Bill Would Extend Small Businesses Tax Credit to Encourage Assistance for Military Reservists

Legislation introduced in both chambers of Congress would extend for one year a tax incentive program that encourages small businesses to provide wage differentials to their employees called to active duty. The Small Business and Military Family Assistance Act of 2009 (H.R. 4042, S. 2748) would provide a tax credit for employers with fewer than 50 employees that chose to pay the difference between their employee reservists’ regular wages and their military pay while in active service. This bill would provide these small businesses with a credit equal to 20 % of the pay differential, up to $4,000.

In a press release Klein stated: “Many small businesses voluntarily choose to support our troops by making up the difference between military and civilian pay when one of their employees is called to active duty service. This is the right thing to do, and these businesses should be supported and rewarded with tax incentives.” If enacted, this tax credit would be extended to December 31, 2011.

The Senate version of this bill has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee. The House companion bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. 

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