​In today’s diverse and inclusive business environment, making accommodations for employees and customers with disabilities is not only a moral and legal obligation but also a smart financial decision. Businesses that implement structural modifications or other accommodations can benefit from various tax incentives designed to offset the costs of these improvements. Below, we will explore the key tax incentives available to employers who make their workplaces more accessible, including the Disabled Access Credit and the Barrier Removal Tax Deduction.

Here are some tax incentives available for employers who make accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

Disabled Access Credit

The Disabled Access Credit is a non-refundable credit available to small businesses that incur expenses to enhance accessibility for individuals with disabilities. An eligible small business is defined as one that generated $1 million or less in revenue or employed no more than thirty full-time employees in the previous taxable year. The business may claim the credit annually as they incur access expenditures. They obtain the credit by filling out Form 8826, Disabled Access Credit, and submitting it with their federal tax return.

Barrier Removal Tax Deduction

The Architectural Barrier Removal tax deduction promotes businesses of all sizes to eliminate architectural and transportation barriers that impede the mobility of individuals with disabilities and the elderly. Businesses may claim a deduction of up to $15,000 annually for qualified expenses on items that typically need to be capitalized. To claim this deduction, businesses must list it as a separate expense on their income tax return.

Additionally, businesses may utilize the Disabled Tax Credit and the architectural/transportation tax deduction concurrently in the same tax year, provided the expenses satisfy the requirements of both categories. To utilize both, the deduction is equivalent to the difference between the total expenses and the amount of the claimed credit. For more information on both these tax incentives visit the IRS Tax Tip page.
​
By taking advantage of the Disabled Access Credit and the Barrier Removal Tax Deduction, businesses can significantly reduce the financial burden of making their facilities accessible to individuals with disabilities. These tax incentives not only promote inclusivity and compliance with legal standards but also enhance the overall customer and employee experience. Investing in accessibility is a win-win situation, fostering a more inclusive society while providing tangible financial benefits to businesses. Make sure to consult with a tax professional to maximize these opportunities and ensure all eligibility requirements are met.

Sign Up for the Chamber Checkpoint Advocacy Newsletter
Stay engaged with local politics, keep an eye on legislative sessions, and consider participating in conversations about policies that affect your business.

Congratulations to the Benton Franklin Recovery Coalition on the groundbreaking ceremony for the Columbia Valley Center for Recovery on Tuesday, November 12. This event was a significant milestone toward establishing the first inpatient recovery center in the Tri-Cities. The facility will provide essential drug addiction recovery and crisis stabilization services in our community. The new facility will be located at 216 W. 10th Ave in Kennewick (the former Kennewick General Hospital building).

Congratulations to Pie Sharks on their ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration on Friday, November 8! The shop specializes in handheld mini pies that are made from scratch with fresh ingredients. Visit them at 110 S. 4th Ave. in Pasco.

In the Washington State Legislature, a supermajority is achieved when one political party holds more than two-thirds of the seats in either the House of Representatives or the Senate. This level of control can have significant implications for the legislative process and policymaking in the state. Having a supermajority in the legislature can lead to substantial policy changes, both positive and negative, depending on which party holds the power.

To achieve a supermajority in Washington, a party would need to control both chambers. The Senate has 49 seats, and a supermajority in the Senate would require at least 34 members (69%). The House has 98 seats, and a supermajority in the House would require at least 66 members (67%).

What Does a Supermajority Mean?
With a supermajority, a party can pass bills without needing to rely on the opposition. This allows them to push through their legislative agenda with minimal compromise.

A supermajority can implement significant tax increases or reforms. For example, they could pass a statewide carbon tax or changes to the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax rate that directly impact businesses. With control, a party could push through more aggressive environmental policies, such as stricter emission standards or expanded cap-and-trade programs. For businesses, these could lead to higher compliance costs or new operational requirements.

The legislature controls the state’s budget. A supermajority could direct more funding to public services, education, infrastructure, or social programs. Decisions about how to allocate state revenues may lead to tax hikes or changes to how businesses are taxed. For example, they could implement new taxes on certain sectors (like tech or construction) to fund state programs.

One of the most significant powers of a supermajority is that it can place amendments to the state constitution on the ballot. This could have long-lasting implications for business regulations, land use, or even taxation policies.

What Are the Implications of a Supermajority for Business Owners?
A supermajority party will have the power to enact sweeping policy changes that could either benefit or hurt businesses. Business owners need to stay informed and adaptable.

A supermajority could pass laws imposing stricter regulations on industries, such as tech privacy laws or labor regulations like paid family leave. Businesses might face new taxes or higher rates on income, capital gains, or environmental fees. A supermajority could also push for stronger union protections, increasing costs for employers.

How Should Business Owners Prepare for a Supermajority?
Understanding the political landscape and each party’s platform can help you anticipate upcoming changes. Get involved in the legislative process through industry associations or direct communication. Sharing the potential impact on your business can influence policy decisions. Whether preparing for tax increases or new regulations, being proactive in adjusting business strategies can help mitigate negative impacts.

Current election results still have the democrats a few seats short in both the House and the Senate.  A supermajority gives a political party in Washington state significant power to shape policies, especially in areas like taxation, regulation, and budgeting. Business owners should stay alert to potential shifts and prepare for a range of outcomes, both positive and negative.


Sign Up for the Chamber Checkpoint Advocacy Newsletter
Stay engaged with local politics, keep an eye on legislative sessions, and consider participating in conversations about policies that affect your business.

​The Regional Chamber helped bridge the gap between education and industry on Tuesday, October 29 by partnering with Tri-Tech Skills Center on a lunch to inform members about Tri-Tech programs that could positively impact the local workforce in multiple industries.

Member businesses in transportation, information technologies (IT), construction, and manufacturing industries were invited to attend the lunch program.

Attendees took a guided tour of Tri-Tech to learn about the diverse programs offered at the facility. While there, the potential future employers were able to see students as they were gaining hands-on experience in their respective fields.

The Regional Chamber acted as a catalyst by helping the businesses make connections with Tri-Tech leadership while learning how the school prepares students for successful careers.
​
If you would like more information about how you can get involved, please contact Lisa Arneson, the Regional Chamber’s Workforce & Education Coordinator, at [email protected] or 509.491.3242.

​Washington state has long been at the forefront of minimum wage legislation in the United States. Known for its progressive policies, the state has consistently adjusted its minimum wage to reflect economic conditions and the cost of living. This blog post will explore the history of Washington’s minimum wage law, its effects on businesses, and the upcoming changes in 2025.

Washington's minimum wage law is governed by the Washington Minimum Wage Act (MWA), which was first enacted in 1961. Over the years, the state has made several significant adjustments to ensure that wages keep pace with inflation and the cost of living. One of the most notable changes occurred in 1998 when voters approved Initiative 688, which tied the minimum wage to the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This initiative ensured that the minimum wage would increase annually based on inflation.

In recent years, Washington has consistently had one of the highest minimum wages in the country. For instance, in 2024, the state minimum wage was $16.28 per hour. Cities like Seattle, SeaTac, and Tukwila have even higher local minimum wages, reflecting the higher cost of living in these areas.

The impact of minimum wage increases on businesses has been a topic of much debate. On one hand, higher wages can lead to increased consumer spending, as workers have more disposable income. This can be beneficial for local economies and businesses that rely on consumer spending.

However, there are also challenges. Small businesses often struggle with the increased labor costs. Studies have shown that while some businesses can absorb these costs, others may need to reduce their workforce, cut hours, or increase prices to maintain profitability (2). For example, a study from the University of Washington found that the $15 minimum wage in Seattle led to a reduction in hours worked for low-wage employees, although their overall earnings increased.

Starting January 1, 2025, Washington’s minimum wage will increase to $16.66 per hour, a 2.35% increase from 2024 (3). This adjustment is based on the CPI, ensuring that wages keep pace with inflation. Additionally, several cities will have even higher minimum wages. For instance, Seattle’s minimum wage will rise to $20.76 per hour, and Tukwila’s will reach $21.10 per hour for large employers.

These changes will also affect the salary thresholds for exempt employees. For small employers (up to fifty employees), the minimum annual salary will be $69,305.60, while for large employers (more than fifty employees), it will be $77,968.80. These adjustments ensure that salaried employees are fairly compensated and not overworked without proper overtime pay.
​
Washington State’s approach to minimum wage reflects its commitment to ensuring fair wages for its workers. While the increases present challenges for some businesses, they also offer benefits such as increased consumer spending and reduced employee turnover. As we move into 2025, it will be crucial for businesses to adapt to these changes and for policymakers to continue monitoring the impacts to ensure a balanced approach that supports both workers and businesses.

Congratulations to Magnolia Studios on their ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony on October 25! Magnolia Studios is mixed-use property with a coffee shop, flower shop boutique, studio warehouse, and professional offices. The beautiful space is located at 20 N. Benton St. in Downtown Kennewick.

Congratulations to Hayden Homes on the ribbon cutting of their new model home in Peach Tree Estates! The beautiful new house is located at 2202 Fire Time Loop in Richland.