News:
From AIA | Urgent: Tell Your Senators to Repeal the New Paperwork Law
The health care reform bill passed last spring included a new paperwork requirement that has little to do with health care but will dramatically increase paperwork burdens on businesses. The provision states that, starting in 2012, all business payments or purchases over $600 will need to be accompanied by a Form 1099 filing.
This means that small firms and businesses must obtain the taxpayer ID number, or even the Social Security number, of the individual or corporation to which they are making payment at the time of the transaction, or face IRS penalties. These new 1099 filing requirements disproportionately affect smaller firms, which face mounting fees for tax preparation, or even penalties for non-compliance.
The provision’s backers say it will increase compliance with tax laws, but a recent report by the IRS’ own Office of the Taxpayer Advocate states that “the new reporting burden, particularly as it falls on small businesses, may turn out to be disproportionate as compared with any resulting improvement in tax compliance.” (http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-utl/nta2011objectivesfinal..pdf)
This provision was inserted into the health reform bill without hearings or debate, but now you have a chance to help eliminate it.
As early as Monday, Nov. 29, the U.S. Senate is scheduled to take a vote on repealing the Form 1099 provision. The AIA has joined with the business community to urge Congress to repeal it. (http://www.aia.org/aiaucmp/groups/public/documents/pdf/aiab085752.pdf) Now we need your help in contacting your two Senators to ask them to support repeal of this burdensome provision.
This vote could happen at any time, so please take just a moment to send your Senators a message through the AIA’s advocacy center, here.
Paul Mendelsohn
Vice President AIA Government & Community Relations
The American Institute of Architects
AIA Kansas City and Businesses Along McGee Recipient of ULI Award
Urban Land Institute, Kansas City presented its Developments of Distinction Awards on November 8. AIA Kansas City was pleased to accept an Honorable Mention award, given collectively to the businesses along McGee Street recognizing their contribution to the revitalization of McGee. We were joined by our neighbors from Tomboy and The Brick and also celebrated the award that another neighbor, DERMADoctor, received.