NASE in the News

NASE Supports H.R. 6102, Makes Permanent the Health Insurance Deduction for the Self-Employed

The NASE strongly supports legislation introduced by Rep. Gerlach and Rep. Kind that makes permanent eight key tax provisions for the self-employed and small business community, including the health insurance deduction for the self-employed.  With its small business community partners, the NASE worked closely with staff to draft the legislation, we applaud the hard work and vision of Rep. Gerlach and Rep. Kind in sponsoring this important legislation.

H.R. 6102 Letter of Support

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July 17, 2012

Representative Jim Gerlach
United States House of Representatives
2442 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Representative Ron Kind
United States House of Representatives
1406 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

Dear Representative Gerlach and Representative Kind:

On behalf of the 21 million self-employed Americans, the National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) we would like to thank you for introducing H.R. 6102, America's Small Business Tax Relief Act of 2012.  The eight permanent tax deductions included in the bill, will not only provided fiscal clarity for the self-employed, but also, provide them with equity in the tax code.  The bill clearly signals the intent of lawmakers to ensure the viability of America's smallest businesses and will allow these businesses to grow and thrive. 

Of the eight provisions included in H.R. 6102, the NASE champions the permanent, full deduction of health insurance for the self-employed.  In June 2012 the NASE released its national health care survey, in which 85% of respondents indicated that rising health coverage costs have been detrimental to themselves, their families, their businesses and their “bottom line” over the past three years.  Juxtapose this against the fact that in 2011, the number of insured self-employed was at its highest, 77%.  And yet, the self-employed pay on average nearly $1,800 in additional taxes that no other business owners face because they simply decided to purchase health insurance. If the self-employed were allowed to fully deduct their health insurance costs as a business expense, the U.S. economy would have roughly $39 billion injected annually that would allow for individuals to re-invest in their business, purchase goods, and hire additional employees.  

We applaud your leadership on these important small business issues and very much look forward to supporting your efforts in securing enactment of this legislation.  

Sincerely,
Kristie Arslan
President & CEO