What is the 'Dark Store Theory' and why does a Pennsylvania lawmaker want to ban it?

Theory Briefing

• The Dark Store Theory lets large retailers claim their operating stores should be assessed at the value of vacant, shuttered properties — slashing their tax bills.
• Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing to ban the practice, which critics say shifts the tax burden onto homeowners and smaller businesses.
• Retailers justify the tactic by comparing their stores to "dark" (closed) comparable properties when appealing assessments, exploiting gaps in valuation law.
• Local governments lose significant property tax revenue when big-box stores win these appeals, straining public services and school funding.