U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) on Monday introduced a bipartisan bill that would provide a tax credit to ensure businesses are properly cleaned and disinfected when stay-at-home restrictions are lifted and to help prevent further COVID-19 infections.
“This bipartisan legislation will ensure that businesses can take extra precautions during this uncertain time and keep our communities safe,” Rep. LaHood said.
The congressman on June 1 introduced the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act, H.R. 7079, with original cosponsor U.S. Rep. Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) to create the temporary tax credit for businesses.
“COVID-19 is impacting every American,” said Rep. LaHood. “As stay-at-home orders begin to ease, businesses and workers are prepared to take unprecedented measures to get their livelihoods back on track. Getting folks back to work is essential to reinvigorating our economy, but it’s critical that we ensure the safety of workers and customers to prevent additional outbreaks.”
If enacted, H.R. 7079 would permit businesses to apply the tax credit toward expenses for industry-recognized training and certification, contracting a cleaning company and/or purchasing necessary cleaning products, tools, machinery, personal protective equipment, and other sanitary-related equipment, according to a bill summary provided by Rep. LaHood’s office.
Each business, including but not limited to franchisors or franchisees and commercial property owners and management companies, would be eligible for a 50 percent tax credit of up to $25,000 per location and up to a maximum of $250,000 per business entity, the summary states.
Eligible expenses must be made by March 31, 2021 to help offset increased expenses associated with a potential second wave of COVID-19 during the coming fall or winter, according to the summary.
H.R. 7079 has garnered the support of a coalition of business organizations, including the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, the International Sanitary Supply Association, the National Pest Management Association, the Professional Beauty Association, and the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International.
The measure is also supported by the American Hotel and Lodging Association, the International Franchise Association, the National Restaurant Association, and the U.S. Travel Association, among others.