Monday is Last Day To Sign Up For $100 Child Tax Rebate

WAUKESHA, WI — Monday is the final day to sign up for Wisconsin’s $100-per-child tax rebate and August sales tax holiday.

The bill, signed into law by Gov. Scott Walker in May, creates a $100-per-child tax rebate for every dependent child living at home under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2017, and an August back-to-school sales tax holiday on school-related items.

Walker issued a partial veto to the legislation which expands the duration of the sales tax holiday from two days in August to five days: Aug. 1-5, 2018.

“This rebate and sales tax holiday will help Wisconsin families with the costs of raising children,” Walker said in a prepared statement. “A couple hundred dollars more in the family budget could really make a difference, particularly when getting ready for the next school year. It could mean a new pair of shoes, a winter coat, activity fees at school, or a co-pay at the doctor or dentist. We are giving this money back to the hardworking taxpayers because it is their money to begin with, and we want them to spend it on their priorities, not Madison’s priorities.”

According to fiscal estimates by the state, about 1.2 million children will quality for the rebate for a one-time cost of $122.1 million - with administrative costs totaling about $823,000.

How The Rebate Works

Anyone who is a resident of the State of Wisconsin is eligible to receive $100 for every dependent child living at home under the age of 18 as of December 31, 2017. Beginning May 15, 2018, through July 2, 2018, eligible citizens can claim their $100-per-child tax rebate on a Department of Revenue website that will be announced prior to May 15. Claims cannot be submitted prior to May 15. Those who claim the rebate will receive the money before school starts this fall and have the option to receive it through a check in the mail or direct deposit.

Along with the child tax rebate, the legislation creates a back-to-school sales tax holiday in August. State sales tax will not be charged from Aug. 1-5 on school supplies where each item is $75 or less, clothing where each item is $75 or less, computers where each item is $750 or less, and computer supplies where each item is $250 or less.

Governor Walker thanked the Legislature for passing this legislation with bipartisan support. The bill passed the Senate on a vote of 17-15 and was concurred by the Assembly on a vote of 59-31.

Image Courtesy Gov. Scott Walker's Office