With summer underway and Labor Day on the horizon, the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) has highlighted recent achievements and upcoming challenges for small businesses. A significant victory was securing the permanence of the 20% Small Business Deduction in the U.S. tax code, a result of President Trump’s signing of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4.
“President Trump and Congress have the gratitude of 33 million American small business owners, who are all breathing a huge sigh of relief,” stated NFIB President Brad Close. “This bill provides them the certainty and level playing field needed to grow, hire new workers, provide for their employees, and give back to their communities.”
Looking ahead, NFIB aims to repeal the Beneficial Ownership Information requirement. Currently, small business owners are advocating for Congress to remove this law and for FinCEN to eliminate existing data.
In Montana, NFIB successfully lobbied for income and property tax relief as well as changes in workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance laws.
The organization’s Small Business Problems & Priorities report continues to identify healthcare costs as a primary concern among small business owners over several decades. Interest rates have also risen significantly in importance since 2020.
NFIB’s research tools include monthly Jobs Reports and Optimism Index surveys that offer insights into job openings, hiring plans, capital expenditures, credit conditions, and inventory levels nationwide.
Recent special surveys cover topics like technology adoption among small businesses and their contributions to communities through financial support or volunteering. The complexity of tax requirements remains a challenge for many business owners.
Small businesses maintain strong public confidence according to Gallup’s U.S. Confidence in Institutions report where they ranked first among 17 institutions measured.
For further details or inquiries about these updates or reports from NFIB Montana State Director Ronda Wiggers or Senior Media Manager Tony Malandra can be contacted via email.
