The National Federation of Independent Business Kentucky State Director Tom Underwood praised the Kentucky General Assembly on March 26 for passing House Bill 518, a measure designed to improve efficiency and reduce costs for small businesses.
The bill received strong bipartisan support, passing the Senate with a vote of 38-0 and the House by a margin of 91-3. The legislation requires local governments to accept electronic tax filings and payments for payroll and business license taxes, which is intended to give small businesses an easier way to meet their local tax obligations.
“Small business owners appreciate the strong, bipartisan support for this commonsense reform,” Underwood said. “We thank lawmakers in both chambers, along with Rep. Patrick Flannery, for their leadership in getting this bill across the finish line.”
Underwood explained that current practices vary widely among cities and counties, making it difficult for small businesses to comply with different requirements. “Right now, every city and county does things a little differently, and that creates a real burden for small businesses,” he said. “This legislation will reduce costs, cut paperwork, and save owners time so they can focus on running and growing their businesses.”
He also described the measure as necessary modernization: “Kentucky needs a simpler, more streamlined approach that reflects how business is done today,” Underwood said. “House Bill 518 is an big step forward for small businesses.”
