Wisconsin § 73.12 - Set off of payments to vendors.
Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 73.12 — Set off of payments to vendors., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 73.12. Set off of payments to vendors.
73.12(1) (1) Definitions. In this section: 73.12(1)(a) (a) “Tax” means an amount that is owed to this state under ch. 71 , 72 , 76 , 77 , 78 or 139 and any addition to tax, interest, penalties or other liability in respect to those amounts and that has been reduced to a tax warrant or in respect to which the time limit for appeal has passed. 73.12(1)(b) (b) “Vendor” means a person providing goods or services to this state under subch. IV or V of ch. 16 or under ch. 84 . 73.12(2) (2) Request for setoff. The department of revenue may request the department of administration to proceed under sub. (3) against any vendor who owes a tax. A request under this subsection consists of identification of the vendor and of the vendor’s contracts with this state and notice to the vendor of the request for a setoff. 73.12(3) (3) Setoff. Upon receipt of a request under sub. (2) , the department of administration shall begin to set off against amounts owed by this state to a vendor taxes owed to this state by that vendor until those taxes are paid in full. If the secretary of administration determines, within 30 days after receipt of a request for setoff, that the vendor against whom setoff is requested is either an essential supplier of critical commodities or the only vendor from whom a necessary good or service can be obtained and notifies the secretary of revenue of that determination, the department of administration shall waive the right of setoff and the department of administration shall pay to the vendor the amounts set off. The department of administration shall, within 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter, transfer to the department of revenue the taxes set off during the previous calendar quarter for deposit in the general fund, or in the transportation fund in respect to taxes owed under ch. 78 , and shall notify the department of revenue of the amounts set off against each vendor. 73.12(4) (4) Application of proceeds. Upon notice under sub. (3) , the department of revenue shall reduce on its books the liability of the vendor by the amount set off. The department shall reduce the principal amount of tax liability and related amounts beginning with the liability of longest standing and proceeding chronologically to the most recent liability. In respect to each principal amount of liability and related amounts, the department of revenue shall reduce amounts in the order provided in s. 71.91 (5) (k) . 73.12(5) (5) Liability precluded. Exchange of information required to administer this section does not result in liability under s.
Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 73.12
What does Wisconsin Statutes § 73.12 cover?
Section 73.12 ("Set off of payments to vendors.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Wisconsin § 73.12?
A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 73.12" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.
How does Wisconsin § 73.12 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.