Government
Collecting Payroll Tax? (Updated)
Should I be collecting the payroll tax for WA Cares starting next week? That’s a question many employers are pondering. This is an important status update on Washington’s new long-term care program known as WA Cares from AWB (Association of Washington Business). Two weeks ago, Gov. Inslee and state legislative leaders released a statement saying they…
Read MoreUpcoming Tax Increases
The 2021 Legislature adjourned on Sunday and we will likely see some upcoming tax increases. Capital Gains Tax The Legislature adopted Senate Bill 5096, a 7% capital gains tax for capital gains of $250,000 or more from the sale of stocks and other investments. While this sounds like it is a tax on only the…
Read MorePaid Leave Tax Credit
Eligible employers can now receive a paid leave tax credit for allowing their workers paid time off for Covid vaccines. Small and midsize employers, and some governmental employers, can claim refundable tax credits. These credits reimburse businesses for the cost of providing paid time off for COVID-19 vaccinations. Additionally, they include leave taken to recover…
Read MoreShort-term Extension of Property Tax
A short-term extension of property tax may be a bit of relief for certain businesses. Businesses that can show a loss of a quarter of their revenues due to Covid can apply for the extension. Additionally, qualifying businesses will not need to pay penalties or interest. To request an extension and a payment plane, be…
Read MoreRoll Back Relief Grants Pierce County
Roll back relief grants are now available to qualifying businesses and non profits. On Friday, April 16, restrictions rolled back to Phase 2 of the Healthy Washington Reopening. That means reducing capacity for indoor activities back down to 25%. These restrictions significantly impact businesses such as restaurants and gyms. Pierce County has created a grant…
Read MoreHouse Bill 1368 – Signed!
Last week we let you know about House Bill 1368 and now it is signed! Today’s press release from the governor outlines an overall picture of the funds in the bill. The bill provides: $714 million in assistance for K-12 schools $618 million for public health’s response to COVID, including testing, investigation and contact tracing;…
Read MoreHouse Bill 1368
Washington State Legislature’s House Bill 1368 proposes offering more needed relief for our small businesses. Of the included $2.2 billion in federal dollars to be distributed by the state, $240 million is expected to go to Washington employers. An individual business could receive up to $75,000. Other money would go to food banks, schools and…
Read MoreLifting Pause on SR167 Project
The removal of the freeze on the SR167 Project was welcome news to businesses in our community. Those in transportation were especially concerned. In January, a freeze was put on the project, in addition to 8 other transportation projects. The paused projects did not meet the governor’s directive to focus on fish passage projects. And…
Read MoreUnemployment Taxes
Do you worry about unemployment taxes, especially after the roller coaster ride in 2020? As members of the Grassroots Alliance, the Chamber brings you opportunities to participate in their efforts. In November, the alliance advocated for local businesses. This week, we were sent the following invitation to us. We are extending it to you… We…
Read MoreLegislative Day & Hill Climb
The FME Chamber invites you to join us on a Legislative Day and Hill Climb with AWB. The event will be held virtually this year. While we are all tired of virtual meetings, this does make it easier to attend the event! Perhaps you have concerns about the climate package introduced by Governor Inslee or…
Read MoreUnderstanding Newest Corona Relief Package – Two Webinars
Two webinars are happening this week to help with understanding the newest corona relief package. If you are wondering what the package means for your business, then tune in! The first is from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Join U.S. Chamber Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer, Neil Bradley, and CO— Content Director, Jeanette…
Read MoreClimate Package for WA 2021-2023
When Gov. Inslee had his hat in the ring for presidency, he made it very clear that a climate package was important. It’s no surprise then, that a bold package has been introduced for or state. On Tuesday, he released a climate policy. Highlights are below. Head to the governor’s Medium page for the full…
Read MoreAdditional $135 Million in Covid Relief Funds
Earlier this week, when Governor Inslee announced Rollbacks and restrictions for certain industries, he pledged additional Covid relief funds. At that time the promise was for $50 million, but that has increased to $135 million. Both businesses and residents are the intended recipients of the funds, which are coming from Federal CARES Act assistance. State…
Read MoreNew Rollbacks
Today Governor Inslee gave more details on the new rollbacks that he suggested in yesterday’s announcement. “In order to slow the spread of rapidly increasing COVID cases in our state and ensure that hospital and medical systems are not overwhelmed, we are taking the very difficult but necessary steps to protect public health.” The governor…
Read MorePre-Legislative Session Discussion
The Washington Retail Association is planning a Pre-Legislative Session discussion and invites retailers to attend. Without a doubt, the Washington Retail Association, like the Chamber, is looking out for the success of businesses. In fact, their website describes their upcoming event like this. “If you’re a retailer, the Washington State Legislature and Seattle City Council…
Read MoreBiden Defeats Trump
By now, after a long election week, you’ve heard that Biden defeats Trump in the Presidential election. While many races have not been decided, economists are already making predictions about what that will mean for businesses and our ecomony. What will the impacts be on businesses since Biden defeats Trump? Other key races will shape…
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