Small Biz Open Mic

What Burdens Does Your Small Business Face?

  • I am holding off hiring employees and acquiring equipment until the Supreme Court ( hopefully) strikes down the Health Care Act in full . Also , the expiration of the tax cuts from the 2000's will have a tremendously negative effect on my business , as well as many other businesses I know of. How are even small companies supposed to plan and budget for the future, when Congress and the Executive Branch cannot operate on a budget ? In a word its disgraceful! Jim Acher (Big Lake, AK) Northern Pioneer Helicopters
  • Many small business owners struggle to pay 25% or more in effective tax rates on very small to modest profits. Additionally, keep in mind that many small businesses may show a profit on paper but a large part of that money may very well be tied up in inventory and not at all in a liquid state that can pay the tax bill. I, among others, have had to, in past years, borrow money in April just to make the tax payments on profits that were solely "paper profits" and didn't actually ever lead to a large enough payout to owners to cover the tax bill. These are just a few of the disheartening issues that make being a business owner in this country very frustrating. Paul Jones (Caruthersville, MO) LM Containers
  • This administration has convinced a significant segment of voters that small business owners who "make" more than $250k per year are wealthy. But, they fail to realize that the mythical $250k in my bank account on December 31 is needed to make payroll, rent, and buy inventory on January 1. Just like it was on June 30, or August 24, or any other day of the year. Except, on December 31, the government confiscates 30%. Will Leaman (Roanoke, VA) BCDS
  • President Obama's latest tax proposal includes changes which will specifically harm ESOP Subchapter S compnies. These changes will directly harm many middle class people. ESOP's have been proven to be an equitable way to engage people at all levels of a company in economic success. ESOP's have been proven to be more-resistant to layoffs than other companies. Why would we implement tax proposals that hurt the poor and middle class and which are anti-employment? Put it another way - if these proposals pass, we will likely need to lay off 10 - 15% of our workforce. Donald Waltzer (Rochester, NY)

Tell Us About the Hurdles Your Small Business is Facing