07/18/2008
CONTACT: Gregg Thompson, 919-833-9480 or Todd Pack, 615-872-5897
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Gregg Thompson, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, issued the following statement today on the conclusion of this year's legislative session:
"This year's state budget includes the Small Business Protection Act (Section 26.16), and that's a huge victory for small business. The Small Business Protection Act includes limits on certain sales tax assessments and a mandate that the Department of Revenue record calls to the Taxpayer Assistance Center as a way to help improve customer service. Senator David Hoyle really got behind small business. He really understands just how important small business is to the health of North Carolina's economy.
"The budget also extends the Small Business Employee Health Benefits Tax Credit by one year and includes a sales tax exemption for interior design services and baked goods sold by artisan bakeries. Interior design firms and artisan bakeries are usually small businesses, and they shouldn't be burdened by taxes that can drive customers away.
"Small business is the heart and soul of North Carolina's economy. We're grateful to the General Assembly for passing legislation that's going to help small businesses grow and create jobs."
The National Federation of Independent Business is North Carolina's leading small business association with about 7,000 members statewide.
