Gaylord/Otsego County Chamber of Commerce

Government Relations Update from Jamie Callahan

May 27, 2008

Some Businesses Paying Wrong MBT Amount

Two town hall forums held in northern Michigan recently drew a number of job providers wishing to express their opinion on the new Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and how it has impacted their businesses.The Traverse City event was held to a packed room at the Chamber of Commerce building while the Gaylord meeting of the MBT Impact Assessment Subcommittee also saw solid numbers at the M-TEC facility.

Business leaders were able to interact with local and visiting legislators to provide important information on the new MBT, the ease in calculation, and what impact an increase in their taxes could have upon their operations.

One item of note that came out of the events, is that a number of business owners and their accountants were not aware of the Alternative Minimum Tax within the MBT, which could be an option for many area businesses and could possibly lower their tax liability.The Chamber and the Alliance will continue to track this issue and work towards any needed remedy.

A recent MBT Survey conducted by the Northwest Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance revealed that many businesses across the region saw an increase in their taxes compared to the recently repealed SBT, with a number of businesses seeing increases well over 100%.Additional results show that the promise of an easier and less complicated tax is not shared by those who are required to calculate the tax.

The press release discussing the MBT Survey conducted by the can be found at this link.

Chamber Alliance Leaders Take Message to Capitol

Leaders from the Northwest Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance travel to the State Capitol this week to meet with local and statewide leaders regarding the economic climate of Northwest Michigan.The primary focus will be promoting the top priorities of the 2008 Legislative Agenda as well as stressing the important role Northwest Michigan plays in Michigan’s economy, from manufacturing and agriculture, to tourism and everything in between.

As part of the discussions, the Alliance will relay to statewide leaders, the importance of understanding the impact legislation can have on Northwest Michigan, and that there is more to consider when debating legislation than the area of Michigan south of I-96 and I-69.

A copy of the 2008 Legislative Agenda can be found at this link.


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Box 513 Gaylord, MI 49734 Phone: (989) 732-6333 Phone: (800) 345-8621 Fax: (989) 732-7990 Contact us via email:	Government Affairs Updates > Gaylord/Otsego County Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Update from Jamie Callahan May 27, 2008 Some Businesses Paying Wrong MBT Amount Two town hall forums held in northern Michigan recently drew a number of job providers wishing to express their opinion on the new Michigan Business Tax (MBT) and how it has impacted their businesses.The Traverse City event was held to a packed room at the Chamber of Commerce building while the Gaylord meeting of the MBT Impact Assessment Subcommittee also saw solid numbers at the M-TEC facility. Business leaders were able to interact with local and visiting legislators to provide important information on the new MBT, the ease in calculation, and what impact an increase in their taxes could have upon their operations. One item of note that came out of the events, is that a number of business owners and their accountants were not aware of the Alternative Minimum Tax within the MBT, which could be an option for many area businesses and could possibly lower their tax liability.The Chamber and the Alliance will continue to track this issue and work towards any needed remedy. A recent MBT Survey conducted by the Northwest Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance revealed that many businesses across the region saw an increase in their taxes compared to the recently repealed SBT, with a number of businesses seeing increases well over 100%.Additional results show that the promise of an easier and less complicated tax is not shared by those who are required to calculate the tax. The press release discussing the MBT Survey conducted by the can be found at this link. Chamber Alliance Leaders Take Message to Capitol Leaders from the Northwest Michigan Regional Chamber Alliance travel to the State Capitol this week to meet with local and statewide leaders regarding the economic climate of Northwest Michigan.The primary focus will be promoting the top priorities of the 2008 Legislative Agenda as well as stressing the important role Northwest Michigan plays in Michigan’s economy, from manufacturing and agriculture, to tourism and everything in between. As part of the discussions, the Alliance will relay to statewide leaders, the importance of understanding the impact legislation can have on Northwest Michigan, and that there is more to consider when debating legislation than the area of Michigan south of I-96 and I-69. A copy of the 2008 Legislative Agenda can be found at this link.