Tag Archives: Business

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The Affordable Care Act & small business


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When it comes to the Affordable Care Act, our nation’s leaders maintain a dialogue with the country’s businesses, large and small. The work is ongoing, but the Administration has responded to your concerns by making changes to simplify the reporting process and giving businesses more time to comply.

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News … the other Washington


ONE YEAR INTO MANDATORY PAID SICK TIME, A LOOK AT IMPACT ON BUSINESS

On Tuesday, the Main Street Alliance of Washington released a report stating that the new paid sick time ordinance has not hindered the Seattle–King County economy. In fact, the number of businesses in Seattle has continued to grow in services and retail, and the volume of sales has continued to grow, according to the Alliance’s Marilyn Watkins. Three small business owners championed the paid sick time law as they gathered on Tuesday at the unveiling of the report’s results. Makini Howell of Plum Bistro, Jody Hall of Cupcake Royale, and Joe Fugere of Tutta Bella all said the law hasn’t stopped them from expanding.  They acknowledged an increase in business expense but said it’s very minimal.

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New SPD oversight director outlines a way forward

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Walleye pollock show some behavioral problems when exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide. That raises concern about the North Pacific's $1 billion-a-year pollock fishery, which accounts for half the nation's catch of fish.  Click on Photo for complete storyPDF of today's Seattle Times front page

STEVE RINGMAN / THE SEATTLE TIMES

 Walleye pollock show some behavioral problems when exposed to high levels of carbon dioxide.
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Results Washington
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PARTICIPATE

Keeping track in Olympia
Find your lawmakers and track bills in the state Legislature. Legislative Guide

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On Tuesday, Progressive Radio Northwest is launching the first in a series of monthly get-togethers to meet each other, mingle and discuss issues central to our mission of bringing progressive radio back to the region. We hope to have a speaker at each session and look forward to engaging in a wide variety of lively topics.

First session:  Tuesday, September 24

7:00 to 9:00 pm

Topic:  “Corporate Media and the Demise of Progressive Talk:

Lack of Listeners or Political Suppression?”

Geov Parrish, Guest Speaker

 

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Small business and ACA
Calvin W. Goings Regional Administrator Calvin W. Goings

The Affordable Care Act, Part 3

The U.S. Small Business Administration is committed to educating small business owners about the facts surrounding the Affordable Care Act, so that you can make an informed decision about what makes sense for your business – including whether you choose to apply for a tax credit.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, small businesses are benefitting from improved accountability and affordability in the health insurance market. As you prepare for the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplaces to begin open enrollment on October 1, it is important that small businesses, who offer health insurance to their employees, remember that you may also be eligible for a tax credit. This can significantly offset the cost of providing insurance, by crediting a percentage of small business owners’ premium contributions.

Through 2013, to qualify for a small business tax credit of up to 35 percent (up to 25 percent for non-profits) of your premium contributions, you must meet all of the following criteria:

·         Have fewer than 25 full-time equivalent employees

·         Pay average annual wages below $50,000

·         And, contribute 50 percent or more toward your employees’ self-only health insurance premiums.

Beginning in January 2014, this tax credit increases to 50 percent (35 percent for non-profits) and will be available to small businesses who meet the criteria listed above and who purchase coverage through the new SHOP Marketplaces (also known as Exchanges). This enhanced credit can be claimed for any two consecutive taxable years beginning in 2014 (or beginning in a later year) through the SHOP.

To determine whether your small business or tax exempt organization qualifies for the credit, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers a helpful step-by-step guide. Visit http://www.taxpayeradvocate.irs.gov/ and search for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. If you have additional questions about the tax credit, or need assistance completing the necessary forms, call the IRS Business Help Line at 1-800-829-4933.

Once you’ve determined that you qualify for the credit, your tax professional can help guide you through the necessary steps to claim the credit which include:

·         Carrying the credit back or forward to other tax years.

·         Obtaining a refundable credit if you are a tax-exempt employer. (Note this is a federal tax credit. You may also be eligible for additional health care tax credits from your state.)

·         Using Form 8941, Credit for Small Employer Health Insurance Premiums, to calculate the credit. It’s also important to know that eligible small employers can claim the credit and still take a business expense deduction for the remainder of their premium contributions.

The Affordable Care Act allows small employers to offer health coverage in a way that makes sense for their business and works for their bottom line, and the SBA is committed to leveraging our resources and federal partnerships to connect you with the facts and resources you need to understand the law.

To learn more, visit www.sba.gov/healthcare.
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Meet Portland’s new District Director


Direct from the Director
Portland District Director Camron Doss

Camron Doss District Director Portland District Office

Hi Oregon and SW Washington Newsletter Subscribers –

I wanted to briefly introduce myself to you and share how excited I am to be joining the Portland District Office and taking on the role of Director.

Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of working with numerous small businesses and I’ve seen first hand how the federal government can help them grow and succeed through contracting and procurement. I got started with the federal government about 15 years ago. My first job was with the U.S. National Park Service as a Park Ranger Interpreter and an On-Campus Recruiter. After that I headed to the General Services Administration where I worked as a Real Property Management Intern, Contracting Officer, Asset Manager, Supervisory Property Manager and most recently, I was the Director of the Southern Service Center for the GSA Northwest/Artic Region.

Small businesses drive our economy here in the Portland District and across the country – and that’s one of the reasons I am so excited about my new position with the SBA. I truly believe in our mission – we are here to help small businesses start, grow and succeed.

Whether you have an idea, need a business plan or are looking to expand your current business – our office and the network of resource partners have programs and tools to assist you.

I look forward to seeing you in the community and at upcoming events and trainings.

– Camron Doss