ending with conveyance of the finished product to the place of first storage on the plant premises, including conveyance of work in process directly from one manufacturing operation to another in the same plant, including the holding for 3 days or less of work in process to ensure the uninterrupted flow of all or part of the production process and including quality control activities during the time period specified in this subdivision but excluding storage, machine repair and maintenance, research and development, plant communication, advertising, marketing, plant engineering, plant housekeeping and employee safety and fire prevention activities; and excluding generating, transmitting, transforming and furnishing electric current for light or heat; generating and furnishing steam; supplying hot water for heat, power or manufacturing; and generating and furnishing gas for lighting or fuel or both.

70.11(27)(a)6. 6. “Specific processing equipment” means containers for chemical action, mixing or temporary holding of work in process to ensure the uninterrupted flow of all or part of the production process, process piping, tools, implements and quality control equipment.

70.11(27)(a)6m. 6m. “Storage” means the holding or safekeeping of raw materials or components before introduction into the production process; the holding, safekeeping or preservation of work in process or of components outside the production process; and the holding or safekeeping of finished products or of components after completion of the production process; whether or not any natural processes occur during that holding, safekeeping or preservation; but “storage” does not include the holding for 3 days or less of work in process to ensure the uninterrupted flow of all or part of the production process.

70.11(27)(a)7. 7. “Used directly” means used so as to cause a physical or chemical change in raw materials or to cause a movement of raw materials, work in process or finished products.

70.11(27)(a)8. 8. “Used exclusively” means to the exclusion of all other uses except for other use not exceeding 5 percent of total use.

70.11(27)(b) (b) Machinery and specific processing equipment; and repair parts, replacement machines, safety attachments and special foundations for that machinery and equipment; that are used exclusively and directly in the production process in manufacturing tangible personal property, regardless of their attachment to real property, but not including buildings. The exemption under this paragraph shall be strictly construed.

70.11(28) (28) Humane societies. Property owned and operated by a humane society organized primarily for the care and shelter of homeless, stray or abused animals, on a nonprofit basis, no part of the net income of which inures to the benefit of any member, officer or shareholder, if the property is used exclusively for the primary purposes of the humane society.

70.11(29) (29) Nonprofit radio stations. Property owned by a radio station that is exempt from taxation under section 501 of the internal revenue code as amended to December 31, 1980, if the property is used for the purposes for which the exemption was granted.

70.11(29m) (29m) Nonprofit theaters. All of the property owned or leased by a corporation, organization or association exempt from taxation under section 501 (c) (3) of the internal revenue code, if all of the property is used for the purposes for which the exemption was granted, the property includes one or more buildings listed on the national register of historic places, the property includes one or more theaters for performing theater arts which have a total seating capacity of not less than 800 persons and the corporation, organization or association operates the theater or theaters.

70.11(29p) (29p) Nonprofit outdoor theaters. All the property owned or leased by an organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as confirmed by a determination letter issued by the Internal Revenue Service no later than July 31, 1969, if all of the property is used for the purposes for which the exemption was granted, the property includes one or more outdoor theaters for performing theater arts which have a total seating capacity of not less than 400 persons, and the organization operates the theater or theaters.

70.11(30) (30) Crops. All perennial plants that produce an annual crop.

70.11(31) (31) Sports and entertainment facilities. Real and personal property consisting of or contained in a sports and entertainment facility, including related or auxiliary structures, constructed by a nonprofit corporation for the purpose of donation to the state or to an instrumentality of the state, if the state indicates by legislative or executive action that it will accept the facility. This exemption shall apply during construction and operation if the facility is owned by a nonprofit corporation, the state or an instrumentality of the state.

70.11(31m) (31m) Railroad historical societies. Right-of-way and rolling stock owned by railroad historical societies.

70.11(32) (32) Nonprofit youth hockey associations. Land not exceeding 13 acres, the buildings on that land and personal property if the land is owned or leased by and the buildings and personal property are owned by, and all the property is used exclusively for the purposes of, a nonprofit youth hockey association, except that the exemption under this subsection does not apply to the property of a nonprofit youth hockey association if any of its property was funded in whole or in part by industrial revenue bonds unless that association’s facilities were placed in operation after January 1, 1988. Leasing all or a portion of the property does not render that property taxable if all of the leasehold income is used for maintenance of the leased property.

70.11(33) (33) Camps for mentally or physically disabled persons. Land, not exceeding 50 acres, and the buildings on that land used as a residential campground exclusively for mentally or physically disabled persons and their families as long as the property is used for that purpose and not for the pecuniary profit of any individual.

70.11(34) (34) Historic properties.

70.11(34)(a) (a) Real property all of which fulfills all of the following requirements:

70.11(34)(a)1. 1. Is listed on the national register of historic places in Wisconsin or the state register of historic places.

70.11(34)(a)2. 2. Is a public building, as defined in s. 101.01 (12).

70.11(34)(a)3. 3. Is owned or leased by an organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501 of the internal revenue code as amended to December 31, 1986.

70.11(34)(a)4. 4. Is used for civic, governmental, cultural or educational purposes.

70.11(34)(a)5. 5. Is subject to an easement, covenant or similar restriction running with the land that is held by or approved by the state historical society or by an entity approved by the state historical society, that protects the historic features of the property and that will remain effective for at least 20 years after January 1, 1989.

70.11(35) (35) Cultural and architectural landmarks. Property described in s. 234.935 (1), 1997 stats.

70.11(36) (36) Professional sports and entertainment home stadiums.

70.11(36)(a) (a) Property consisting of or contained in a sports and entertainment home stadium, except a football stadium as defined in s. 229.821 (6); including but not limited to parking lots, garages, restaurants, parks, concession facilities, entertainment facilities, transportation facilities, and other functionally related or auxiliary facilities and structures; including those facilities and structures while they are being built; constructed by, leased to or primarily used by a professional athletic team that is a member of a league that includes teams that have home stadiums in other states, and the land on which that stadium and those structures and facilities are located. Leasing or subleasing the property; regardless of the lessee, the sublessee and the use of the leasehold income; does not render the property taxable.

70.11(36)(b) (b) Property consisting of or contained in a football stadium, as defined in s. 229.821 (6), and related facilities and structures, including those facilities and structures while they are being built or constructed, primarily used by a professional football team described in s. 229.823, and the land, including parking lots, on which that stadium and those facilities and structures are located. Related facilities and structures are limited to improvements that share common structural supports with the stadium or are physically attached to the stadium. Using the property for garages, restaurants, parks, concession facilities, entertainment facilities, transportation facilities, or other functionally related or auxiliary facilities does not render the property taxable. Leasing or subleasing the property; regardless of the lessee, the sublessee and the use of the leasehold income; does not render the property taxable.

70.11(37) (37) Local exposition district. The property of a local exposition district under subch. II of ch. 229, including sports and entertainment arena facilities, as defined in s. 229.41 (11g), except that any portion of the sports and entertainment arena facilities, excluding the outdoor plaza area, that is used, leased, or subleased for use as a restaurant or for any use licensed under ch. 125, and is regularly open to the general public at times when the sports and entertainment arena, as defined in s. 229.41 (11e), is not being used for events that involve the arena floor and seating bowl, is not exempt under this subsection.

70.11(38) (38) University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 70.11 (intro.) that relate to leased property, all property owned by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority and all property leased to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority that is owned by the state, provided that use of the property is primarily related to the purposes of the authority.

70.11(38m) (38m) Wisconsin Aerospace Authority. Notwithstanding the provisions of s. 70.11 (intro.) that relate to leased property or that impose other limitations, all property owned or leased by the Wisconsin Aerospace Authority, provided that use of the property is primarily related to the purposes of the authority.

70.11(38r) (38r) Economic Development Corporation. All property owned by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, provided that use of the property is primarily related to the purposes of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

70.11(39) (39) Computers. Mainframe computers, minicomputers, personal computers, networked personal computers, servers, terminals, monitors, disk drives, electronic peripheral equipment, tape drives, printers, basic operational programs, systems software, and prewritten software. The exemption under this subsection does not apply to custom software, fax machines, copiers, equipment with embedded computerized components or telephone systems, including equipment that is used to provide telecommunications services, as defined in s. 76.80 (3). For the purposes of s. 79.095, the exemption under this subsection does not apply to property that is otherwise exempt under this chapter.

70.11(39m) (39m) Cash registers and fax machines. Cash registers and fax machines, excluding fax machines that are also copiers.

70.11(40) (40) Local cultural arts district. Property of a local cultural arts district under subch. V of ch. 229, except any of the following:

70.11(40)(a) (a) Property that is not a part of the physical structure of a cultural arts facility, as defined under s. 229.841 (5), if that property is used for a retail business or a restaurant, unless the retail business or restaurant is operated by the local cultural arts district or by a corporation, organization or association described in section 501 (c) 3 of the Internal Revenue Code that is exempt from taxation under section 501 (a) of the Internal Revenue Code.

70.11(40)(b) (b) A parking lot or parking structure that is not used to support the operation of a cultural arts facility, as defined under s. 229.841 (5).

70.11(41) (41) Fox River Navigational System Authority. All property owned by the Fox River Navigational System Authority, provided that use of the property is primarily related to the purposes of the authority.

70.11(43) (43) Art and arts education centers. All of the property owned or leased by a corporation, organization, or association that is exempt from taxation under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, if the property satisfies the following conditions:

70.11(43)(a) (a) It is used for the purposes for which the exemption under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code is granted to the corporation, organization, or association that owns or leases the property.

70.11(43)(b) (b) It includes one or more buildings that are owned or leased by the corporation, organization, or association and that are located within, or are surrounded by, a municipal park.

70.11(43)(c) (c) It includes one or more theaters for the performing arts that are operated by the corporation, organization, or association and the seating capacity of the theater or theaters is not less than 600 persons.

70.11(43)(d) (d) It includes facilities that are used for arts education.

70.11(44) (44) National Ice Training Center. Beginning with the first assessment year in which the property would not otherwise be exempt from taxation under sub. (1), property owned by a nonprofit corporation that operates a National Ice Training Center on land purchased from the state, if the property is located or primarily used at the center. Property that is exempt under this subsection includes property leased to a nonprofit entity, regardless of the use of the leasehold income, and up to 6,000 square feet of property leased to a for-profit entity, regardless of the use of the leasehold income.

70.11(45) (45) Nonprofit community theater. All property owned or leased by a corporation, organization, or association that is exempt from taxation under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, if the property satisfies the following conditions:

70.11(45)(a) (a) It is used for the purposes for which the exemption under section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code is granted to the corporation, organization, or association that owns or leases the property.

70.11(45)(b) (b) It is located on land that the property owner owned prior to March 25, 2010, or on land donated by a local business owner or by a municipality.

70.11(45)(c) (c) It is located on land that is within 20 miles of the Mississippi River.

70.11(45)(d) (d) It is located on a parcel of land that is at least one-fourth of an acre, but no larger than 2 acres.

70.11(45)(e) (e) It includes one or more theaters for the performing arts that are operated by the corporation, organization, or association and the seating capacity of the theater or theaters is not less than 450 persons.

70.11(45)(f) (f) It includes facilities that are used for arts education.

70.11(45m) (45m) Snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, and utility terrain vehicle clubs. Trail groomers owned by a snowmobile club, an all-terrain vehicle club, a utility terrain vehicle club, or an off-highway motorcycle club that is exempt from taxation under section 501 (c) (3), (4), or (7) of the Internal Revenue Code.

70.11(46) (46) Nonprofit youth baseball associations. Land not exceeding 6 acres, the buildings on that land, and personal property, if the land is owned or leased by, and the buildings and personal property are owned by, a nonprofit youth baseball association and used exclusively for the purposes of the association. Leasing all or a portion of the property does not render the property taxable if all of the leasehold income is used for maintaining the leased property.

70.11(47) (47) Cranberry research and educational station. All property owned or leased by the Wisconsin Cranberry Research and Education Foundation that is located in Jackson County and consists of at least 130.5 acres of land.

70.11 History History: 1971 c. 152, 154, 312; 1973 c. 90; 1973 c. 333 s. 201m; 1973 c. 335 s. 13; 1975 c. 39; 1975 c. 94 s. 91 (10); 1975 c. 199; 1977 c. 29 ss. 745m, 1646 (3), 1647 (5), (7); 1977 c. 83 s. 26; 1977 c. 273, 282, 391, 418, 447; 1979 c. 34 s. 2102 (39) (g); 1979 c. 221, 225; 1979 c. 310 s. 12; 1981 c. 20; 1983 a. 27 ss. 1177, 1178, 1179f; 1983 a. 189 s. 329 (16); 1983 a. 201, 327; 1985 a. 26, 29, 316, 332; 1987 a. 10, 27, 395, 399; 1987 a. 403 s. 256; 1989 a. 25, 31, 307; 1991 a. 37, 39, 269; 1993 a. 263, 307, 399, 490; 1995 a. 27 ss. 3344 to 3348m, 9126 (19); 1995 a. 201, 227, 247, 366; 1997 a. 27, 35, 134, 147, 164, 184, 237; 1999 a. 9, 32, 63, 65; 1999 a. 150 ss. 624, 672; 1999 a. 167, 185; 2001 a. 16, 38, 59, 103; 2003 a. 195, 291; 2005 a. 4, 22, 70, 74, 335; 2007 a. 19; 2007 a. 20 ss. 1932 to 1934f, 9121 (6) (a); 2009 a. 28, 152, 155; 2011 a. 7, 10, 32, 208; 2011 a. 260 s. 80; 2013 a. 20, 380; 2015 a. 60, 170; 2017 a. 59, 222; 2019 a. 9, 172; 2021 a. 1, 58, 151, 239; 2023 a. 12, 19.

70.11 Cross-reference Cross-reference: For other exemptions from property taxation, see s. 1.04, U.S. sites; s. 70.112, specially taxed property; s. 70.42, coal docks; s. 70.421, petroleum; s. 76.23, utilities.

70.11 Annotation A building used as a residence by various missionaries for rest and recreation falls within the housing exemption under sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)]. Evangelical Alliance Mission v. Village of Williams Bay, 54 Wis. 2d 187, 194 N.W.2d 646 (1972).

70.11 Annotation Voting machines leased by a city with an option to purchase are city property and exempt. City of Milwaukee v. Shoup Voting Machine Corp., 54 Wis. 2d 549, 196 N.W.2d 694 (1972).

70.11 Annotation An educational institution under sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)] must be substantially and primarily devoted to educational purposes, the determination of which requires a careful analysis of the property’s use. National Foundation of Health, Welfare & Pension Plans, Inc. v. City of Brookfield, 65 Wis. 2d 263, 222 N.W.2d 608 (1974).

70.11 Annotation “Owned” under sub. (2) cannot be equated with paper title only. When a corporate lessee was the beneficial and true owner of improvements made to a structure, the lessee was the owner for personal property assessment purposes. State ex rel. Mitchell Aero, Inc. v. Board of Review, 74 Wis. 2d 268, 246 N.W.2d 521 (1976).

70.11 Annotation “Used exclusively” under sub. (4m) means to physically employ the tangible characteristics of the property. Although medical equipment was leased commercially, it was “used exclusively” for hospital purposes and was exempt. First National Leasing Corp. v. City of Madison, 81 Wis. 2d 205, 260 N.W.2d 251 (1977).

70.11 Annotation Religious persons whose housing is exempt under sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)] include only those who have official leadership roles in the activities of the congregation. Midtown Church of Christ, Inc. v. City of Racine, 83 Wis. 2d 72, 264 N.W.2d 281 (1978).

70.11 Annotation Discussing indicia of true and beneficial ownership of leased property under sub. (1). Gebhardt v. City of West Allis, 89 Wis. 2d 103, 278 N.W.2d 465 (1979).

70.11 Annotation The residence of a hospital chaplain was exempt under sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)] as housing for a pastor and under sub. (4m) because it was reasonably necessary for the hospital to have a priest located near the hospital to serve the spiritual needs of its patients and staff. Sisters of St. Mary v. City of Madison, 89 Wis. 2d 372, 278 N.W.2d 814 (1979).

70.11 Annotation To qualify as an educational association under sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)], an organization must be devoted to “traditional” educational activities, which must include traditional charitable objectives and which must benefit the public directly and lessen the burden of government in some way. International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans, Inc. v. City of Brookfield, 95 Wis. 2d 444, 290 N.W.2d 720 (Ct. App. 1980).

70.11 Annotation A “function or use” test, rather than a “physical appearance” test, was applied to determine whether building-like structures were eligible for the machinery and equipment exemption under sub. (27). Ladish Malting Co. v. DOR, 98 Wis. 2d 496, 297 N.W.2d 56 (Ct. App. 1980).

70.11 Annotation An organization that practices racial discrimination may not be granted preferential tax treatment. State ex rel. Palleon v. Musolf, 117 Wis. 2d 469, 345 N.W.2d 73 (Ct. App. 1984).

70.11 Annotation Affirmed. 120 Wis. 2d 545, 356 N.W.2d 487 (1984).

70.11 Annotation Under an “integrated plant test” for classifying property directly used in manufacturing, graving docks were exempt under sub. (27). The exemption was not destroyed by incidental use of the dock for a nonexempt purpose. Manitowoc Co. v. City of Sturgeon Bay, 122 Wis. 2d 406, 362 N.W.2d 432 (Ct. App. 1984).

70.11 Annotation Sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)] is constitutional. Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod v. City of Prairie du Chien, 125 Wis. 2d 541, 373 N.W.2d 78 (Ct. App. 1985).

70.11 Annotation Property leased by an institution for the care of dependent children was not exempt under sub. (19). Chileda Institute, Inc. v. City of La Crosse, 125 Wis. 2d 554, 373 N.W.2d 43 (Ct. App. 1985).

70.11 Annotation A day care center devoted primarily to educational purposes was exempt under sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)]. Janesville Community Day Care Center, Inc. v. Spoden, 126 Wis. 2d 231, 376 N.W.2d 78 (Ct. App. 1985).

70.11 Annotation Property exempted under sub. (21) (a) need not have a “primary purpose” of eliminating pollution. Owens-Illinois, Inc. v. Town of Bradley, 132 Wis. 2d 310, 392 N.W.2d 104 (Ct. App. 1986).

70.11 Annotation The burden of proving exempt status is on the taxpayer. Waushara County v. Graf, 166 Wis. 2d 442, 480 N.W.2d 16 (1992).

70.11 Annotation Non-adjoining property may constitute “grounds” of a college or university under sub. (3) (a). Trustees of Indiana University v. Town of Rhine, 170 Wis. 2d 293, 488 N.W.2d 128 (Ct. App. 1992).

70.11 Annotation A benevolent association under sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)] is not required to provide free services or to be affordable by all in the community and may pay its officers reasonable compensation for their services. Friendship Village of Greater Milwaukee, Inc. v. City of Milwaukee, 181 Wis. 2d 207, 511 N.W.2d 345 (Ct. App. 1993).

70.11 Annotation A lease provision between a county-lessor and a lessee that the lessee was responsible for taxes was not determinative of the taxability of buildings constructed on the leased premises. The county, as beneficial owner of the property, was exempt from taxation. City of Franklin v. Crystal Ridge, Inc., 180 Wis. 2d 561, 509 N.W.2d 730 (1994).

70.11 Annotation The legislature may not delegate the power to grant tax exemptions to a county board. University of Wisconsin La Crosse Foundation, Inc. v. Town of Washington, 182 Wis. 2d 490, 513 N.W.2d 417 (Ct. App. 1994).

70.11 Annotation Discussing the determination of “land necessary for location and convenience of buildings” under sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)]. Friendship Village of Greater Milwaukee, Inc. v. City of Milwaukee, 194 Wis. 2d 787, 535 N.W.2d 111 (Ct. App. 1995).

70.11 Annotation A youth soccer association failed to establish that it was substantially and primarily devoted to educational purposes. Although its program had educational elements, it was not entitled to tax exempt status under sub. (4) as an educational association. Kickers of Wisconsin, Inc. v. City of Milwaukee, 197 Wis. 2d 675, 541 N.W.2d 193 (Ct. App. 1995).

70.11 Annotation No notice of claim under s. 893.80 is ever required on a claim arising from a county board determination under sub. (20) (d). Little Sissabagama Lake Shore Owners Ass’n v. Town of Edgewater, 208 Wis. 2d 259, 559 N.W.2d 914 (Ct. App. 1997), 96-1800.

70.11 Annotation Whether a clinic building is a “doctor’s office” under is sub. (4m) is not dependent on whether or not it is operated as part of a for profit practice owned by physicians or as a nonprofit corporation. A clinic operated by a nonprofit corporation that contains offices for doctors, provides outpatient care only, and is open for regular business hours is a “doctor’s office.” St. Clare Hospital of Monroe, Wisconsin, Inc. v. City of Monroe, 209 Wis. 2d 364, 563 N.W.2d 170 (Ct. App. 1997), 96-0732.

70.11 Annotation The exemption under sub. (13m) will not be applied to reduce the value of a remaining taxable property not a part of the exempt archeological site. Wrase v. City of Neenah, 220 Wis. 2d 166, 582 N.W.2d 457 (Ct. App. 1998), 97-3457.

70.11 Annotation The exclusivity requirement under sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)] does not prohibit occasional commercial use. The question is how consequential the use is compared to the total use of the property. The party seeking the exemption must present more than “recollections” and “observations” of use. Deutsches Land, Inc. v. City of Glendale, 225 Wis. 2d 70, 591 N.W.2d 583 (1999), 96-2489.

70.11 Annotation The sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)] exemption of up to ten acres of land is tied to and follows from the exemption of buildings. It does not allow for the exemption of buildings necessary for the use of the land. Deutsches Land, Inc. v. City of Glendale, 225 Wis. 2d 70, 591 N.W.2d 583 (1999), 96-2489.

70.11 Annotation Section 70.11 (intro.), and not s. 70.1105, applies if an exempt organization leases part of its property to a for-profit entity. Section 70.1105 applies when the exempt organization engages in for-profit activities. However, the methodology for determining exemptions under each is the same. Deutsches Land, Inc. v. City of Glendale, 225 Wis. 2d 70, 591 N.W.2d 583 (1999), 96-2489.

70.11 Annotation Revisions to sub. (4) [now sub. (4) (a)] and sub. (4m) by 1995 Wis. Act 27 were constitutional. Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire v. DOR, 229 Wis. 2d 846, 601 N.W.2d 1 (Ct. App. 1999), 98-1264.