Loon Symbol Gone From State Tax Form

The loon symbol on state income tax forms has gone away; the DNR Secretary hopes donations to endangered resources programs won’t disappear, too.

The legislature has voted to remove all icons from the state tax forms. That includes the loon symbol next to the line where people can donate to Wisconsin’s Endangered Resources Fund. The fund has historically helped pay for efforts to restore species like the bald eagle and trumpeter swan. DNR Secretary Cathy Stepp contends losing the loon icon won’t mean a lot of lost donations. “I think the folks who have been so wonderful will continue donating or find other ways to donate. I appreciate the Department of Revenue trying to simplify forms.”

The DNR put out a press release this week publicizing the disappearance of the loon from the tax forms, but reminding people they can still donate money. Secretary Stepp says she earlier shot a video promoting donations to the Endangered Resources Fund. But now, Stepp says her agency will talk about whether to have her shoot a new video.