Posted by Keith Hall (NASE National Tax Advisor) - I think you are probably like me and are extremely proud to be an American. To live in the most powerful and most free country in the world is truly a blessing. But sometimes, we take that for granted. For me, I seem to think more about this during a Presidential election year, during a year that we will elect our leader, all of our Congressional representatives and one third of our Senators.
But what is our role? I won’t get elected, so what am I supposed to do? First, and foremost, VOTE! Let your vote count. Whatever your political interests or loyalties, make your vote count. But you can do more!! We live in a Republic, which means we elect people to represent our views. Let your representatives know what your views are. Let them know the things that are important to you. Take the time to contact your Congressional representative and your Senators, and yes, even your President.
As a small-business owner, you represent the most powerful economic force in this country. We, the small business owners of American, create over 70% of all new jobs. Our representatives already know that, but let them know that you do as well. Let them know that the interests of small-business owners should be on a level playing field with those of big businesses. Let them know that our health insurance premiums should be deductible in the same manner as big businesses. Let them know that the tax code is onerous and should be simplified. Let them know that you support a standard deduction for the home office and that health premiums paid for by the self-employed should be deductible for Self Employment tax calculations.
If you are not sure how to contact your representatives, let the NASE help. Log onto NASE.org and click on ‘Your Voice in DC’. Check out the Legislative Action Center where, by simply entering your zip code, you can see your Congressional representative and your Senators. Each includes contact information and even the ability to complete an email to each right from the website. So in this election year, do your part. Let them know what you think. Tell them what is important to you. And VOTE!