WASHINGTON, D.C. — The International Franchise Association (IFA) today called on Congress to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), which contains provisions essential to franchised small businesses and their employees. Michael Layman, IFA Chief Advocacy Officer, said:

“As Americans file their taxes today, we are proud to stand with the small business owners and their employees who power our economy and communities. We call on Congress to protect small businesses by extending the 2017 tax cuts so every franchise owner can breathe a sigh of relief they won’t face a tax hike at the end of the year.

“Franchise businesses are the backbone of Main Street. Behind every franchise is a local owner creating jobs, supporting families, and reinvesting in their community. On Tax Day, we’re reminded that smart tax policy isn’t just about numbers — it’s about people.

“We urge lawmakers to protect the tax policies that help these small business owners grow, hire, and thrive — including preserving the pass-through deduction that a majority of franchises use to operate, restoring full bonus depreciation, and advancing other provisions that will enable business owners to reinvest in their businesses and employees.”

On April 8, Iowa franchisee Jerry Akers, an IFA Board Member, testified before Congress on the importance of the Section 199A provision, saying, “Franchising is small business. We’re job creators, community builders—and we need Section 199A to stay strong.”

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About the International Franchise Association:

Celebrating over 60 years of excellence, education, and advocacy, the International Franchise Association (IFA) is the world’s oldest and largest organization representing franchising worldwide. IFA works through its government relations and public policy, media relations, and educational programs to protect, enhance and promote franchising and the approximately 831,000 franchise establishments that support nearly 8.8 million direct jobs, $896.9 billion of economic output for the U.S. economy, and almost 3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). IFA members include franchise companies in over 300 different business format categories, individual franchisees, and companies that support the industry in marketing, law, technology, and business development.