Category: Economic

President Biden’s Economic Policies

I’m a not an economist nor a CPA. However, I do have quite a bit of a background in accounting, business management and operating a small business. So when I see some of the President’s tax and economic policies that may take place – it has me concerned.

Overall, I’m pretty sure quite a bit of us do not want to pay a huge amount in taxes. Whether it be monthly, quarterly or annually. I’ve been looking at past debates during the 2020 presidential election and I do not agree with taxes increasing overall. I honestly prefer more money in our pockets – doesn’t matter what spectrum we belong into under the Progressive Tax system that our Federal Government has in this country. Wouldn’t you agree, that you wish to have more cash “on hand” – in your pockets when you get your pay bi-weekly or monthly? I see it as common sense.

What sound person would not want to have more cash in their hands to do whatever with it, when they get paid? Use it to do whatever they’d like to: purchase clothes, travel to have that humbling experience around the country or abroad, support other business industries, donate to a charity they are interested in, or help out local businesses and communities in their areas, etc.

Here’s an example of Kamala Harris’ Economic Policies during her initial campaign as a Presidential candidate.

Here’s my take on some of the above mentioned. Some of it sounds similar to Biden’s proposal, but the underlying fact is INCREASE IN TAX. This goes back to my blog a few weeks ago about the “Laffer Curve“. Very informative video as well about the break down of the Laffer Curve.

So they want to eliminate former President Trump’s corporate tax decrease (was at 21%) and raise back up to 28% or 35% – who knows which one they’ll agree on. Here’s my thoughts on this increase in Corporate Tax… It affects ALL businesses – big or small – who is incorporated (C-Corporations).

Some of you who are not in the field of business or owning a business there are essentially 5 buckets of businesses. In the simplest way I can describe:

1 – Sole Proprietorship – you are the business and you are PERSONALLY liable for all of your business – from your money, to people you hire, to assets you buy to help operate this business.

2 – Limited Liability Company (LLC)

3 – S-Corporation – this entity will be personally liable for the assets, people you hire, money you’ve put it – but you are still the owner – but as a corporate officer.

4 – Partnership – you and your friends get together and form a business – But this partnership is an entity as it’s own and will be liable for anything – similar to S-Corporation. You nor your friends who are the partners are not personally liable – the partnership is.

5 – C-Corporation – this entity, similar to S-Corporation; however, C-Corporation is a taxable entity – under Federal Government. The liability is similar to S-Corporation, to where the C-Corporation entity will be personally liable for the assets, people you hire, money you’ve put it – but you are still the owner – but as a corporate officer.

Overall, small business – as some people may not understand – can EASILY BE ANY of the 5 above types of entities.

Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center

Business Structures

Anyone can be a small business – as indicated in the IRS’ website noted above and by the image noted.

Where am I getting at with this? Well, if you are a “small business” and also operating a corporation, a profitable one, then under the proposed tax plan with the new President – your corporate tax will increase. The adverse affect would be, for you as a business owner, you’ll be paying higher taxes and have less disposable income (free cash on hand) to use it towards your business. Should you decide to hire more people, expand or upgrade your technology? You may have to put a hold on it then if your corporate taxes increase as a small business owner.

You may not realize that your neighbor, for example, owns an auto repair shop and is the mechanic as well. He may operate his business as a corporation for all we know. He, too, can be affected by this corporate tax increase proposed. From my perspective – the devil is within the details – and not many people realize to look at it that way. Only see that increase in these taxes will ONLY impact the 1% or the “big business”. Not sorry – but no.

A Biden Tax-Hike Break for Small Businesses

Granted the Wall Street Journal link above is an opinion piece – but how they worded the title of the article is hilarious.

In the above link, the Wall Street Journal has worded this article from the beginning “A Biden Tax-Hike Break for Small Business… Congress should raise the top corporate rate to 28%, but only for the most profitable companies…” Well no sh*t Sherlock. Only way you’ll pay taxes is if you have a net profit on your business (e.g. PROFITABLE)! You cannot pay taxes if your business incurs a loss. It’s like trying to divide a number by 0 – you cannot!

Student Loan Forgiveness – Be careful what you wish for…

I’m still on the fence on how this will be done properly. Student loans (college loans) have been poorly mismanaged for several years. Whether it be at the initial start of getting a student loan up to where you’re working or starting to work and pay off your student loan balance.

Again, what I may see happen are unintended consequences once everything has been implemented and a few years pass after everything has been said and done. What people may not understand, beforehand, that student loan forgiveness has been tried under the Clinton administration (REPAYE) – as indicated in the video above – there was a repayment plan but the remaining balance forgiven was then TAXABLE AS INCOME to you (the remaining of the loan that was forgiven):

Under Biden’s proposal for this student loan is that:

If the balance would be forgiven under Biden’s proposal, who would essentially pay for these “forgiven” student loan debt balances? Here’s where I foresee the unintended consequence – This will impact quite a bit of taxpaying Americans – in all spectrums of the taxpaying Americans – not just the high income and/or wealthy. It may not impact everyone instantly – but it will over time… and I bet the taxes on income will go back up… I could be wrong – but only time will tell.

Forbes:

Biden: Cancels Student Loans 3 Ways

Biden: Cancel Student Loans Immediately

If people remember, the Federal Government took over the student loans back in year 2010. The Federal Government was the main creditor, as of 2010, to manage the student loans. My question is, “Why was the need to do so?”

Apparently some members of Congress don’t know that banks are no longer the “middle-man” in student loans because the Federal Government took over.
Some things to think about…

Thomas Sowell is a gem

A very good interview with American Economist, Mr. Thomas Sowell. He’s born in the 1930’s and he’s well in his 80’s today. Still a very intelligent and a wonderful individual. This is one of many interviews I have seen of Mr. Thomas Sowell. He is truly a gem for this period, among others of course.

He has argued that it is a propaganda tactic akin to those used by Joseph Goebbels because it comes with an attitude that it must be “repeated long enough and loud enough” till it is believed and people “cave in” to it (Wikipedia).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Sowell

Is increasing minimum wage beneficial or hurtful? I believe it is hurtful.

  1. A lot of people will lose their jobs or have their hours reduced.
  2. Businesses will close and the jobs they created will disappear.
    1. This will affect small businesses heavily.
  3. Young people will lose that “entry-level” job opportunity.
    1. Having a entry-level position usually teaches an individual – new to the work force – basic responsibilities (e.g. showing up on time, working together with others, knowing how to follow instructions, providing customer service, etc.)
    2. No one can get the better job until they have their FIRST job.
  4. The cost of ALL workers will have to go UP.
    1. Increase in labor cost to workers – will lessen the profit of that business
    2. If there’s less profits – the unintended consequence is that the business will cut the hours (as referred above), hire less people, and not expand their business.
  5. Fewer people will open businesses.
    1. A company that does not exist never employs anyone.
  6. Prices for everything will go up

Another perspective on increase in minimum wages.

At the 1:10 minute mark.

The unintended consequences has resulted because of the increase in minimum wages in Seattle, WA.

The minimum wage has ever been an ongoing discussion for many years – this interview was done in 2013.