Tax Relief A Top Priority for Governor Ducey
Governor Doug Ducey is committed to delivering tax relief to the hardworking people of Arizona this year.
In his State of the State address, Gov. Ducey told Arizonans that he wants to use the 2021 legislative session to build on the pro-taxpayer record that he and the republican-controlled legislature have accomplished over the past few years. Gov. Ducey explained:
“Every year I’ve been governor, we’ve improved income taxes in the taxpayer’s favor. We’ve simplified the code, lowered all rates, protected them against inflation, and eliminated an entire tax bracket. In all of this, we’ve proven that our government can fulfill every obligation, and answer the unexpected needs of a growing state, without raising taxes.
My goal has been to make Arizona the best place in America to live, work, and do business – by letting Arizonans keep more of their hard-earned money. And having come this far, as other states chase away opportunity with their new taxes, why on earth would we ever want to follow their failed and depressing example?
So I propose, in this session, we work together to reform and lower taxes and preserve Arizona’s good name as a responsible, competitive state. On tax reform, let’s think big.”
This is great news for taxpayers across the Grand Canyon State. In addition to allowing Arizonans to keep more of their hard-earned money, pro-growth tax reform that results in a tax cut would signal to all that Arizona is still committed low taxes and limited government, and welcome to investment.
“Governor Ducey has enacted a series of laws in Arizona that have been emulated in other states: Right to Try, universal license recognition, and securing Arizonans the freedom to rent out their homes on Airbnb and HomeAway,” said Grover Norquist, president of Americans for Tax Reform. “It is exciting to hear that Arizona will now begin to reduce its state income tax to become the most competitive state in the country. The 40 other states with personal income taxes will be watching.”
Income taxes are consistently cited by CEOs and business owners as a key determinant of business location: the lower the rate, the more attractive the state. As more and more people and jobs continue to move into the 9 states that do not tax wage income, more and more states are looking to reduce and phase out their income taxes.
Tax reform that results in a net tax cut would be a great way for Arizona to remain a competitive state.
Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore
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Cuomo Calls for Federal Income Tax Hikes to Bail Out NY
Looking to fellow Democrats who recently took control of Washington, Gov. Andrew Cuomo called upon President-Elect Joe Biden and Congress to bail out the state of New York during his 11th annual State of the State address this morning.
“If the federal government needs revenue, it should raise income taxes on the wealthy to finance the state’s resurgence from this national devastation. That is basic economic justice and economic prudence,” said Gov. Cuomo.
With Democrats holding the White House, Senate, and the House for the first time in over a decade, tax hikes are a major threat. Included in Biden’s tax plan is a substantial tax increase on high-income-earning Americans. In short, Gov. Cuomo’s dream of a state bail out by Washington doesn’t seem too far-fetched.
Groups on the left are pushing for New York State tax hikes still, even as Cuomo questions how much revenue they would raise. Some pointed to data from A Strong Economy for All, a coalition of labor unions and community groups across New York State, that suggest a California-style 13.3% income tax rate on higher earners would generate $22 billion.
It appears Gov. Cuomo wants to place the blame of his mistakes on the federal government – and wants Washington to fix his terrible handling of the pandemic, too.
Photo Credit: Pat Arnow
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Norquist Urges Biden to Oppose Digital Services Taxes
ATR President Grover Norquist was on CNBC’s Squawk Box to discuss the coming tax hikes when Biden is joined by a Democrat-controlled House and Senate, as well as the important fight against foreign Digital Services Taxes imposed by various different countries.
“And the other big question we have is where will he (Biden) be on fighting against the European effort to put a Digital Services Tax on America's rather large and successful companies like Google, Facebook, and Apple that Trump people had fought it very hard. Unclear that Biden with his new 'let's get along with Europeans' will continue to try to stop those taxes targeting American companies, not European companies.”
WATCH:
DSTs pose an unprecedented danger to tax competition, innovation, and economic growth. These new taxes represent a dramatic and irreversible shift for the international tax system. While they are imposed on business revenues, DSTs will ultimately end up harming consumers and workers as the costs are passed down. This will result in fewer jobs and lower wages for businesses, especially third party suppliers and sellers that rely on tech companies for their livelihoods.
Stimulus Payment Woes Prove the IRS Should Not Be Given More Power
The IRS is unsurprisingly struggling to distribute stimulus checks to taxpayers. Some Americans will likely not receive their payments until they file months from now, while millions of payments have been sent to accounts that have been closed or are no longer active.
This news is more proof that the IRS should not be given more power, as some on the left are proposing.
It is expected that President Biden and a Democrat Congress will push to expand the power of the IRS. Biden Council of Economic Advisers member Jared Bernstein has said the incoming administration will seek “significant increases in IRS enforcement and auditing.” Several dozen House Democrats have already proposed increasing funding for the IRS including providing $5.2 for “enforcement activities.”
Radical Democrats like Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) even want to have the IRS take over the tax preparation and filing process. This would replace the existing system of voluntary compliance, where Americans are responsible for filling out their own tax returns, with a system where the government assesses and files taxes for Americans.
Naturally, this would create a strong conflict of interest. Under a system of government-run tax preparation, the IRS would tell you how much you owe and give you the opportunity to contest. This would give the government an incentive to overcharge or withhold information from taxpayers.
At the very least, it would empower the IRS to collect even more personal information as noted in a recent report by the Progressive Policy Institute. As the report notes, the IRS does not have the information it needs to prepare tax returns for American families. This could deprive low-income Americans from important tax credits like the child tax credit and earned income tax credit (EITC).
In fact, in order to properly file for Americans, the IRS would have to have a “deep knowledge” of the personal lives of a family, which would result in a significant intrusion into the personal lives of American citizens.
Not only would giving the government this new power be unfeasible, it is also deeply unpopular. According to data by the Computer & Communications Industry Association, 60 percent of taxpayers oppose government tax preparation including 45 percent that “strongly oppose.” Just 8 percent of taxpayers strongly support government tax preparation.
Time and time again, the federal government and the IRS have proven they should have less, not more responsibility. The problems Americans are having receiving their stimulus payments is the latest example. Given this fact, efforts to expand the size and scope of the IRS and have the agency take over tax preparation should be rejected.
Photo Credit: frankieleon
ATR Applauds DOL Final Rule Clarifying Independent Contractor Status
The U.S. Department of Labor has released a final rule clarifying the difference between an independent contractor and a traditional employee under the Fair Standards Labor Act (FSLA). After implementation, this rule will protect freelancers by providing much-needed clarity and flexibility for American workers and businesses alike.
“This rule brings long-needed clarity for American workers and employers,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Eugene Scalia. “Sharpening the test to determine who is an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act makes it easier to identify employees covered by the Act, while recognizing and respecting the entrepreneurial spirit of workers who choose to pursue the freedom associated with being an independent contractor.”
The rule includes several criteria designed to clarify whether or not a worker has independent contractor status. First, the rule contains an “economic reality” test to determine whether an individual works for himself or herself (as an independent contractor) or an employer (as an employee).
Next, the rule identifies two “core factors” that help determine an individual’s status as an independent contractor or employee. The first is the nature and degree of control that the individual has over the work itself, such as the ability to set a schedule, choose assignments, or work with little or no supervision. The second is the opportunity for profit or loss based on the individual’s investment or initiative.
In situations where the two core factors do not point to the same worker classification, the rule contains three additional guidelines to help determine an individual’s status, which are:
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The amount of skill required to do the work
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The depth of working relationship between the individual and potential employer
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Whether or not the work is part of an “integrated unit of production,” i.e. if an individual works in a situation roughly equivalent to a production line.
By clarifying the tests that determine whether or not an individual is an independent contractor or employee, this rule will simplify compliance for American businesses, reduce worker misclassification, and increase flexibility for American workers. ATR supports this rule.
Photo Credit: The White House
USTR Should Continue Fight Against Digital Taxes
The Office of the United States Trade Representative announced the conclusion of investigations into digital taxes imposed by India, Italy, and Turkey, finding that they discriminate against U.S. companies. The administration also announced they are finalizing remaining 301 investigations into Digital Services Taxes (DST) imposed by Austria, Brazil, the Czech Republic, the European Union, Indonesia, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
The U.S. was set to enact 25% tariffs on a range of French products yesterday in retaliation for the country's discriminatory tax. Robert Lighthizer announced today that those duties are suspended indefinitely.
While the administration deserves praise for beginning to finalize outstanding 301 investigations, delaying retaliatory actions of France’s already-imposed DST is the wrong decision. This sends a message to foreign countries that the U.S. will not follow through on its promise to defend American companies and workers against DSTs. This inaction will only encourage other countries around the world that have already imposed or are about to impose similar discriminatory taxes.
Over the past four years, the Trump administration has consistently fought to ensure that American businesses and workers are competing with foreign countries on a level playing field. They should continue this effort by holding France and other countries accountable for unilaterally imposed DSTs.
To be clear, ATR opposes all taxes as a matter of principle. The best outcome to this dispute would be an end to all DSTs, tariffs, and other trade barriers.
However, it is important to remember that the current trade conflict was initiated by France and the European Union when they decided to unfairly tax American companies.
Back in December 2019, the USTR released an affirmative finding of discrimination of the French Digital Services Tax and issued a list of $2.4 billion worth of French goods that would be subject to an additional 25% tariff under Section 301. France agreed to not collect its tax until the end of the year if a solution can be negotiated at the OECD.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic negotiations on digital taxation at the OECD stalled and missed a deadline in October 2020. France unliterary and without international agreement resumed the collection of its tax in December.
DSTs pose an unprecedented danger to tax competition, innovation, and economic growth. These new taxes represent a dramatic and irreversible shift for the international tax system. While they are imposed on business revenues, DSTs will ultimately end up harming consumers and workers as the costs are passed down. This will result in fewer jobs and lower wages for businesses, especially third party suppliers and sellers that rely on tech companies for their livelihoods.
There is strong, bipartisan opposition in Congress to foreign DSTs. For instance:
- Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), as well as Ways and Means Chairman Richie Neal (D-Mass) and Ranking Member Kevin Brady (R-Texas), have all raised concerns about DSTs, noting that these unilateral taxes “adversely affect U.S. businesses and have negative economic and diplomatic effects.”
- Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.) and Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Mich.) have introduced a bipartisan resolution expressing congressional opposition to foreign efforts to impose DSTs on American businesses.
Lawmakers should be applauded for their strong stance against DSTs and should continue raising the alarm moving forward.
At the same time, the administration must hold foreign countries accountable. One step toward this is goal is finalizing the remaining 301 investigations including those that have been adopted or are being considered by the European Union, Indonesia, the United Kingdom, the Czech Republic, Spain, Austria, and Brazil. However, it is also imperative that the U.S. follows through on its promise to defend American workers and businesses when foreign countries impose DSTs.
Photo Credit: World Trade Organization
ATR Applauds EPA’s Final Rule Strengthening Scientific Transparency
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler announced the agency’s final rule to strengthen the transparency of its scientific information this morning during a policy forum hosted by the Competitive Enterprise Institute.
The final rule calls on the EPA to provide greater consideration to studies determined to be pivotal science where the underlying data is available for public review and scrutiny.
“Too often Congress shirks its responsibility and defers important decisions to regulatory agencies. These regulators then invoke science to justify their actions, often without letting the public study the underlying data,” wrote Administrator Wheeler in a Wall Street Journal op-ed accompanying the roll-out of the rule. “If the American people are to be regulated by interpretation of these scientific studies, they deserve to scrutinize the data as part of the scientific process and American self-government,” he continued.
The rule was first proposed in April of 2018 and supported by a coalition of conservative organizations urging the Trump administration to provide full transparency of all scientific data and studies used to justify all pending or new regulations.
Americans for Tax Reform applauds Administrator Wheeler for finalizing the EPA’s rule strengthening scientific transparency. Too often, the underlying data used by regulators to justify the growth of government is withheld from the public. The finalization of this rule furthers the public’s ability to review critical data for themselves and reflects the strong public support for greater transparency in government.
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
More from Americans for Tax Reform
Grover's 14 Points for Reviving America
Americans for Tax Reform president Grover Norquist has a new op-ed in The National Interest magazine describing 14 steps America can take to revive the economy.
On tax policy, Norquist outlines three steps. The first is to maintain the lower corporate and personal income taxes enacted in 2017:
This part is easy as long as the GOP holds a majority in the Senate and/or House. Most Republicans have signed the Taxpayer Protection Pledge, promising their constituents that they will “oppose and vote against” any and all tax increases. The reduction of the corporate rate from 35 percent (higher than communist China’s 25 percent) to 21 percent in 2017 led to strong economic growth. The median family income rose in 2018 alone by 6.8 percent. The unemployment rate for all Americans fell to a historic fifty-year low of 3.5 percent by spring 2020, just before the coronavirus-inspired economic shutdown unemployed 20 million Americans. Yet, the underlying low-tax, reduced regulatory environment allowed the economy to recover quickly. By election day 2020, unemployment fell from 14.7 percent to 6.9 percent. That compared favorably to Obama’s unemployment rate of 7.9 percent as he ran for re-election in 2012. The 2017 tax reform also eliminated the tax deductibility of state and local taxes of more than $10,000 from one’s taxable income for federal income tax purposes. This ended a significant subsidy for high-tax cities and states at the expense of states with low taxes. This puts pressure on high-tax states like California, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut to limit their abusive tax rates, which has driven 12 million of their residents to other states over the past decade.
Norquist urges ending the double taxation of Americans working overseas:
The United States and Eritrea are the only two countries that tax individuals for work they do while living in another country. The United States has a worldwide tax system. The rest of the world, minus Eritrea, has a territorial tax structure. Republicans ended the double taxation of American corporate income in the 2017 bill. Several trillion dollars of U.S. corporate earnings were trapped overseas, unable to be repatriated to the United States lest they pay an American tax penalty. That ended, and trillions were made available for investment in the United States. Now America should leave Eritrea all alone and end the double taxation on individuals. There are 5 to 8 million Americans working overseas, and they pay billions each year in excess U.S. taxation. As a result, it costs more to hire an American than a German in France because the American must be compensated for his higher (American worldwide) tax burden.
Norquist also calls for an end to the inflation tax on capital gains. This can be done by statute or administratively via the President and Treasury Department:
President Trump has the authority to define the “cost” of an asset when calculating capital gains taxes as the original sale plus inflation. The average stock sale price is 40 percent inflation gain. There is no reason people should pay capital gains taxes on inflation.
If you would like to read the rest of Grover’s recommendations, the piece is available here.
Here's How the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act is Helping Georgia
Georgia is benefiting greatly from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted by congressional Republicans and President Trump.
142,930 Georgia households are benefiting from the TCJA’s elimination of the Obamacare individual mandate tax. Most households hit with this tax made less than $50,000 per year.
688,320 Georgia households are benefiting from the TCJA’s doubling of the child tax credit.
Every income group in every Georgia congressional district received a tax cut. Nationwide, a typical family of four received a $2,000 annual tax cut and a single parent with one child received a $1,300 annual tax cut.
3,001,180 Georgia households are benefiting from the TCJA’s doubling of the standard deduction. Thanks to the tax cuts, nine out of ten households take the standard deduction which provides tax relief and simplifies the tax filing process.
Lower utility bills: As a direct result of the TCJA’s corporate tax rate cut, Georgia residents are saving money on utility bills. Lower electric, water, and gas bills help households and small businesses operating on tight margins. For example, Atlanta Gas Light Co. and Georgia Power (see below) both passed along tax cut savings to their customers.
Thanks to the tax cuts, Georgia businesses of all sizes are hiring, expanding, raising pay and increasing employee benefits:
Winton Machine (Suwanee, Georgia) - Capital investments; purchase of new equipment:
“Tax reform is enabling companies to make significant capital investments, and it’s creating more business for us and other small manufacturers,” said Ms. Winton.
Winton anticipates making her own capital investments. “We’ll be replacing two machines in our factory,” she said. - May 1, 2018, National Association of Manufacturers article excerpt
Evans Tool & Die (Conyers, Georgia) - new jobs, increased bonuses, and investment in new equipment:
“Generosity is one of our core values,” explained Dee Barnes, President and CEO of Evans Tool & Die. “We’ve always shared profit with our employees, and we have always given bonuses each year. With tax reform we will be able to increase those bonuses to our employees.
“We have a 40,000 square foot warehouse that’s ready to be used,” said Barnes. “We’re ready to grow, buy another stamping press, buy new equipment. In recent years, we haven’t been able to invest heavily into new equipment but now tax reform has definitely made it a good time to invest. Tax reform is causing new business to filter down to Evans, because we make small parts that go into bigger products. The supply chain has definitely been effected positively by tax reform.”
Evans is creating new jobs, but the labor pool for tool manufacturers is small. As a result, Evans is investing heavily in apprenticeship training for new employees and their existing employees.
“We’re raising up our own workers to ensure we have quality toolmakers,” said Barnes. “You can’t just go out and hire toolmakers anymore, because there aren’t any. We’ve partnered with tech schools to help them rebuild tool manufacturing programs. And we do everything we can to reward our employees, so they stay want to stay at Evans Tool & Die. Plus, we’re proud to help our workers provide for their families, with incredible healthcare and great benefits.” – September 13, 2018 – National Association of Manufacturers
Aflac (Columbus, Georgia) – increase 401(k) match from 50% to 100% on the first 4% of compensation plus one-time $500 contribution to every employee’s 401(k); $250 million increase in overall U.S. investment.
"We are pleased that these tax reforms provide Aflac with an opportunity to increase our investments in initiatives that reflect our company values; providing for our employees in the long and short term, ensuring future growth for our company and giving back to the community." -- Aflac Chairman and CEO Dan Amos
Wild Adventures (Valdosta, Georgia) – $500 bonus to employees, health benefits, free admission to park for family and friends:
As South Georgia residents find themselves on the other side of Tax Day, some Wild Adventures Theme Park team members are receiving a $500 bonus thanks to the recent federal corporate tax cuts.
“We work hard at Wild Adventures to ensure our park is a great place to play and a great place to work,” said Molly Deese, Wild Adventures Vice-President and General Manager. “The memorable experiences our guests have are thanks to the hard work of our team members, and this bonus is just one way for us to show appreciation for their dedication.”
The bonus will be distributed the week of May 14 and will be awarded to hourly and salaried full-time team members who worked at least 1,000 hours in 2017 and are currently employed at Wild Adventures. Approximately 125 team members are eligible.In addition to this one-time bonus, Wild Adventures employees receive a variety of unique benefits throughout the year, including incentives for employees who stay with the company, complimentary admission to Wild Adventures and Splash Island Waterpark for family and friends, as well as various community-wide incentives. A comprehensive health benefits package is also available for qualified, full-time employees and qualifying seasonal team members. – April 18, 2018, SOWEGAlive.com article excerpt
Ivey Development (Augusta, Georgia) -- The company is building an apartment complex in an Opportunity Zone created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
Ivey said the federal "Opportunity Zone" tax benefits, which were created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 to spur investment in economically-distressed census tracts, helped make the project financially feasible. He said metro Augusta's multi-family development costs are as high as other Southeastern markets, while its rents are comparatively low.
"The Opportunity Zone credits really helped get this thing over the hump," he said. -- December 7, 2019 Augusta Chronicle article
Pratt Industries (Conyers, Georgia) - Investing $2 billion into the United States:
Anthony Pratt, the richest person in Australia, will be investing nearly $2 billion in the U.S. in hopes of creating new jobs and doubling American food production – and he credits it all to President Trump’s business-friendly Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
The tax overhaul slashed the corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% in hopes of making the U.S. more competitive with foreign countries.
“It’s going to lead to a tsunami of investment in the United States,” he said during an interview with FOX Business’ Stuart Varney on Tuesday. “We make corrugated boxes, everything that's manufactured goes in a box. So we think we’re a barometer of the economy.”
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The billionaire cardboard king hopes to add 5,000 jobs more to the economy with his latest investment. - June 26, 2018 Fox Business Network article excerpt
Sanctuary Companies (Kennesaw, Georgia) -- The company is building a mixed-use building that will include residential units in an Opportunity Zone created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
The Cherokee Street corridor between McCollum Parkway and downtown Kennesaw is undergoing a major facelift due to the $280 million Eastpark Village mixed-use development.
The area was identified for redevelopment in 2008 and work began more than three years ago. This week, Chad Howie of Sanctuary Companies, the master developer, provided an update on the project to the City Council.
The development will sit on about 55 acres of land and will include 850 residential units with a mixture of apartments, townhomes and senior living. About 300,000 square feet will be put to commercial use, including retail, self-storage, office space and restaurants.
According to Howie, several real estate brokers, two private detectives and city staff worked to identify the sellers and the developer ultimately acquired 68 properties. He said the company worked with homeowners, tenants and business owners on relocation, and the properties were rezoned T4O and T4L in December 2017.
Earlier this year, the council approved the creation of an entertainment district in downtown Kennesaw, allowing patrons to purchase and walk around with alcoholic beverages. Once the first business to obtain a liquor license is operational, Eastpark Village will also have an entertainment district extending from McCollum Parkway to Poplar Drive, between Cherokee Street and Grant Drive.
"I am very excited about the progress being made," said Darryl Simmons, Kennesaw's zoning administrator. "This development serves as a positive example of partnerships between local government and the development community."
There are also plans to widen Cherokee Street to five lanes, as well as incorporate multi-use trails and make the downtown area accessible to pedestrians.
Howie showed the council photos of the recently completed demolition of much of the area, including Ashton Commons Business Park and residential areas along Smith, Maple, Pine and Rock Springs drives. Big Shanty Smokehouse, a popular barbecue restaurant, is relocating two houses up to the corner of Smith Drive and Cherokee Street since the street widening will negatively affect their current parking situation.
The city applied to the Department of Community Affairs to designate the retail district as an opportunity zone, a tax credit program through the state. Any new businesses creating jobs that meet specified criteria in the zone are eligible for income tax credits per job for a prescribed period of time, according to Robert Fox, economic development director for Kennesaw. DCA denied the application, but the city intends to try and make a case for reconsideration. -- July 31, 2019 Cherokee Tribune article
Yancey Bros. (Cobb County, Georgia) -- $500 bonuses for 1,200 employees.
Mincey Marble (Gainesville, Georgia) – Bonuses of up to $1,000 based on length of service:
“As the owner of a family business, I want to share how tax reform is benefitting Americans at every level. Companies big and small are passing along tax savings to the workers who help build our economy. I hope that the bonuses Mincey Marble is providing encourage other businesses in our great state to pay it forward, because the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the kind of meaningful change that can help transform communities by bringing relief to American workers and families,” said [Mincey Marble President and CEO Donna] Mincey.
Employees at Mincey Marble will receive bonuses of up to $1,000 depending on their length of service with the company. Even employees hired this year will see a bonus, and the checks are scheduled to arrive during the week of Valentine’s Day as a sign of the company’s appreciation for its associates. – Jan. 31 2018, press release
Total System Services Inc. (Columbus, Georgia) $1,000 bonuses:
Total System Services Inc. (NYSE: TSS) is crediting tax reform for cash bonuses going to their team members worldwide.
A spokesperson for the Columbus, Ga.-based credit card processor best known as TSYS told Atlanta Business Chronicle that it made an internal announcement Tuesday that team members would receive a "special one-time cash bonus of $1,000" as "a result of the company’s continued success and the recently passed U.S. tax reform legislation." – Jan. 2, 2018 Atlanta Business Chronicle article excerpt
Quarry Yard (Atlanta, Georgia) – The Opportunity Zone led to the creation of a 74-acre, mixed-use project:
This mixed-use project could blend thousands of residential units with office, retail and even hotel space. “An area developer filed plans with the state in August for a 74-acre, mixed-use project in an Opportunity Zone near the Westside Park at Bellwood Quarry. And in early September, an Atlanta-based film company announced it will build recording studios, sound stages and a technology center on 30 acres of its Opportunity Zone property on Continental Colony Pkwy SW.” – August 26th, 2019, Atlanta Business Chronicle
Cox Enterprises (Atlanta, Georgia) -- $2,000 bonuses to be paid on Tax Day:
Georgia's largest privately owned company is reportedly joining the tax reform bonus parade.
Fox Business reported that Cox Enterprises said earlier this week that the most of the company's nearly 60,000 employees will receive bonuses of $1,000-$2,000 because of the $1.5 trillion tax bill. Cox employs more than 8,700 workers in Atlanta.
The bonuses will be distributed on Tax Day to employees who have worked at Cox Enterprises for at least a year and are not part of an executive incentive plan, according to Fox.
Phoenix Business Journal reports the bonuses will go to all Cox Enterprise employees, which includes Cox Automotive, Ready Transport, AutoTrader, Kelly Blue Book and Cox Media Group, which has reportedly been taking bids to sell some of its biggest remaining newspapers.
“Cox Communications continues to invest in new businesses such as telecom infrastructure and health care, in building its own infrastructure to better power the smart homes, smart businesses and smart cities of the future — $10 billion in capex the next five years — in the communities it serves via corporate giving — approximately $70 million per year — and in its greatest resource, our employees," said John Wolfe, senior vice president and regional manager for Cox in Arizona. -- March 9, 2018 Atlanta Business Chronicle article excerpt
Rockefeller Foundation (Atlanta, Georgia) – The city is seeing big economic growth because of the TCJA Opportunity Zone legislation:
“The federal Qualified Opportunity Zones program, created as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, draws investors to struggling areas by offering them a chance to defer tax on eligible capital gains if they make an appropriate investment in a fund associated with a designated zone and meet other requirements.
“Atlanta is home to 26 of Georgia’s Opportunity Zones, which have seen a lot of activity. Since November 2017, 52 commercial and industrial properties have sold in Atlanta Opportunity Zones, funneling a total of $78 million in new capital to those areas, according to the real estate data service, Reonomy…” – September 25th, 2019, Atlanta Business Chronicle
T.J. Maxx – 50 stores in Georgia – tax reform bonuses, retirement plan contributions, parental leave, enhanced vacation benefits, and charitable donations:
The 2017 Tax Act benefited the Company in the fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2018. The Company expects to continue to benefit from the 2017 Tax Act going forward, primarily due to the lower U.S. corporate income tax rate. As a result of the estimated cash benefit related to the 2017 Tax Act, the Company is taking the following actions:
Associates
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A one-time, discretionary bonus to eligible, non-bonus-plan Associates, globally
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An incremental contribution to the Company’s defined contribution retirement plans for eligible Associates in the U.S. and internationally
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Instituting paid parental leave for eligible Associates in the U.S.
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Enhancing vacation benefits for certain U.S. Associates
Communities
Made meaningful contributions to TJX’s charitable foundations around the world to further support TJX’s charitable giving. – Feb. 28, 2018 The TJX Companies Inc. press release excerpt
Atlanta Gas Light Co. (Atlanta, Georgia) – The utility will pass along tax cut savings to customers:
Atlanta Gas Light Co. received approval from the Georgia Public Service Commission for a stipulation that allows for $82 million in customer benefits as a result of the federal tax reform law. – May 16, 2018, SNL Daily Gas Report Excerpt
Expanded Technologies, Inc. (Marietta, Georgia) – Minimum bonuses of $500 for each employee, additional cash depending on the length of service:
Expanded Technologies, Inc. (ETI) is a privately held corporation based in Marietta, GA which specializes in the manufacture of light gage expanded metal used in the support of HVAC filtration.
As a result of the Tax Cut and Job Act recently enacted by the Trump Administration, we are pleased to announce that ETI will give each of its 77 employees a bonus of $500 cash along with an additional sum for each year of service." -- Statement by Jean-Luc Liverato of Expanded Technologies, Inc.
American Proteins Inc. (Cumming, Georgia)— $1,000 bonuses:
“American Proteins Inc. based in Cumming has 700 employees at its operations in Georgia and Alabama. It announced it would give employees $1,000 bonuses "in response to the tax reform package signed into law earlier this year."
"President Donald Trump and the Republican Congress have reduced taxes for businesses and individuals and I'm excited what this means for our company and its employees," American Proteins Inc. Chairman Tommy Bagwell said in a statement Feb. 5.” – Feb. 26 2018, Atlanta Business Chronicle article excerpt
Carl Black Automotive Group (Kennesaw, Georgia) -- Bonuses to over 500 employees.
Carter’s, Inc. (Atlanta, Georgia) – Bonuses for non-executive employees: Full-time employees will receive a bonus of approx. 5% of base salary and part-time employees will receive a bonus of approx. $100 per year of service to the company; increased retirement fund match:
“The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 is expected to have a significant and positive impact on our Company’s future earnings, cash flow, and ability to invest in its growth strategies. In 2018, we plan to reinvest approximately half of the $40 million benefit from the lower corporate tax rate in brand marketing and improved eCommerce capabilities.
“Given the significant and unexpected benefit in 2017 of the historic tax reform legislation, we are also announcing today that our Board of Directors has approved $20 million in special compensation awards to all of our Company’s eligible full-time and part-time employees provided through enhanced retirement plan contributions and bonuses.
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The Company’s provision for income taxes in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 includes a net tax benefit of $40.0 million related to the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. This net tax benefit consists of a $50.4 million benefit related to revaluation of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities and a $10.4 million provisional estimate for additional tax expense related to accumulated earnings outside of the United States.
Fourth quarter fiscal 2017 results also include pretax expense of $21.2 million for special compensation and related payroll taxes awarded as a result of this tax reform legislation. The nature of the special compensation includes:
Cash bonuses to full-time and part-time global employees with one year of service, with full-time employees receiving a bonus of approximately 5% of base salary and part-time employees receiving approximately $100 per year of service with the Company. The Company’s leadership team will not receive these special bonuses.
A 100% match of employee voluntary contributions to Company-sponsored retirement programs, subject to certain statutory thresholds and limits. -- Feb. 27, 2018 Carter’s, Inc. statement excerpts
Fifth Third Bancorp – 33 locations in Georgia, $1,000 bonuses for Georgia employees; base wage will rise to $15.
Newly passed tax legislation includes a reduction in corporate tax rates designed to spur economic growth. Carmichael said the tax cut allowed the Bank the opportunity to reevaluate its compensation structure and share some of those benefits with its talented and dedicated workforce.
Carmichael said the higher wage is an important step to help support individuals, their families and the communities in which we operate. Fifth Third has a history of investing in its 18,000 employees.
Once the legislation is signed into law, nearly 3,000 hourly employees will see their pay increase to $15 an hour. The one-time $1,000 bonus is expected to be distributed by the end of the year, assuming the president signs the bill before Christmas. Senior managers and executive leadership are excluded from this compensation.
“It is good for our communities, employees and Fifth Third Bank,” [President and CEO Greg] Carmichael said. – Fifth Third press release
Home Depot (headquarters in Atlanta, plus 90 Georgia retail locations) – Bonuses for all hourly employees, up to $1,000:
Today, The Home Depot® announced plans to provide a new one-time cash bonus for U.S. hourly associates of up to $1,000 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The bonus will be paid in addition to the Company's longstanding Success Sharing bonuses for hourly associates.
"We are pleased to be able to provide this additional reward to our associates for continuing to deliver outstanding customer service," said Craig Menear, Chairman, CEO and President. "This incremental investment in our associates was made possible by the new tax reform bill." -- Jan. 25, 2018 Home Depot press release
Georgia Power (Atlanta, Georgia) – Thanks to the tax cuts the utility will provide $1.2 billion in benefits for customers:
Georgia Power has completed an assessment of the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for the company – including approximately $1.2 billion in benefits for customers. The benefits were confirmed as part of an agreement with Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) Staff and include approximately $130 million in reduced taxes on financing costs for the Vogtle nuclear expansion; $330 million in direct credits to customers as a result of lower federal income tax rates over the next two years and approximately $700 million in future benefits to be addressed in the company's next base rate case in 2019, which also includes the benefits of last week's reduction in state of Georgia income tax rates. If approved by the Georgia PSC, the typical residential customer using an average of 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month could receive approximately $70 in refunds over the two-year period.
"We are committed to offering the highest customer value with rates below the national average, and we're pleased to be able to continue to pass the benefits of the new tax laws on to our customers," said Paul Bowers, chairman, president and CEO of Georgia Power. "We appreciate the collaborative effort with Georgia PSC Staff to evaluate the new tax laws and reach a joint agreement, which we hope the Commission will review and approve as the best way to deliver benefits to customers as quickly as possible."
Today's announcement marks the second substantial, positive impact for Georgia Power customers tied to the new tax laws. In January, Georgia Power announced that customers would pay $139 million less than expected in 2018 for the Vogtle nuclear expansion currently under construction due to changes in federal tax laws and full receipt of the Toshiba parent guarantee payments. Beginning in April, the typical residential customer using 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month will pay $2.70 less than expected per month in financing costs for the Vogtle project. Additionally, Georgia Power bill credits totaling $188 million were approved by the Georgia PSC as part of its order to continue construction of Vogtle 3 & 4 as a direct result of the Toshiba parent guarantee payments for the Vogtle project. The credits, amounting to $75 per individual customer, will be distributed across three separate Georgia Power bills in 2018, with the first $25 credit appearing in the coming months. – March 6, 2018 Georgia Power article excerpt
....
Georgia Power announced it will issue credits to customers on their February bills totaling out to $106 million, due to the third of three bill credits related to the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
The credits come from the reduction of Georgia Power’s federal corporate tax rate, which dropped from 35 percent to 21 percent. According to Georgia Power, they have given $330 million in direct credits to customers over the past two years.
The credit customers will see on their accounts comes from how much power they used between May to December of 2019.
As an example, residential customers who used an average of 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month could receive a $22 credit on their February bills, according to the power company.
“Over the past two years Georgia Power has passed on the benefits from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act through direct credits on customers’ bills, and this final bill credit fulfills that commitment,” said Kevin Kastner, vice president of customer services for Georgia Power. “These bill credits are just one way we work to provide the best value to our customers, while continuing to provide the clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy they expect and deserve at rates below the national average.”
The credit coming in February will be the third and final credit issued to customers, wit hthe credits first approved in March 2018 as part of an agreement wit the Georgia Public Service Commission, according to Georgia Power. The first two credits were issued in October 2018 and June 2019. -- Feb. 4, 2020 WRBL article
Starbucks Coffee Company -- (326 locations in Georgia) 500 new manufacturing jobs in its Augusta, Georgia coffee plant. $500 stock grants for all Starbucks retail employees, $2,000 stock grants for store managers, and varying plan and support center employee stock grants, totaling more than $100 million in stock grants; 8,000 new retail jobs; an additional wage increase this year, totaling approximately $120 million in wage increases, increased sick time benefits and parental leave.
SunTrust Banks, Inc. (Atlanta, Georgia) – base wage raise to $15 per hour; $50 million in additional community grants; merit pay raise; additional 401(k) contributions; etc:
SunTrust Banks, Inc. (NYSE: STI) is taking a series of actions to invest savings from tax reform in supporting the financial wellness of its workforce and communities.
"The anticipated benefits from tax reform allow us to build upon our purpose of Lighting the Way to Financial Well-Being in a sustainable way by implementing actions that will have a multi-year impact for many of the constituents that count on us," said Bill Rogers, SunTrust chairman and CEO. "We believe tax reform will improve the competitiveness of American business and promote economic growth, and this gives us confidence to invest more in our company, our teammates and the communities we serve." – Dec. 28 2017, SunTrust Banks, Inc. press release
Shred-X (Griffin, Georgia) – New truck purchase and the potential hire of a new employee:
In Griffin, Shred-X, a small business providing paper shredding and recycling services to over 3,000 clients throughout Atlanta and central Georgia, plans to use the additional savings from tax reform to buy a new truck and potentially hire a new employee. For a company of ten people, that makes a huge difference.
As Shred-X owner Cade Joiner said, “This is just one practical example of how tax reform is helping us here on Main Street.” — Feb. 4 2018, The LeGrange Daily News article excerpt
Synovus Financial Corporation (Columbus, Georgia) – $1,000 bonuses to all non-executive employees.
AR-15 Gun Owners of America (Warner Robins, Georgia) – tax reform bonuses; increased salaries for all employees.
Best Buy -- 37 locations in Georgia; $1,000 bonuses for full-time employees; $500 bonuses for part-time employees.
Lowes – 63 stores and four distribution centers in Georgia; bonuses of up to $1,000 based on length of service; expanded benefits and maternity/parental leave; $5,000 of adoption assistance.
Apple (There are six Apple retail stores in Georgia: Alpharetta, Augusta, Buford, and three in Atlanta) -- $2,500 employee bonuses in the form of restricted stock units; Nationwide, $30 billion in additional capital expenditures over five years; 20,000 new employees will be hired; increased support of coding education and science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; increased support for U.S. manufacturing.
AT&T -- 17,366 AT&T employees in Georgia received $1,000 bonuses. Nationwide, the company will increase capital expenditures by $1 billion.
Bank of America (Multiple locations in Georgia) -- $1,000 bonuses.
BB&T (Multiple locations in Georgia) – $1,200 bonuses; base wage will rise from $12 to $15 per hour; Nationally, $100 million in charitable donations
Chipotle Mexican Grill (Multiple locations in Georgia) – Bonuses ranging from $250 to $1,000; increased employee benefits; Nationally, $50 million investment in existing restaurants.
Cintas Corporation (Multiple locations in Georgia) -- $1,000 bonuses for employees of at least a year, $500 bonuses for employees of less than a year.
CVS Health (Multiple locations in Georgia) -- Base wage raised to $11 per hour, and other pay ranges adjusted accordingly; the company will absorb increased costs of health insurance premiums; creation of new parental leave program.
Comcast (Multiple locations in Georgia) -- $1,000 bonuses; at least $50 billion investment in infrastructure in next five years.
Ryder (31 locations in Georgia) – Tax reform bonuses for all non-incentive bonus eligible employees, totaling $23 million nationwide.
U-Haul (Multiple locations in Georgia) – $1,200 bonuses for full-time employees, $500 for part-time employees.
Walmart – 189 locations in Georgia; Base wage increase for all hourly employees to $11; bonuses of up to $1,000; expanded maternity and parental leave; $5,000 for adoption expenses.
Waste Management, Inc. (Multiple locations in Georgia) -- $2,000 bonuses.
Wells Fargo – 259 bank locations in Georgia -- Base wage raised from $13.50 to $15.00 per hour; Nationwide, $400 million in charitable donations for 2018, and $100 million increased capital investment over next three years.
McDonald’s (500+ locations in Georgia) – Increased tuition investments which will provide educational program access for 400,000 U.S. employees. $2,500 per year (up from $700) for crew working 15 hours a week, $3,000 (up from $1,050) for managers, and more:
McDonald’s Corporation today announced it will allocate $150 million over five years to its global Archways to Opportunity education program. This investment will provide almost 400,000 U.S. restaurant employees with accessibility to the program as the company will also lower eligibility requirements from nine months to 90 days of employment and drop weekly shift minimums from 20 hours to 15 hours. Additionally, McDonald’s will also extend some education benefits to restaurant employees’ family members. These enhancements underscore McDonald’s and its independent franchisees’ commitment to providing jobs that fit around the lives of restaurant employees so they may pursue their education and career ambitions.
The Archways to Opportunity program provides eligible U.S. employees an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, receive upfront college tuition assistance, access free education advising services and learn English as a second language.
“Our commitment to education reinforces our ongoing support of the people who play a crucial role in our journey to build a better McDonald’s,” said Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s President and CEO. “By offering restaurant employees more opportunities to further their education and pursue their career aspirations, we are helping them find their full potential, whether that’s at McDonald’s or elsewhere.”
Accelerated by changes in the U.S. tax law, McDonald’s increased investment in the Archways to Opportunity Program includes:
-
- Increased Tuition Investment:
- Crew: Eligible crew will have access to $2,500/year, up from $700/year.
- Managers: Eligible Managers will have access to $3,000/year, up from $1,050.
- Participants have a choice for how they apply this funding – whether it be to a community college, four year university or trade school. There is no lifetime cap on tuition assistance – restaurant employees will be able to pursue their education and career passions at their own pace. The new tuition assistance is effective May 1, 2018 and retroactive to January 1, 2018.
- Lowered Eligibility Requirements: Increase access to the program by lowering eligibility requirements from nine months to 90 days of employment. In addition, dropping from 20 hours minimum to 15 hours minimum (roughly two full time shifts) per week to enable restaurant employees more time to focus on studies.
- Extended Services to Families: Extension of Career Online High School and College Advisory services to restaurant employees’ family members through existing educational partners Cengage and Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).
- Additional Resources: Career exploration resources for eligible restaurant employees to be available later this year.
- Creation of an International Education Fund: Grants to provide local initiatives and incentives in global markets to further education advancement programs.
- Increased Tuition Investment:
“Since its inception, Archways to Opportunity was meant to match the ambition and drive of restaurant crew with the means and network to help them find success on their own terms,” said David Fairhurst, McDonald’s Chief People Officer. “By tripling tuition assistance, adding education benefits for family members and lowering eligibility requirements to the equivalent of a summer job, we are sending a signal that if you come work at your local McDonald’s, we’ll invest in your future.”
After launching in the U.S. in 2015, Archways to Opportunity has increased access to education for over 24,000 people and awarded over $21 million in high school and college tuition assistance. Graduates have received college degrees in Business Administration, Human Resources, Communications, Accounting, Microbiology and more. – March 29, 2018 McDonald’s Corporation press release excerpt
Anthem (Multiple locations in Georgia) -- $1,000 in extra 401(k) contributions.
Note: If you know of other Georgia examples, please email John Kartch at jkartch@atr.org
The running nationwide list of companies can be found at www.atr.org/list
More from Americans for Tax Reform
Norquist on Fox News: Tax Hikes Will Come If Dems Win Georgia Runoffs
In an interview with Fox News Channel’s Sandra Smith, ATR President Grover Norquist warned of coming tax hikes if Democrats win the Georgia Senate runoff elections on January 5th.
As Norquist noted in an op-ed published on Fox News.com, Democrat challengers Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock would rubber stamp the Biden-Harris agenda of tax increases on families and businesses.
Middle-class Georgians saw the greatest reduction in tax liability after the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was enacted, as noted in an analysis by ATR. However, Democrats have repeatedly promised to repeal this law.
Norquist on Dem promise to repeal the Trump Tax Cuts:
“We can just see what happened when the Republican tax cut passed. The median income family of four got a $2,000 tax cut. So, as Biden and his Vice President have said, and both of those liberal Democrats running for the Georgia Senate seats have said, they are going to abolish the Trump tax cut, the Republican tax cut on day one. That’s a $2,000 increase on the average family of four on day one.”
Norquist on Energy Tax Hikes:
“Remember, they also support a tax on energy, a gasoline tax, a carbon tax. That will increase the cost of buying gasoline to fill up your tank. And they put it on automatic pilot. It goes up 5 percent a year every year out into the future. So, it’s not just a one-time gas tax and a tax on your home heating oil and a tax on your electricity and a tax on everything that gets shipped to you by truck or by train. That goes up year after year."
Norquist on Biden reinstating the Obamacare Mandate Tax:
“In addition, they want to bring back some of the Obamacare taxes. Remember the Obama penalty tax if you didn’t buy Obamacare. It was a $700 tax on a person, $2,000 on a family. Five million Americans were hit by that, maybe $100,000 in Georgia. The Republicans took that tax to zero. Biden has repeatedly said he would bring it back. Three quarters of the people who pay that tax earn less than $50,000 a year. So Biden’s promise that he won’t tax anyone that’s rich, that’s gone."
Norquist on Biden Plan to Raise the Corporate Tax:
“We don’t have to guess because we know when Obama and Biden were running things, the corporate tax rate was at 35 percent. Communist China is at 25. And Biden says he will bring it to 28 or 35…. He wants the taxes on American businesses to be a higher tax rate than China. Where to you think the world’s investment is going to go? It went to China when he was Vice President. He wants to send it back to China by making American businesses uncompetitive internationally because he would take the corporate rate up above China. Above Germany. Above France. Above England. Above Canada. And make us one of the least competitive nations in the world, which is where we used to be.”
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