Yesterday, the Senate passed the Marketplace Fairness Act (“MFA”) by a vote of 69-27.  The MFA compels online and catalog retailers ("remote sellers"), no matter where they are located, to collect sales tax at the time of a transaction and remit to states where the customer resides. States are only granted the authority to collect these taxes after they have simplified[...]

Earlier today, CompTIA moderated a panel sponsored by the Congressional Small Business IT Caucus that included Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-CA), who founded the Congressional Small Business IT Caucus in 2011 and introduced “Startup Act 3.0,” a bipartisan bill that provides tax incentives that help small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). David Brown, policy advisor of Third[...]

Interest is growing in the "Marketplace Fairness Act" recently introduced in the House by Rep. Steve Womack (R-AR) (H.R. 684) and in the Senate by Sen. Mike Enzi (R-WY) (S. 336). This legislation would require businesses to collect and remit state sales taxes on sales of goods and services made into other states. For states that have a sales tax, the Marketplace Fairness[...]

CompTIA believes that the looming budget cuts known as sequestration expected on March 1 will be a huge issue for all Americans, particularly tech entrepreneurs. We believe the largest impact will be on those small businesses who sell goods and services to the federal government.  Furthermore, the fall-out from sequestration will cause major trauma for our economy[...]

Last week, the president issued a long-awaited executive order that seeks to protect critical infrastructure – an action he promised soon after Congress didn’t reach agreement on cyber-security legislation last year. This week, the New York Times reported that a link has been established between cyber-attacks against U.S. companies and firms that provide a variety of services,[...]

Last week, I was in our nation’s capital, along with 60 or so other CompTIA staff, members and TECNA partners, taking part in CompTIA’s second annual TechVoice D.C. Fly-In. While I would not consider myself politically savvy, I am politically curious. I have tremendous appreciation and respect for this country’s history and government. I never imagined I would have the[...]

We heard from some great folks on a panel talk this morning at the TechVoice Fly-In in Washington, D.C., including Rep. Richard Hanna (R-NY) who discussed the importance of education and STEM including the introduction of bill called the STEM Education Opportunity Act. We also heard from Brian Forde, senior advisor to the Chief Technology Officer for The White House,[...]

A number of provisions supported by CompTIA that specifically benefit small businesses and technology were included in H.R. 8, the “American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012,” which Congress voted to pass just before midnight on Jan. 1, avoiding the “fiscal cliff” at the last minute. At 157 pages, the bill has vast implications for taxpayers and the American economy. Small[...]

A long-awaited provision that will benefit woman-owned small businesses seeking federal government contract opportunities is included in amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 3254), which passed the Senate on Dec. 4. CompTIA has actively advocated for this fix, which will correct an anomaly in this federal program. The Women-Owned Small Business Federal[...]

The White House has renewed its call for legislation intended to stimulate small business job growth. This proposal would provide a 10 percent tax credit for “new payroll” of up to $500,000 beginning in 2013. Incremental payroll of up to $500,000 would qualify for the tax credit, translating into a maximum credit of $50,000 per employer.[...]

Supporters of cybersecurity reform last week emphasized the need to pass new legislation. Small business owners in key swing states consider Obama debate victor. Obama supports math and science education at debate. Supporters of cybersecurity reform last week emphasized the need to pass new legislation to protect our nation’s critical infrastructure during conferences,[...]

Following the affirmation of the Affordable Care Act (more commonly known as Obamacare) this summer by the Supreme Court, we began to see an uptick in interest from our members as to how this law would affect their businesses. Since its controversial passage in March of 2010, ongoing challenges to the constitutionality of the reform measure led many businesses to take[...]

Cybersecurity startups raising more money than ever. Military veterans struggle to sell skills. Obama and Romney offer differing strategies to foster entrepreneurism. Cybersecurity startups in the Washington, D.C., area are raising more money than ever as investors see it as a burgeoning industry, says the Washington Business Journal. Entrepreneurs are viewed as having[...]

Small business owners feel policies favor large businesses. Republicans oppose more regulations to boost private businesses’ cybersecurity. Former FBI official calls for clarity on how to combat cyberthreats.

Small business owners feel too many[...]

White House drafts preliminary executive order intended to protect U.S. computer systems. Congress back in session; expected to react. The Obama administration has sought to boost loans to small businesses. The White House has drafted a preliminary executive order with the hope of protecting our nation’s computer systems, says the Washington Post. The exact dimensions[...]

The Senate has failed to reach the 60 votes needed to pass S. 2237, Small Business Jobs and Tax Relief Act. The final vote was 53-44. This bill would have provided a few small business tax benefits including: A tax credit equal to 10% of the difference in the compensation paid to employees in 2012 over 2011; and The 100% bonus depreciation allowance for business would[...]

A look at the week of June 19 in public advocacy for the IT channel: Small cloud companies are struggling to secure federal contracts and certification due to the overwhelming demand of the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program, says the Washington Post. Small business owners are embracing a new bill designed to keep productive immigrant workers in the[...]

A look at the week of April 23 in public advocacy for the IT channel: This week, the House will review four cybersecurity bills, including the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act (CISPA). A new small business tax cut was approved by the House this week. National Journal looks at the role of the House Homeland Security Committee in evaluating cyber legislation.[...]

By now you know the JOBS Act was signed into law by the President on April 5. This legislation includes six pre-existing bills, packaged together into a single piece of legislation. Each of these provisions is intended to increase access to equity capital investment for small businesses: H.R. 1070 — Small Company Capital Formation Act – Increases small business SEC[...]

A look at the week of March 26 in public advocacy for the IT channel: This week, the Senate passed the House’s JOBS Act, making it easier for small companies to raise capital. Budget cuts are hindering the government’s ability to hire the best cyber employees. NPR examines the risks that a cyberattack would have on U.S. critical infrastructure and the best regulatory[...]

In a remarkable show of bi-partisanship, the House passed the Senate-amended version of H.R. 3606 “Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act” by the wide margin of 380-41. This legislation included six existing bills, four of which had passed the House already, and which have been supported by CompTIA as a means of infusing capital into small businesses. The Senate[...]

Small Tech companies have gained a significant victory that will streamline and lessen the costs of obtaining equity capital.  Yesterday, the Senate approved the JOBS Act by a vote of 76-23, following its overwhelming passage by the House of Representatives just last week.  However, before passage, the Senate did tack on an amendment (by a vote of 64-35) that[...]

The House Small Business Committee passed a series of small business contracting bills this morning, all by voice vote. This legislation now will go to the full House of Representatives for action. CompTIA supports this legislation, as well as six other contracting bills passed by the Committee on March 7, and will call on the full House to act on this legislation quickly.[...]

A look at the week of March 19 in public advocacy for the IT channel: This week, the Senate is reviewing the House’s JOBS bill which aims to increase means of raising capital for businesses. The Office of Management and Budget has released a report that federal cyberattacks have decreased in the past year. The Huffington Post examines the current landscape of cybersecurity[...]

Last week, the House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly (390-23) to pass H.R. 3606 "Jumpstart Our Business Startups (JOBS) Act.”  This legislation included six existing bills, four of which had passed the House already, and which have been supported by CompTIA as a means of infusing capital into small businesses.  Among the bills included in this package[...]

We anticipate bi-partisan support for legislation aimed at easing access to equity capital for small businesses. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) announced yesterday that the majority would bring legislation to the floor next week that amalgamates six existing capital access bills, four of which have been passed by the House already. Basically, this new bill,[...]

The Small Business Administration (SBA) announced its final rule concerning size standards for “Computer Systems Design and Related Services,” on February 10^th. Generally, businesses classified under this category (NAICS 5415) will be considered a small business provided their annual receipts do not exceed $25.5 million, up from $25 million. The SBA size[...]

Introduced during the last week in the House, three bills aim to increase and strengthen small business participation in government contracting – a goal CompTIA has always supported. We have reviewed this legislation and believe that a number of provisions would help to direct more government contracting dollars to small businesses. However, we need your input concerning[...]

Senators Landrieu and Snowe, chair and ranking member of the Senate Small Business Committee, have introduced legislation (S. 2050, the Small Business Tax Extenders Act of 2012) that would extend certain expired small business tax provisions though 2012. Some provisions in the bill include: Section 179 expensing limitation of $500,000: Extended through 2012. Temporary[...]

In his State of the Union Speech, President Obama set a national goal of training two million Americans so they can transition to 21^st century jobs.  As the leading global provider of vendor-neutral IT workforce certifications, CompTIA applauds this goal and stands ready to work with the Administration to meet this important challenge.   The IT[...]

A look at the week of January 24 in public advocacy for the IT channel: This week, an adviser to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said that the Senate plans to bring cyber legislation to the floor within the next month. President Obama will make the chief of the U.S. Small Businesses Association into a cabinet-level position. Senator Patrick Leahy (D-VT) is[...]

2012 promises to be an interesting year in Washington, D.C., with the upcoming presidential election dominating the political scene. Members of Congress will be anxious to wrap up the session so they can get home to campaign for reelection. This means that the calendar will be compressed and legislative achievements will be limited. That said, hot issues will kick up[...]

The IRS just released an update of its “tax gap” estimate, last revised in 2006 for the 2001 tax year. This study found that in 2006 lost tax revenues amounted to $450 billion, up from $345 billion in 2001. The “tax gap” is an important budget item as it represents the IRS’ estimate of the difference in tax that should be collected and that which is actually collected.[...]

While the tax agenda for small businesses faces a number of challenges in 2012, there were two major successes in 2011. Congress repealed two provisions that should never have been enacted in the first place: New Form 1099 filing requirements and 3% withholding on government contracts. Both of these provisions found their way into tax legislation without public notice,[...]

The Senate Banking Committee held a hearing on December 1, to consider whether easing the procedures for raising equity capital would impact job growth. CompTIA submitted testimony for this hearing urging Congress to increase the small issuer exemption and enact crowdfunding. Concerning the small issuer exemption, legislation that passed the House overwhelmingly on November[...]

Access to capital and a skilled workforce are critical to the success of small- and medium-sized IT businesses, CompTIA members told Congressional members and Administration officials today. On the final day of CompTIA's Washington D.C. Fly-In event, CompTIA members from across the country met with policymakers to stress the issues that are important to small- and medium-sized[...]

A look at the week of November 14 in public advocacy for the IT channel: This week, Janet Napolitano, secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, authored an op-ed citing the urgent need for cyber legislation. A bipartisan group of senators has introduced a bill allowing states to collect sales tax on online purchases. The Institute of Medicine released a report[...]

Since its enactment, CompTIA consistently has called for repeal of the 3% federal tax withholding on government contracts. Finally, the Senate has acted, passing H.R. 674 by a vote of 95-0. This follows overwhelming passage by the House on October 27. However, the bill must now return to the House for a vote, as an amendment (which passed by a 94-1 vote) was added to[...]

In prior blogs, we’ve discussed our concerns about the Main Street Fairness Act and the Marketplace Freedom Act and how any increased compliance burdens may be imposed on many small businesses.   We understand the concerns of many states that they are losing tax revenues due to the failure of purchasers to voluntarily file and pay use taxes on out-of-state purchases.[...]

As the economy dived, small businesses found capital to be hard (if not impossible) to secure. Consequently, many small businesses are still working their way out of tough economic times, and most have had difficulty growing and adding employees. While there is no single answer to this urgent problem, there are a number of small steps that Congress can take that will[...]

Congress continues to look at the complications of collecting sales taxes for interstate transactions completed via the Internet.  Earlier we discussed the Main Street Fairness Act, which would require interstate sellers to collect and remit sales taxes to the states into which sales are made.  Our concern with that legislation was that it failed to define a[...]

A look at the week of October 17 in public advocacy for the IT channel: This week, the SEC updated a disclosure requirement to press companies to report data breaches and cyber attacks.  Agencies[...]

As small businesses across the country continue to search for reliable sources of capital, Congress has fallen short of providing real solutions.  While there is no magic bullet that will free up much[...]

The President’s $447 Billion jobs bill, S. 1660, the “American Jobs Act of 2011, ” failed to garner the votes needed to move forward.  By a margin of 50-49, the Senate vote fell short of the 60 votes needed to avoid a filibuster. This jobs bill was made particularly unpopular to most Republicans after Senate leadership changed the funding mechanism to a “millionaire[...]

A look at the week of September 26 in public advocacy for the IT channel:  This week, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved three controversial data breach bills.  Spending cuts might limit the government’s ability to transition to cloud computing and take advantage of long-term cost savings.  A new Senate bill aims to stop large firms from pirating federal[...]

A look at the week of September 12 in public advocacy for the IT channel: This week, Obama revealed a new jobs plan with tax cuts targeted at small businesses.  Now that Congress is back in session, cybersecurity is topping their agenda.  The healthcare industry reports it is understaffed, in terms of its IT needs.  Small Business Is Focus of Tax Cuts—[...]

The President’s $447 billion jobs bill includes a number of provisions that would benefit small businesses.  This legislation, which was sent to Congress on Monday, would: •Provide a 50-percent reduction in payroll taxes for the first $5 million in wages.  Approximately 98 percent of all businesses pay out less than $5 million in wages. •Eliminate employer[...]

A look at the week of August 29 in public advocacy for the IT channel:  This week, government agencies take steps to expand health IT to rural areas.  States and businesses struggle over sales tax as more transactions take place in cyberspace.  A new report finds that IT workers received millions of dollars in recruitment, retention and relocation incentives[...]

The “Digital Goods and Services Tax Fairness Act of 2011” (H.R. 1860 and S. 971) would bring some certainty to an endless tangle of state tax rules and regulations.  This legislation would restrict collection of sales taxes on digital goods and services to the jurisdiction encompassing the buyer’s tax address.  It also would bar a state from imposing multiple[...]

The President announced new initiatives recommended by the White House Rural Council for creating jobs in rural America.  These initiatives are intended to help rural small businesses access capital, expand rural job search and training services, and increase rural access to healthcare workers and technology.   CompTIA has long-noted similar needs within the[...]

A look at the week of August 15 in public advocacy for the IT channel:   This week, the National Institute of Standards and Technology released a plan to improve U.S. cybersecurity by focusing on education.  A new Treasury report finds fewer small businesses than previously thought.  Unemployment in the IT sector remains much lower than the national average[...]

Enacted last year, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 established an “Intermediary Lending Pilot Program” to provide direct loans to non-profit intermediaries for the purpose of making loans to small business.  This pilot program will terminate after three years. Under this pilot, loans of as high as $1 million will be made to 20 organizations[...]

A look at the week of August 1 in public advocacy for the IT channel:   This week, the House established a Congressional Small Business Information Technology Caucus to address issues faced by small tech firms.  The Senate introduced data security legislation.  Cybersecurity bills are stalling in the House despite a growing sense of urgency over recent[...]

Both the House and Senate introduced legislation to require sellers to collect and file sales tax returns on all interstate sales.  In the Senate, Sen. Durbin introduced the bill (S. 1452) with co-sponsors Sens. Reed and Johnson.  And in a surprise move in the House, Rep. Conyers introduced a companion bill (H.R. 2701), with co-sponsors Reps. Shuler and Welch.[...]

We have written earlier concerning our opposition to this new withholding requirement.  Enacted into law in 2006, this provision requires all federal, state and local government entities and instrumentalities to withhold three percent of payments made for goods and services.  Initially set to go into effect in 2010, legislative extensions had pushed the effective[...]

When the small business lending legislation (HR 5297) was enacted into law last September, it was heralded as a step to stimulate loans to small businesses by community banks.  Under this legislation, $30 billion has been directed to a “Small Business Lending Fund” administered by the Department of Treasury.  The purpose of this fund is to provide capital investments[...]

The House Judiciary Committee favorably reported out H.R. 1439, the “Business Activity Tax Simplification Act of 2011,” by a voice vote yesterday. Now, this legislation can be considered by the full House, although the timetable is uncertain. This legislation sets up a physical presence nexus standard, which means that in order for a state to tax a business activity,[...]

A look at the week of June 27 in public advocacy for the IT channel:  This week, small medical practices adopting health IT systems are reporting that the lack of a standard code and software makes communicating between systems a challenge.  The Department of Homeland Security plans to release guidelines for organizations to avoid the most common types of[...]

In April, we noted that legislation had been introduced in the House to require a distinct physical presence as a prerequisite for the taxation of interstate business activities.  If this legislation is not enacted, businesses could be subjected to conflicting income tax requirements of competing states on the same transaction, and this will result in increased compliance[...]

Even as discussions about tax reform are continuing in D.C., the reality that reform might not be accomplished soon is beginning to set in.  Sure, we need a simpler and more efficient tax system, and we also need additional tax revenues that can be gained from closing loopholes.  However, considering the ongoing impasse in Congress, how do we get there?  [...]

As a member of The Government Withholding Relief Coalition, we urge you to add your name to the National Sign-on Letter calling for repeal of the new 3% federal tax withholding requirement on payments made by most government entities. Scheduled to go into effect in 2012, this law would require all federal, state and local government entities and instrumentalities to withhold[...]

Last week, Speaker John Boehner, Rep. Bob Goodlatte and House Republican Leadership released the Technology Working Group agenda for the 112th Congress. The agenda focuses on technology issues to help America maintain and expand its competitive edge in the technology sector while creating jobs to fuel economic growth. The key components of the agenda are: · Promote[...]

By a vote of 387 – 33, the House voted yesterday to extend the popular SBIR/STTR programs which were set to expire on the same day, May 31.  The Senate already had passed the extension on May 26 by unanimous consent. The extension is only for two months and will expire after July 31.  All anticipate that the President will sign this extension into law. In an[...]

Legislation remains pending in both the House and Senate that would re-authorize the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program and the Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Program.  Both programs are set to expire on May 31st.   The Senate legislation would extend the program through 2019, while the House legislation would extend through 2014.  [...]

SBA Advocacy recently released an important report, “An Examination of the 2001 IRS Tax Gap Estimates’ Effects on Small Businesses.”  The “tax gap” is the difference between the tax that is collected and the tax that should be collected.   In the current budgetary climate, this term is becoming more important. In 2007, the IRS released a report on the estimated[...]

Legislation is expected to be introduced in the Senate that would require any seller to collect and file sales tax returns on all interstate sales.  Long-supported by a number of states, this anticipated legislation would bring some uniformity to state sales tax requirements but would require even small businesses to collect sales tax and file returns for any sales[...]

For years now, Congress has kicked the subject of tax reform down the road.  Even so, most everyone is in agreement that the tax laws and regulations are too complex, that the system is inefficient, and that compliance costs are too high.  The last major tax reform occurred in the 1980s.  Lessons to draw from that exercise are that any industry – including[...]

The Obama Administration’s Small Business Jobs Act is kicking in $5M for a small business mentoring program. The Small Business Administration is providing grants ranging from $250K to $500K for organizations to provide support and mentoring for small businesses.  The deadline for submitting grant applications is April 11, and the grant recipients will be announced[...]

Successful small businesses that grow into medium-sized and large businesses are the key to this country’s future, President Barack Obama told an Ohio audience last week at the “Winning the Future Forum on Small Business”. “When our small businesses do well, America does well,” Obama said.   Standing at the intersection of the small business community and healthcare[...]

Thank you for your support!  Supported by your response to the TechVoice Action Alert, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to repeal the new 1099 reporting requirement that would impose an undue burden on small businesses. H.R. 4 passed the House on March 3, 2011, by a vote of 314 to 112 (238 Republicans and 76 Democrats voted yes).   The next step is[...]

TechVoice urges the House to pass H.R. 4, which would repeal a new 1099 reporting requirement that would impose an undue burden on small businesses. Unless this provision is repealed, beginning in 2012, all businesses will be required to file a form 1099 when they pay any business or individual $600 or more for goods or services during a year. The House is expected[...]

In Illinois, legislation that would shut down many small internet businesses has been passed by both houses and sits on the governor's desk for signature. Dubbed the Amazon Tax, the new law would require any non-Illinois seller to collect Illinois sales tax if that seller acquires customers through a link on the Internet website of the Illinois business. This requirement[...]

A look at the week of February 21 in public advocacy for the IT channel The Senate-approved version of the 1099 tax provision repeal bill clashes with a version of the repeal approved by House Ways and Means Committee regarding how the government can pay for the repeal. This week, the Senate's cyber bill was updated with language explicitly prohibiting the President[...]

Unless the 1099 reporting requirement is repealed, beginning in 2012, any business that pays a single vendor $600 or more for goods or services during a year would be required to issue a Form 1099-MISC to that vendor, and this form also must be filed it with the IRS. We have has worked consistently with other technology associations to encourage Congress to repeal[...]

A look at the week of February 14 in public advocacy for the IT channel This week, the House Ways and Means Committee will begin looking over the 1099 tax provision repeal bill passed in the Senate. Republican plans for a cybersecurity bill may contrast with efforts in the Senate. Federal IT contracts are expected to increase, despite budget cuts. House Ways and Means[...]

Darrell Issa (CA-49), chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform issued a report this week detailing the committee’s findings on regulations that impede job creation. This purpose of this report was to identify regulations that hinder job growth, with a particular focus on the concerns of small businesses. Issa’s committee has significant power to influence[...]

A look at the week of February 7 in public advocacy for the IT channel This week, the Senate voted to repeal the 1099 provision from the healthcare bill. After watching the Egyptian government dismantle Internet communications to stifle protestors, Senators are facing tough questions about the scope of proposed cybersecurity regulations. Dr. David Blumenthal, the[...]

Yesterday, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology held the first (of possibly several) hearings focused on scrutinizing the rollout of the $7 billion fund administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and the Rural Development Agency. Testimony from the Inspector Generals from each respective agency indicated that there was[...]

For the House’s Small Business Committee hearing held on February 9, we submitted testimony entitled “Buried in Paperwork: A 1099 Update”. During the hearing, committee members voiced bi-partisan support for repeal of the new 1099 requirement; the only question of discussion was how to “pay for” the repeal. But the bottom line seems to be that repeal is viewed as more[...]

Is the latest $2 billion public/private commitment to small business a real opportunity for the channel? The answer may not come until this decade is complete (it's a 5-year program), but the details are worth a closer look by solution providers, vendors and business customers. Though the word "stimulus" has taken on a somewhat negative connotation with some, IT channel[...]