Business tax change sought

Friday, Jan. 10, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The National Federation of Independent Business, which says it has 4,000 members in Nevada, would like to see small businesses exempted from the Nevada Business tax.

Bryan Gresh, state director for the organization, said Thursday this tax -- $100 a year for each employee -- unfairly burdens small businesses.

It's not possible to repeal the tax in 1997, but Gresh said, "We hope the Legislature will consider a proposal to lighten the burden on small businesses by exempting their workers from the tax.

"This would be a major step in the direction of fairness and equity."

The group also will oppose the expansion of the sales tax to the service industries, which would mean a levy on such things as car repairs, dry cleaning and attorney services.

Gresh said a poll of the membership showed opposition by an 80-15 margin against imposing a surcharge on businesses to keep the State Industrial Insurance System solvent.

"Employers who have not had a claim filed against them should not pay for those who have. That would be the effect of a surcharge on SIIS policy holders," Gresh said.

A legislative committee has recommended that a surcharge be levied on all employers if the SIIS is ever declared insolvent.