As one of the key figures selected by the National Small Business Association to address Congress at the 2026 Washington Presentation, I will focus on the critical intersection of taxation, cost segregation, and the strategic use of tax credits to support small business growth. In today’s economic environment, tax policy is not just a compliance obligation—it is a lever for capital allocation, reinvestment, and long-term sustainability. Cost segregation, for example, allows business owners to accelerate depreciation and unlock immediate cash flow, while targeted tax credits incentivize innovation, hiring, and expansion. However, the complexity of these provisions—combined with inconsistent guidance and administrative barriers—prevents many small businesses from fully realizing their benefits. My objective is to clarify these mechanisms and highlight how thoughtful tax policy can directly strengthen the financial position of small enterprises.
Why This Issue Matters for Small Businesses
This issue is key because small businesses operate with constrained resources and limited access to sophisticated tax planning strategies that larger corporations routinely leverage. When properly structured and accessible, tools such as cost segregation and tax credits can dramatically improve liquidity, reduce tax liability, and create a pathway for reinvestment in operations, workforce development, and technology.
The Need for Simplification and Policy Improvement
Addressing Congress provides an opportunity to advocate for simplification, standardization, and expanded access to these provisions—ensuring that small business owners are not left behind in a system that should be designed to support them. Strengthening these areas of the tax code is essential to fostering economic resilience, encouraging entrepreneurship, and maintaining the competitive vitality of the U.S. small business ecosystem.