Walmart files its tax-case appeal in Pulaski County

By Eric Besson
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

The property-tax fight between Walmart and Pulaski County, viewed as Arkansas' "dark-store theory" test case, landed Tuesday in circuit court as the company appealed its recent loss at county court.

The Bentonville retailer has sought to cut the county's assessed value of 10 properties from $145 million to $74.3 million, a reduction of about 48%.

At stake is about $900,000 in annual local tax value, a number far less than previously disclosed. The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, relying on a document from the tax assessor's office that contained a miscalculation, initially reported $4.5 million in tax revenue was at issue in the case.

Walmart suggested in its filings Tuesday that Pulaski County's valuation of the 10 properties -- eight Walmart Supercenters and two Sam's Club stores -- "rely upon inaccurate or misapplied data and methodologies."

"At the County Court hearing, Walmart presented comprehensive independent appraisals to support its value position," the company's petitions say. "The Assessor presented no documentary evidence whatsoever." READ MORE.