US

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski Introduces Bill to Double R&D Tax Credit

Published

4 years ago

August 1, 2020

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) introduced legislation to double the R&D tax credit and allow more startups and small businesses to access the credit.

“America’s recovery from the unprecedented crisis we are facing will be driven by our innovative and entrepreneurial spirit,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Doubling the R&D tax credit will encourage companies – especially small businesses and startups – to invest more in research and development that will unleash economic growth and prosperity. This commonsense measure will go a long way toward keeping America ahead of our global competitors and ensuring we continue to lead the world in scientific discoveries, technological breakthroughs, and cutting-edge manufacturing.”

Each year the U.S. government provides billions of dollars in funding to innovative businesses through the R&D tax credit program. This legislation would double the existing traditional R&D tax credit rate from 20 percent to 40 percent of the increase in R&D spending for more established companies, and would double the existing alternative simplified credit rate from 14 percent to 28 percent of the increase in R&D spending, according to the summary. For companies with no history of U.S. research in the past three years, the credit would more than double from 6 percent to 14 percent of R&D spending.

Companies with relatively low income in the past five years have the opportunity to utilize the R&D tax credits to offset Social Security payroll taxes, with the limit on the amount they could claim doubling from $250,000 to $500,000, the bill summary says.

“This is a great step to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the U.S. which will drive economic growth in the years to come,” said Lloyed Lobo, President of R&D tax credit software Boast.AI. “However, using R&D tax credits to offset income taxes or Social Security payroll taxes may not be feasible in the next two years as many businesses may not have profits to be taxable and may not have significant Social Security payroll tax liability due to reduced headcount as a result of the global pandemic and looming recession. Additionally, using R&D tax credits to offset Social Security payroll taxes can be a long process for startups and small businesses as they have to wait several quarters before recognizing the full cash benefit of the credits. Instead of tax offsets, a direct refund check should be provided to companies upon their R&D tax credit filing, similar to countries like Canada and the UK.”

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

US

Shielding Lives and Assets – Fire Watch Protections in America

Published

2 years ago

May 3, 2023

Jimmy Lerner

Fire safety is a matter of utmost importance in the United States. Fire watch protection is an invaluable service that can prevent and mitigate fires from escalating, saving lives and assets. Fire watch protection involves a guard actively patrolling a property to detect and prevent potential fire hazards before they become an issue. This article will provide an overview of fire watch protections in America, focusing on the services available, the role of firefighters, and the benefits of fire watch services.

Fire Watch Protections

Fire watch protections are crucial for safeguarding lives and assets in America. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) mandates that every commercial building should have a functional fire alarm system, an automatic sprinkler system, and fire extinguishers. However, there are times when these safety measures fail or get damaged due to construction work or maintenance activities. In such cases, temporary fire watch protections become necessary.

Temporary fire watch protections require trained personnel to monitor the building’s premises 24/7 until the primary safety systems are fully operational again. This is particularly important for high-rise buildings where the evacuation process takes time and may pose a challenge during emergencies. Moreover, the presence of trained personnel on-site ensures that any potential hazards can be identified early on and dealt with before they escalate.

In conclusion, implementing proper fire watch protections is essential in ensuring the safety of people and property in America. It not only complies with NFPA standards but also provides peace of mind to building owners, managers, employees, and visitors alike knowing that there are efficient emergency response plans in place if an unfortunate situation arises.

The Need for Fire Watch Services

Fire watch services are becoming increasingly important to protect lives and assets in America. When businesses or buildings are undergoing construction or repairs, the fire sprinkler systems may be temporarily out of order, leaving the building vulnerable to fire damage. Fire watch services provide a temporary solution by employing trained personnel who remain on site to detect and prevent fires.

In addition to construction sites, fire watch services are also necessary for buildings that have experienced power outages or other malfunctions that could disable their fire safety systems. Fires can occur at any time and without warning, so it is vital to have someone on hand who can quickly respond and alert authorities if necessary.

Overall, investing in fire watch services is a small price to pay compared to the potential cost of property damage or loss of life caused by a preventable fire. With proper planning and implementation of these preventative measures, businesses and individuals can rest easy knowing they are doing everything possible to keep themselves and others safe from harm.

Safety Regulations & Standards

Fire watch is a critical fire protection service that ensures the safety of lives and assets in America. One of the primary reasons why fire watch services are essential is because they help detect fire hazards before they cause significant damage. During a fire watch, trained personnel patrol designated areas to identify potential risks and address them promptly. This process involves inspecting electrical equipment, flammable materials, and other potential sources of ignition.

To ensure adequate protection for lives and property during a fire watch operation, it’s essential to adhere to specific safety regulations and standards. These regulations provide guidelines on how to conduct fire watches effectively while minimizing risks associated with firefighting activities. For instance, OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) has established standard 1910.157 that outlines requirements for portable firefighting equipment accessibility in workplaces.

In conclusion, adhering to safety regulations and standards during a fire watch operation can significantly enhance the efficiency of firefighting efforts while reducing the risk of injury or loss of life. It’s crucial to work with certified professionals who understand these guidelines so that you can be confident in their ability to protect your assets effectively.

Potential Challenges & Solutions

One of the major challenges faced by fire watch protection companies in America is the high demand for their services during peak seasons. During these periods, there is often a shortage of skilled professionals to carry out necessary tasks like monitoring alarm systems, patrolling buildings, and maintaining firefighting equipment. This often results in delays and gaps in coverage which can be detrimental to businesses and property owners. To mitigate this challenge, fire watch protection companies can invest in training programs for their staff or partner with recruitment firms to ensure they have access to a pool of qualified personnel.

Another potential challenge for fire watch protection firms is the issue of compliance with regulations set by local and federal authorities. These regulations often require that certain standards are met regarding equipment maintenance, emergency response plans, and employee training. Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to fines or legal repercussions that could harm the reputation and financial stability of the company. To overcome this challenge, fire watch protection firms need to stay up-to-date on changes in regulations through continuous education and collaboration with industry associations such as The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Additionally, they should invest resources into ensuring that their policies and procedures align with regulatory requirements.