To the Journal editor:

At one time, stores had to do an inventory at the end of the year and fill out a form declaring the value of coolers, freezers, shelving, etc., as well as the inventory of merchandise.

As of right now, none of that has to be done. A few years ago, the voters of Michigan voted that personal property could not be taxed. So, as far as being taxable, what ever is inside the store is not there.

The store is empty. You may see a lot of items inside but they are not taxable as they are considered to be personal property.

I’m not sure if a governmental unit could pass a local law that would include taxing such assets or pass a local sales tax law to make up for the loss from the personal property exemption.