71.28(4)(am)(am) Development zone additional research credit.
71.28(4)(am)1.1. In addition to the credit under par. (ad), any corporation may credit against taxes otherwise due under this chapter an amount equal to 5 percent of the amount obtained by subtracting from the corporation’s qualified research expenses, as defined in section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code, except that “qualified research expenses” include only expenses incurred by the claimant in a development zone under subch. II of ch. 238 or subch. VI of ch. 560, 2009 stats., except that a taxpayer may elect the alternative computation under section 41 (c) (4) of the Internal Revenue Code and that election applies until the department permits its revocation and except that “qualified research expenses” does not include research expenses incurred before the claimant is certified for tax benefits under s. 238.365 (3) or s. 560.765 (3), 2009 stats., or the corporation’s base amount, as defined in section 41 (c) of the Internal Revenue Code, in a development zone, except that gross receipts used in calculating the base amount means gross receipts from sales attributable to Wisconsin under s. 71.25 (9) (b) 1. and 2., (df) 1. and 2., (dh) 1., 2., and 3., (dj), and (dk) and research expenses used in calculating the base amount include research expenses incurred before the claimant is certified for tax benefits under s. 238.365 (3) or s. 560.765 (3), 2009 stats., in a development zone, if the claimant submits with the claimant’s return a copy of the claimant’s certification for tax benefits under s. 238.365 (3) or s. 560.765 (3), 2009 stats., and a statement from the department of commerce or the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation verifying the claimant’s qualified research expenses for research conducted exclusively in a development zone. The rules under s. 73.03 (35) apply to the credit under this subdivision. Section 41 (h) of the Internal Revenue Code does not apply to the credit under this subdivision.
71.28(4)(am)2.2. The development zones credit under subd. 1., as it applies to a person certified under s. 238.365 (3) or s. 560.765 (3), 2009 stats., applies to a corporation that conducts economic activity in a development opportunity zone under s. 238.395 (1) or s. 560.795 (1), 2009 stats., and that is entitled to tax benefits under s. 238.395 (3) or s. 560.795 (3), 2009 stats., subject to the limits under s. 238.395 (2) or s. 560.795 (2), 2009 stats. A development opportunity zone credit under this subdivision may be calculated using expenses incurred by a claimant beginning on the effective date under s. 238.395 (2) (a) or s. 560.795 (2) (a), 2009 stats., of the development opportunity zone designation of the area in which the claimant conducts economic activity.
71.28(4)(am)3.3. No credit may be claimed under this paragraph for taxable years that begin on January 1, 1998, or thereafter. Credits under this paragraph for taxable years that begin before January 1, 1998, may be carried forward to taxable years that begin on January 1, 1998, and thereafter.
71.28(4)(b)(b) Adjustments. For taxable year 1985 and subsequent years, adjustments for acquisitions and dispositions of a major portion of a trade or business shall be made under section 41 of the internal revenue code as limited by this subsection.
71.28(4)(c)(c) Annualization. In the case of any short taxable year, qualified research expenses shall be annualized as prescribed by the department of revenue.
71.28(4)(d)(d) Proration. If a portion of qualified research expenses is incurred partly within and partly outside this state and the amount incurred in this state cannot be accurately determined, a portion of the qualified expenses shall be reasonably allocated to this state. Expenses incurred entirely outside this state for the benefit of research in this state are not allocable to this state under this paragraph.
71.28(4)(e)(e) Change of business or ownership. In the case of a change in ownership or business of a corporation, section 383 of the internal revenue code, as limited by this subsection, applies to the carry-over of unused credits.
71.28(4)(f)(f) Carry-over. If a credit computed under this subsection is not entirely offset against Wisconsin income or franchise taxes otherwise due, the unused balance may be carried forward and credited against Wisconsin income or franchise taxes otherwise due for the following 15 taxable years to the extent not offset by these taxes otherwise due in all intervening years between the year in which the expense was incurred and the year in which the carry-forward credit is claimed.
71.28(4)(g)(g) Administration. The department of revenue has full power to administer the credits provided in this subsection and may take any action, conduct any proceeding and proceed as it is authorized in respect to income and franchise taxes imposed in this chapter. The income and franchise tax provisions in this chapter relating to assessments, refunds, appeals, collection, interest and penalties apply to the credits under this subsection.
71.28(4)(h)(h) Timely claim. No credit may be allowed under this subsection unless it is claimed within the period specified in s. 71.75 (2).
71.28(4)(i)(i) Nonclaimants. Except as provided in par. (j), the credits under this subsection may not be claimed by a partnership, except a publicly traded partnership treated as a corporation under s. 71.22 (1k), limited liability company, except a limited liability company treated as a corporation under s. 71.22 (1k), or tax-option corporation or by partners, including partners of a publicly traded partnership, members of a limited liability company or shareholders of a tax-option corporation.
71.28(4)(j)(j) Pass-through entities. Partnerships, limited liability companies, and tax-option corporations may not claim the credit under this subsection, but the eligibility for, and the amount of, the credit are based on their payment of amounts under par. (ad). A partnership, limited liability company, or tax-option corporation shall compute the amount of credit that each of its partners, members, or shareholders may claim and shall provide that information to each of them. Partners, members of limited liability companies, and shareholders of tax-option corporations may claim the credit in proportion to their ownership interests.
71.28(4)(k)(k) Refunds. Notwithstanding par. (f), for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2017, if the allowable amount of the claim under par. (ad) 4., 5., or 6. exceeds the tax otherwise due under s. 71.23, all of the following apply:
71.28(4)(k)1.a.a. For taxable years beginning before January 1, 2021, the amount of the claim not used to offset the tax due, not to exceed 10 percent of the allowable amount of the claim under par. (ad) 4., 5., or 6., shall be certified by the department of revenue to the department of administration for payment by check, share draft, or other draft drawn from the appropriation account under s. 20.835 (2) (d).
71.28(4)(k)1.b.b. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2020 and before January 1, 2024, the amount of the claim not used to offset the tax due, up to 15 percent of the allowable amount of the claim under par. (ad) 4., 5., or 6., shall be certified by the department of revenue to the department of administration for payment by check, share draft, or other draft drawn from the appropriation account under s. 20.835 (2) (d).
71.28(4)(k)1.c.c. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2023, the amount of the claim not used to offset the tax due, not to exceed 25 percent of the allowable amount of the claim under par. (ad) 4., 5., or 6., shall be certified by the department of revenue to the department of administration for payment by check, share draft, or other draft drawn from the appropriation account under s. 20.835 (2) (d).
71.28(4)(k)2.2. The amount of the claim not used to offset the tax due and not certified for payment under subd. 1. may be carried forward and credited against Wisconsin income or franchise taxes otherwise due for the following 15 taxable years to the extent not offset by these taxes otherwise due in all intervening years between the year in which the expense was incurred and the year in which the carry-forward credit is claimed.
71.28(4m)(4m)Super research and development credit.
71.28(4m)(a)(a) Definition. In this subsection, “qualified research expenses” means qualified research expenses as defined in section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code, except that “qualified research expenses” includes only expenses incurred by the claimant for research conducted in this state for the taxable year and except that “qualified research expenses” does not include compensation used in computing the credit under sub. (1dx).
71.28(4m)(b)(b) Credit. Subject to the limitations provided under this subsection, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2011, a corporation may claim as a credit against the tax imposed under s. 71.23, up to the amount of those taxes, an amount equal to the amount of qualified research expenses paid or incurred by the corporation in the taxable year that exceeds the amount calculated as follows:
71.28(4m)(b)1.1. Determine the average amount of the qualified research expenses paid or incurred by the corporation in the 3 taxable years immediately preceding the taxable year for which a credit is claimed under this subsection.
71.28(4m)(b)2.2. Multiply the amount determined under subd. 1. by 1.25.
71.28(4m)(c)(c) Limitations. Subsection (4) (b) to (d) and (i), as it applies to the credit under sub. (4), applies to the credit under this subsection.
71.28(4m)(d)(d) Administration.
71.28(4m)(d)1.1. Subsection (4) (e), (g), and (h), as it applies to the credit under sub. (4), applies to the credit under this subsection.
71.28(4m)(d)2.2. If a credit computed under this subsection is not entirely offset against Wisconsin income or franchise taxes otherwise due, the unused balance may be carried forward and credited against Wisconsin income or franchise taxes otherwise due for the following 5 taxable years to the extent not offset by these taxes otherwise due in all intervening years between the year in which the expense was incurred and the year in which the carry-forward credit is claimed.
71.28(4m)(d)3.3. No credit may be claimed under this subsection for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013. Credits under this subsection for taxable years that begin before January 1, 2014, may be carried forward to taxable years that begin after December 31, 2013.
71.28(5)(5)Research facilities credit.
71.28(5)(ab)(ab) Definitions. In this subsection:
71.28(5)(ab)1.1. “Frame” includes:
71.28(5)(ab)1.a.a. Every part of a motorcycle, except the tires.
71.28(5)(ab)1.b.b. In the case of a truck, the control system and the fuel and drive train, excluding any comfort features located in the cab or the tires.
71.28(5)(ab)1.c.c. In the case of a generator, the control modules, fuel train, fuel scrubbing process, fuel mixers, generator, heat exchangers, exhaust train, and similar components.
71.28(5)(ab)2.2. “Internal combustion engine” includes substitute products such as fuel cell, electric, and hybrid drives.
71.28(5)(ab)3.3. “Vehicle” means any vehicle or frame, including parts, accessories, and component technologies, in which or on which an engine is mounted for use in mobile or stationary applications. “Vehicle” includes any truck, tractor, motorcycle, snowmobile, all-terrain vehicle, boat, personal watercraft, generator, construction equipment, lawn and garden maintenance equipment, automobile, van, sports utility vehicle, motor home, bus, or aircraft.
71.28(5)(ad)(ad) Credit.
71.28(5)(ad)1.1. Except as provided in subds. 2. and 3., for taxable year 1986 and for taxable years that begin before January 1, 2014, any corporation may credit against taxes otherwise due under this chapter an amount equal to 5 percent of the amount paid or incurred by that corporation during the taxable year to construct and equip new facilities or expand existing facilities used in this state for qualified research, as defined in section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code. Eligible amounts include only amounts paid or incurred for tangible, depreciable property but do not include amounts paid or incurred for replacement property.
71.28(5)(ad)2.2. For taxable years beginning after June 30, 2007, and before January 1, 2014, any corporation may credit against taxes otherwise due under this chapter an amount equal to 10 percent of the amount paid or incurred by that corporation during the taxable year to construct and equip new facilities or expand existing facilities used in this state for qualified research, as defined in section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code, except that “qualified research expenses” includes only expenses paid or incurred by the claimant for research related to designing internal combustion engines for vehicles, including expenses related to designing vehicles that are powered by such engines and improving production processes for such engines and vehicles. Eligible amounts include only amounts paid or incurred for tangible, depreciable property but do not include amounts paid or incurred for replacement property.
71.28(5)(ad)3.3. For taxable years beginning after June 30, 2007, and before January 1, 2014, any corporation may credit against taxes otherwise due under this chapter an amount equal to 10 percent of the amount paid or incurred by that corporation during the taxable year to construct and equip new facilities or expand existing facilities used in this state for qualified research, as defined in section 41 of the Internal Revenue Code, except that “qualified research expenses” includes only expenses paid or incurred by the claimant for research related to the design and manufacturing of energy efficient lighting systems, building automation and control systems, or automotive batteries for use in hybrid-electric vehicles, that reduce the demand for natural gas or electricity or improve the efficiency of its use. Eligible amounts include only amounts paid or incurred for tangible, depreciable property but do not include amounts paid or incurred for replacement property.
71.28(5)(b)(b) Calculation and administration. Subsection (4) (b) to (i) as it relates to the credit under that subsection applies to the credit under this subsection.
71.28(5)(c)(c) Sunset. No credit may be claimed under this subsection for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013. Credits under this subsection for taxable years that begin before January 1, 2014, may be carried forward to taxable years that begin after December 31, 2013.
71.28(5b)(5b)Early stage seed investment credit.
71.28(5b)(a)(a) Definitions. In this subsection:
71.28(5b)(a)1.1. “Claimant” means a person who files a claim under this subsection.
71.28(5b)(a)2.2. “Fund manager” means an investment fund manager certified under s. 238.15 (2) or s. 560.205 (2), 2009 stats.
71.28(5b)(b)(b) Filing claims.
71.28(5b)(b)1.1. For taxable years beginning after December 31, 2004, subject to the limitations provided under this subsection and s. 238.15 or s. 560.205, 2009 stats., and except as provided in subd. 2., a claimant may claim as a credit against the tax imposed under s. 71.23, up to the amount of those taxes, 25 percent of the claimant’s investment paid to a fund manager that the fund manager invests in a business certified under s. 238.15 (1) or s. 560.205 (1), 2009 stats.
71.28(5b)(b)2.2. In the case of a partnership, limited liability company, or tax-option corporation, the computation of the 25 percent limitation under subd. 1. shall be determined at the entity level rather than the claimant level and may be allocated among the claimants who make investments in the manner set forth in the entity’s organizational documents. The entity shall provide to the department of revenue and to the department of commerce or the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation the names and tax identification numbers of the claimants, the amounts of the credits allocated to the claimants, and the computation of the allocations.
71.28(5b)(c)(c) Limitations. Partnerships, limited liability companies, and tax-option corporations may not claim the credit under this subsection, but the eligibility for, and the amount of, the credit are based on their payment of amounts under par. (b). A partnership, limited liability company, or tax-option corporation shall compute the amount of credit that each of its partners, members, or shareholders may claim and shall provide that information to each of them. Partners, members of limited liability companies, and shareholders of tax-option corporations may claim the credit in proportion to their ownership interest or as specially allocated in their organizational documents.
71.28(5b)(d)(d) Administration.
71.28(5b)(d)1.1. Subsection (4) (e) to (h), as it applies to the credit under sub. (4), applies to the credit under this subsection.
71.28(5b)(d)2.2. The Wisconsin adjusted basis of any investment for which a credit is claimed under par. (b) shall be reduced by the amount of the credit that is offset against Wisconsin income taxes. The Wisconsin basis of a partner’s interest in a partnership, a member’s interest in a limited liability company, or stock in a tax-option corporation shall be adjusted to reflect adjustments made under this subdivision.
71.28(5b)(d)3.3. Except as provided under s. 238.15 (3) (d), for investments made after December 31, 2007, if an investment for which a claimant claims a credit under par. (b) is held by the claimant for less than 3 years, the claimant shall pay to the department, in the manner prescribed by the department, the amount of the credit that the claimant received related to the investment.
71.28(5f)(5f)Film production services credit.
71.28(5f)(a)(a) Definitions. In this subsection:
71.28(5f)(a)1.1. “Accredited production” means a film, video, broadcast advertisement, or television production, as approved by the state film office, for which the aggregate salary and wages included in the cost of the production for the period ending 12 months after the month in which the principal filming or taping of the production begins exceeds $100,000 for a production that is 30 minutes or longer or $50,000 for a production that is less than 30 minutes. “Accredited production” includes a scripted, unscripted, reality, or competition production, but does not include any of the following, regardless of the production costs:
71.28(5f)(a)1.a.a. News, current events, or public programming or a program that includes weather or market reports.
71.28(5f)(a)1.b.b. A talk show.
71.28(5f)(a)1.c.c. A sports event or sports activity.
71.28(5f)(a)1.d.d. A gala presentation or awards show.
71.28(5f)(a)1.e.e. A finished production that solicits funds.
71.28(5f)(a)1.f.f. A production for which the production company is required under 18 USC 2257 to maintain records with respect to a performer portrayed in a single media or multimedia program.
71.28(5f)(a)1.g.g. A production produced primarily for industrial, corporate, or institutional purposes.
71.28(5f)(a)2.2. “Claimant” means a film production company, as defined in sub. (5h) (a) 2., that operates an accredited production in this state, if the company owns the copyright in the accredited production or has contracted directly with the copyright owner or a person acting on the owner’s behalf and if the company has a viable plan, as determined by the state film office, for the commercial distribution of the finished production.
71.28(5f)(a)3.3. “Commercial domicile” means the location from which a trade or business is principally managed and directed, based on any factors the state film office determines are appropriate, including the location where the greatest number of employees of the trade or business work, the trade or business has its office or base of operations, or from which the employees are directed or controlled.
71.28(5f)(a)4.4. “Production expenditures” means any expenditures that are incurred in this state and directly used to produce an accredited production, including expenditures for writing, budgeting, casting, location scouts, set construction and operation, wardrobes, makeup, clothing accessories, photography, sound recording, sound synchronization, sound mixing, lighting, editing, film processing, film transferring, special effects, visual effects, renting or leasing facilities or equipment, renting or leasing motor vehicles, food, lodging, and any other similar pre-production, production, and post-production expenditure as determined by the state film office. “Production expenditures” includes expenditures for music that is performed, composed, or recorded by a musician who is a resident of this state or published or distributed by an entity that has its commercial domicile in this state; air travel that is purchased from a travel agency or company that has its commercial domicile in this state; and insurance that is purchased from an insurance agency or company that has its commercial domicile in this state. “Production expenditures” does not include salary or wages or expenditures for the marketing and distribution of an accredited production.
71.28(5f)(b)(b) Filing claims. Subject to the limitations provided in this subsection, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025, a claimant may claim as a credit against the tax imposed under s. 71.23 any of the following amounts:
71.28(5f)(b)1.1. To the extent the salary or wages are not claimed under subd. 2., an amount equal to 30 percent of the salary or wages paid by the claimant to the claimant’s employees in the taxable year for services rendered in this state to produce an accredited production and paid to employees who were residents of this state at the time that they were paid.
71.28(5f)(b)2.2. An amount equal to 30 percent of the production expenditures paid by the claimant in the taxable year to produce an accredited production.
71.28(5f)(b)3.3. An amount equal to the taxes imposed under ss. 77.52 and 77.53, to the extent those taxes are not used in claiming a credit under subd. 2., that the claimant paid in the taxable year on the purchase of tangible personal property and taxable services that are used directly in producing an accredited production in this state, including all stages from the final script stage to the distribution of the finished production.
71.28(5f)(c)(c) Limitations.
71.28(5f)(c)1.1. No amount of the salary or wages paid under par. (b) 1. may be the basis for a credit under this subsection unless the salary or wages are paid for services rendered after December 31, 2025, and directly incurred to produce the accredited production.
71.28(5f)(c)2.2. The total amount of the credits that may be claimed by a claimant under par. (b) 1. shall not exceed an amount equal to the first $250,000 of salary or wages paid to each of the claimant’s employees, as described in par. (b) 1., in the taxable year, not including the salary or wages paid to the claimant’s 2 highest-paid employees, as described in par. (b) 1., in the taxable year, if the claimant’s budgeted production expenditures are $1,000,000 or more.
71.28(5f)(c)3.3. No credit may be allowed under this subsection unless the claimant files an application with the state film office, at the time and in the manner prescribed by the office, and the office approves the application. The claimant shall submit a copy of the approved application with the claimant’s return.
71.28(5f)(c)4.4. Partnerships, limited liability companies, and tax-option corporations may not claim the credit under this subsection, but the eligibility for, and the amount of, the credit are based on their payment of amounts under par. (b). A partnership, limited liability company, or tax-option corporation shall compute the amount of credit that each of its partners, members, or shareholders may claim and shall provide that information to each of them. Partners, members of limited liability companies, and shareholders of tax-option corporations may claim the credit in proportion to their ownership interest.
71.28(5f)(d)(d) Administration.
71.28(5f)(d)1.1. Subsection (4) (e), (g), and (h), as it applies to the credit under sub. (4), applies to the credits under this subsection. Subsection (4) (f), as it applies to the credit under sub. (4), applies to the credits under par. (b) 1. and 3.
71.28(5f)(d)2.2. If the allowable amount of the claim under par. (b) 2. exceeds the tax otherwise due under s. 71.23 or no tax is due under s. 71.23, the amount of the claim not used to offset the tax due shall be certified by the department of revenue to the department of administration for payment by check, share draft, or other draft drawn from the appropriation account under s. 20.835 (2) (bm).
71.28(5f)(d)3.3. Any person, including a nonprofit entity described in section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, may sell or otherwise transfer a credit under par. (b) 1. or 3., in whole or in part, to another person who is subject to the taxes imposed under s. 71.02, 71.23, or 71.43, if the person notifies the department of the transfer, and submits with the notification a copy of the transfer documents, and the department certifies ownership of the credit. The transferee may first use the credit to offset tax of the transferor in the taxable year in which the transfer occurs and may use the credit only to offset tax in taxable years in which the credit is otherwise allowed to be claimed and carried forward by the original claimant.
71.28(5f)(d)4.4. Notwithstanding s. 71.82, no interest shall be paid on a refund based on an amount certified under this subsection.
71.28(5g)(5g)Health Insurance Risk-Sharing Plan assessments credit.
71.28(5g)(a)(a) Definitions. In this subsection, “claimant” means an insurer, as defined in s. 149.10 (5), 2011 stats., who files a claim under this subsection.
71.28(5g)(b)(b) Filing claims. Subject to the limitations provided under this subsection, for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005, and before January 1, 2015, a claimant may claim as a credit against the taxes imposed under s. 71.23 an amount that is equal to the amount of assessment under s. 149.13, 2011 stats., that the claimant paid in the claimant’s taxable year, multiplied by the percentage determined under par. (c) 1.
71.28(5g)(c)(c) Limitations.
71.28(5g)(c)1.1. The department of revenue, in consultation with the office of the commissioner of insurance, shall determine the percentage under par. (b) for each claimant for each taxable year. The percentage shall be equal to $5,000,000 divided by the aggregate assessment under s. 149.13, 2011 stats., except that for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2013, and before January 1, 2015, the percentage shall be equal to $1,250,000 divided by the aggregate assessment under s. 149.13, 2011 stats., and shall not exceed 100 percent. The office of the commissioner of insurance shall provide to each claimant that participates in the cost of administering the plan the aggregate assessment at the time that it notifies the claimant of the claimant’s assessment. The aggregate amount of the credit under this subsection and ss. 71.07 (5g), 71.47 (5g), and 76.655 for all claimants participating in the cost of administering the plan under ch. 149, 2011 stats., shall not exceed $5,000,000 in each fiscal year.
71.28(5g)(c)2.2. Partnerships, limited liability companies, and tax-option corporations may not claim the credit under this subsection, but the eligibility for, and the amount of, the credit are based on their payment of amounts described under par. (b). A partnership, limited liability company, or tax-option corporation shall compute the amount of credit that each of its partners, members, or shareholders may claim and shall provide that information to each of them. Partners, members of limited liability companies, and shareholders of tax-option corporations may claim the credit in proportion to their ownership interests.
71.28(5g)(c)3.3. The amount of any credits that a claimant is awarded under this subsection for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2005, and before January 1, 2008, may first be claimed against the tax imposed under this subchapter for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2007, and in the manner determined by the department of revenue.
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2023-24 Wisconsin Statutes updated through 2025 Wis. Act 32 and through all Supreme Court Orders and Controlled Substances Board Orders filed before and in effect on November 1, 2025. Published and certified under s. 35.18. Changes effective after November 1, 2025, are designated by NOTES. (Published 11-1-25)