Balderson’s bipartisan bill would provide tax credit for PPE to small businesses, nonprofits

U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson (R-OH) on June 15 introduced a bipartisan bill that would provide a tax credit to small businesses and certain nonprofit organizations for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever the President of the United States declares a national emergency related to COVID-19.

“As we safely reopen, Ohio’s small businesses are facing atypical expenses — such as the purchase of protective gear to safeguard employees and customers — on top of recent unexpected declines in revenue,” Rep. Balderson said. “Small businesses’ resiliency throughout this crisis has been astounding. Providing these job creators with the relief of a tax credit will go far in helping them get back to business as usual.”

Rep. Balderson is the lead original cosponsor of the Small Business PPE Tax Credit Act, H.R. 7216, with bill sponsor U.S. Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-MI) and six other original cosponsors, including U.S. Rep. Steve Stivers (R-OH).

If enacted, the bill would provide the tax credit to small businesses, nonprofit organizations, veterans’ organizations, farmers, independent contractors, sole proprietors, and certain other organizations, according to the text of the bill.

Specifically, under H.R. 7216, certain small businesses and nonprofits would qualify for a tax credit of up to $25,000 for the purchase and installation of PPE intended to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, including medical masks, N-95 respirators, eye protection, gowns and aprons, boots or closed-toe work shoes, cleaning detergents, hand sanitizers, cleaning products or tools; retrofitting or installation of equipment; and any other relevant expense deemed necessary by the U.S. Treasury Secretary in consultation with the U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services.

The bill has been referred for consideration to the U.S. House Ways and Means Committee.