STACK-TURNER BILL ENACTED TO HELP SMALL FIRMS IN URBAN ENTERPRISE ZONES

TRENTON – A bill, S-5/A-2720, sponsored in the Senate by Senator Brian P. Stack and Senator Shirley K. Turner, to help more small businesses in urban enterprise zones qualify for on-site exemptions from paying the sales tax was enacted today by Governor Corzine.

            “This bill will help small businesses eliminate red tape and help them grow by encouraging community investments,” said Senator Stack, D-Hudson. “By expanding the definition of a qualified small business, this bill will help generate economic growth in a more timely manner.”

            Senator Turner, D-Mercer, said, “Promoting small businesses now will produce long-term, positive results down the road because they are the engines that drive our economy.”

            Under the Stack-Turner bill, small businesses with annual gross receipts of up to $10 million would be able to purchase property and needed services without paying a sales tax up front and then having to file for a rebate with the Division of Taxation. The existing qualifying limit on annual gross receipts is $3 million.

            “The on-site sales tax exemption at the point of sale will speed up the process by which small businesses in enterprise zones can generate growth,” Senator Stack.

            “We have to be pro-active in our efforts to stimulate the  New Jersey economy and we should listen to the leaders of the business community,” Senator Turner said.

            The rebate process requirement for the sales taxes of small businesses in enterprise zones was enacted in 2006 to prevent abuses of exemptions applied to goods purchased for use outside the UEZs.

            “The same restrictions apply for limiting the exemptions to purchases used within the urban enterprise zones,” Senator Stack said. “We are just expanding the list of those eligible for the exemption from a process that bogs down small businesses. The Division of Taxation will continue to apply its due diligence in pursuing anyone who would abuse the sales tax exemption rules.”

            The bill on Monday passed in the Senate 36-0 after passing in the Assembly by a 70-5 tally.