Alliance Poll Reports Estate Tax Number One Issue for Self-Employed

A majority of Alliance for Affordable Services Members believe Congress could best help small businesses by permanently repealing the death tax.

When asked what action Congress should take to help the nation’s small business thrive, 33 percent of Alliance Members surveyed said permanent repeal of the death tax would be the most effective. Estate tax is the number one legislative issue for the Alliance. Estate taxes pose a heavy burden for small-business owners and family businesses that wish to pass their businesses to their heirs. The Alliance advocates for permanent elimination of this unfair tax. Currently, small businesses have temporary relief through The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (HR1836). However, in 2011 the estate tax will be reinstated.

Alliance Members also responded that Congressional action on other issues would boost small-business economic growth:

• 23 percent of Alliance Members said that increasing tax deductions such as home office and business equipment would be helpful to them.

• 23 percent said they would like to see Small Business Association loan programs strengthened.

• 15 percent of survey respondents said more tax incentives would help them.

• 6 percent said lower interest rates would be very effective.

The results are from the Alliance’s annual opinion poll taken during the last quarter of 2002. Members were asked survey questions via a pop-up window when they logged into their accounts on the Association’s Web site. A total of 827 Alliance Members participated in the survey.

The Alliance for Affordable Services is a national, tax paying non-profit organization dedicated to helping small-business owners reduce expenses and improve their quality of life. The Alliance provides legislative education and advocacy. The association represents the voice of more than 100,000 small-business owners nationwide.

The association also offers members a multitude of discounted products and services that address their professional, health and family needs. For more information about the Alliance for Affordable Services, visit www.affordableservice.org or call Member Services at 1-800-733-2242.

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