With the 2017 legislative session underway, lawmakers will be considering a variety of proposals that could impact the business community. Here are three from the Senate that would benefit Alabama small business owners.
Regulation Notification
Senate Bill 33, filed by Sen. Paul Sanford, would require state agencies to provide notification if a proposed rule or regulation is being litigated in court. This change to the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act is recommended by the NFIB Tax Advisory Committee, and it has passed the Senate 31-0.
Tax Notification
Currently, local taxing jurisdictions are required to notify the Department of Revenue of tax changes 30 days in advance of implementation. However, if the DOR or the local jurisdiction provides an incorrect tax rate, taxpayers are held liable for filing at that rate. Senate Bill 216, also filed by Sen. Paul Sanford, would increase the notification timeline to 60 days prior to implementation and eliminate taxpayer liability for incorrect tax rates posted by the DOR or local jurisdiction. This measure is also recommended by the NFIB Tax Advisory Committee.
Veteran Employment
Senate Bill 66, filed by Sen. Gerald Dial, would allow certain small businesses to earn a tax credit for hiring an unemployed veteran, regardless of when he or she was honorably or generally discharged from active military service.