Media trade associations were praising the passage of tax reform legislation Wednesday that lowers the corporate tax rate but retains the ability of broadcasters to immediately write off ad expenses rather than having to amortize them.
The Senate had voted the bill Tuesday night (Dec. 19) after the House had voted it. But a few technical issues necessitated a re-vote in the House Wednesday (Dec. 20).
The corporate tax rate goes from 35% to 21%, 1% higher than the House bill originally planned, but that hardly dampened the enthusiasm.
“NAB congratulates Congress on the passage of comprehensive tax reform legislation that aims to further grow the U.S. economy," the National Association of Broadcasters said. "In particular, local TV and radio stations and our network broadcast partners salute leaders of Congress for recognizing the importance of advertising as a principal driver of commerce by preserving the full and immediate deductibility of advertising expenses. Advertising is an undeniable stimulus for robust growth that has helped America lead the world in the creation of high-paying jobs.”
Motion Picture Association of America chair Charles Rivkin said: “The MPAA congratulates Congress on the passage of comprehensive tax reform legislation. H.R. 1 will promote further economic growth across American industries, including the U.S. This legislation will advance our nation’s global competitiveness and encourage additional investment at home.”
Tech association ITI was also applauding.
“The 1980s were a great decade, but we are overdue for bringing our tax policy into the 21st Century,” said ITI president Dean Garfield. “We commend the House and the Senate for their work on this important legislation."
Among the things it liked most was lowering the corporate tax rate and retaining the R&D credit as a permanent credit.
