NASE in the News

NASE Sends Letter Of Support For Senate Tax Extenders Bill

The NASE has joined other small-business organizations to support S. 2050, The Small Business Tax Extenders Act of 2012.

Read the full letter here: S. 2050 Support

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May 21, 2012

Dear Majority Leader Reid and Minority Leader McConnell:

As organizations representing millions of small businesses across the county, we urge you to pass S. 2050, the Small Business Tax Extenders Act of 2012, sponsored by Sens. Olympia Snowe (R-ME) and Mary Landrieu (D-LA). It is critical to extend small business tax provisions that work to spur business investment, increase cash flow, and reduce tax complexity.

According to the Small Business Administration (SBA), 65 percent of net new jobs over the past 17 years were created by small businesses; but small businesses have struggled to grow and create jobs in the current environment. S. 2050 provides incentives for small businesses to invest in and expand their businesses. It also represents a comprehensive approach that assists all business types and structures, including start-ups, S corporations, and the self-employed. Finally, the bill helps to reduce tax complexity, an important concern to small business owners who spend more than $1,500 per employee on tax compliance according to the SBA.
Since 2003, Congress has steadily increased the allowable Section 179 expensing amount from $25,000 to $500,000 for tax year 2011. This expensing provision encourages businesses to immediately deduct the full value of investments in equipment in the year the investment is made rather than claiming the deduction over a longer depreciation period, greatly simplifying tax preparation. The bill expands the definition of qualified property to real property and computer software, thus encouraging business owners to invest in construction and IT related projects.

S. 2050 provides tax equity to the nation's self-employed businesses by expanding the deductibility of health insurance to apply to employment taxes. Health care costs remain the top concern for small business, and this provision helps the self-employed save money on their health care costs, thus freeing up their ability to invest in other expenses and investments.

The bill grants much-needed relief to S corporations by increasing their ability to access capital. It does so by reducing the built-in gains holding period for S corporations. When businesses convert from a C corporation to an S corporation, they have been required to hold their appreciated assets for up to a decade or else face a punitive level of double taxation.

S. 2050 also helps new start-up businesses get off the ground. Typically, businesses can deduct their expenses in the year the expenses are paid. However, a start-up business is limited in the amount it can deduct, and managing such expenses is important to starting a successful business. Most new small businesses face significant start-up costs, including advertising; obtaining licenses, permits and fees; paying rent; hiring business and financial consultants; and providing employee training. S. 2050 addresses this issue by allowing up to $10,000 through the end of 2012.

Finally, the bill contains several other provisions that benefit a variety of small businesses. These include an extension of the five-year carryback of general business credits for eligible small businesses, an extension of the Alternative Minimum Tax Rules for general business credits, and cost recovery benefits for long-term contract accounting.

As you look for opportunities to help small businesses create jobs and invest in their businesses and communities, we encourage you to pass S. 2050 as soon as possible. We look forward to working with you as the 112th Congress continues.

Sincerely,

American Farm Bureau Federation® 

American Lighting Association 

American Rental Association 

Associated Builders and Contractors 

Association of Equipment Manufacturers 

Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association 

Financial Executives International – Committee on Private Company 

Policy Financial Services Institute, Inc. 

Independent Community 

Bankers Association 

Metals Service Center Institute 

National Association for the Self-Employed 

National Association of Home Builders 

National Beer Wholesalers Association 

National Federation of Independent Business 

National Funeral Directors Association 

National Roofing Contractors Association 

National Small Business Association 

Printing Industries of America 

Professional Beauty Association 

Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council

Small Business Legislative Council 

Society of Chemical Manufacturers and Associates

The S Corporation Association 

Tire Industry Association 

Truck Renting and Leasing Association 

U.S. Chamber of Commerce