11/20/2006
Save the date
Tuesday, Jan. 16, Small-Business Day at the Capitol in Richmond
Meet your legislators and discuss finding affordable health care, eminent domain and more.
Post-election wrap-up and look ahead
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NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer |
In a recent statement, NFIB President and CEO Todd Stottlemyer said: "Small-business issues transcend party lines and we want to work with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to create an environment where businesses can flourish and grow and strengthen the American economy. That's what NFIB is all about, promoting and protecting the right of our members to own, operate and grow their businesses. The key is providing a climate within which to do that."
NFIB will continue to work with the elected legislators to ensure the voice of small business is heard. NFIB would like to thank each legislative candidate, win or lose, NFIB-endorsed or not, for running for public office. It takes real dedication to run in these races, and small business thanks you for your willingness to serve.
Tax issue identified at Lynchburg Area Action Council
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At a recent Lynchburg grassroots meeting, Bert Dodson, right, of Dodson Pest Control received the 2006 Small-Business Champion Award from State Director Gordon Dixon. Dodson has been active as a Leadership Council member and supporter of NFIB's Young Entrepreneur Foundation, among several endeavors. Congratulations, Bert! |
The AMT is an extra tax some people have to pay on top of regular income tax. For various reasons, the AMT reaches more people each year, including some business owners and S-corps who don't have very high income, as well as some who do not have much in the way of tax benefits. Congress is studying ways to correct this problem; until it does, almost anyone can fall under this tax.
If your small business has had to deal with the AMT, please contact the NFIB/Virginia office by e-mailing Gordon.Dixon@NFIB.org, or call (804) 377-3661.
Quotes at the Lynchburg AAC
Andy Anderson, Anderson Construction: "I am frustrated with the burden caused me by the alternative minimum tax, especially when I am buying equipment."
Gene Moore, J. B. Moore Electrical Contractor, Regarding health insurance for small business: "I can't afford it, can't buy it and no one in government seems to be doing anything about it."
Catherine Justis, Justis Convenience Store: "This business has been in our family for 50 years … We do not currently provide health insurance because it is just so difficult to find a good program for our employees."
Bill Thomilson, Hill City Wholesale: "Health insurance for our employees is not affordable, but if we can't get people to work for us, we can't not afford it."
Scott Estes, 7-Hills Signs: "I spend more time trying to go through government red tape and regulations to get a sign up. We spend more time and money to get a permit, more than what the sign is worth, and it is very difficult to explain that to our customers."
Shelley Reichard, Commonwealth Supportive Services: "To be able to offer health insurance to our employees where we do a 50/50, my husband and I go without health insurance. We have a catastrophic plan … and we thought it was a great idea until recently when I broke my leg this year."
Virginia communications taxes to change in 2007
The Virginia Tax Department has released new communications taxes that every business owner and individual must pay come Jan. 1. Mostly, there's good news. A flat tax of 5 percent will replace the following phone-bill taxes:
- Local consumer utility tax on landline and wireless telephone service
- Local E-911 tax on landline telephone service
- Virginia Relay Center assessment on landline telephone service
- A portion of the local Business, Professional and Occupational License tax assessed on public service companies by certain localities that impose the tax at a rate higher than 0.5 percent
- Local video programming excise tax on cable television services
- Local consumer utility tax on cable television services
It is estimated the average customer, both residential and commercial, should save money with the new process. Those businesses with higher call volumes may experience higher taxes. For more information log on to www.tax.virginia.gov/site.cfm?alias=CommunicationsTaxes
Coping in a Consumer-Driven World
Monday, Dec. 11
1-5:30 p.m.
Omni Shoreham Hotel
Washington, D.C.
Learn how consumers, physicians and small-business owners are coping in a consumer-driven world. This workshop is not like many others that are trying to sell you something. It will show you available tools and help you make your own decisions about what to do with those tools. Registration is $25. Register at www.consumerhealthworld.com/Howcope.aspx.
Applications for Young Entrepreneur awards available online
Do you know an up-and-coming entrepreneur? Encourage them to apply for the 2007 Young Entrepreneur Awards, a program of the National Federation of Independent Business Young Entrepreneur Foundation. The fifth annual scholarship program for high-school seniors is designed to set teenage small-business owners on the path to entrepreneurship.
Award recipients attend the university, college, community college or vocational/technical institute of their choice with $1,000 in tuition assistance from the NFIB Young Entrepreneur Foundation. Five students will be named regional winners and will receive a $5,000 scholarship. One of the five regional winners will be named the Young Entrepreneur of the Year and will be awarded an additional $5,000 for a total scholarship award of $10,000. For more information and to download an application, please visit www.nfib.com/YEF and click on Young Entrepreneur Awards under the programs section.
Sincerely,
Gordon Dixon
NFIB/Virginia state director
Gordon.Dixon@NFIB.org
