WASHINGTON (March 20, 2024) – The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the International Franchise Association (IFA), the National Restaurant Association, and the U.S. Travel Association joined dozens of hospitality groups in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urging Senate passage of the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024).

Additionally, leaders from AHLA, IFA, National Restaurant Association, and U.S. Travel issued the below statements regarding the bipartisan bill, which passed the House in January.

“This bill would extend critical tax relief to hotels across the nation, benefiting small business owners and employees alike,” said AHLA Interim President & CEO Kevin Carey. “Hoteliers need help navigating the economic uncertainties created by persistent inflation, a nationwide workforce shortage, and an aggressive federal regulatory agenda. The Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act would provide that help, and on behalf of America’s nearly 62,500 hotels, we call on the Senate to pass it as soon as possible.”

“Businesses need certainty to operate, and too often policy proposals disproportionally affect small businesses,” said IFA’s Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs Mike Layman. “However, this tax package will provide much-needed relief and predictability that will enable franchised businesses to reinvest in their employees and better serve their customers – putting them on a stronger path for growth.”

“The current limitation of depreciation and amortization and loss of 100% bonus depreciation for certain expenses penalize a restaurant operator’s investment in their success by adding to their tax burden,” Sean Kennedy, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, National Restaurant Association. “We urge the Senate to move forward on H.R. 7024 to provide timely tax relief for Main Street businesses.”

“Pro-growth policies like these make it easier for travel businesses to reinvest in their communities and create pathways to prosperity for Americans,” said Tori Emerson Barnes, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs and Policy at the U.S. Travel Association. “That’s why we urge the Senate to act as soon as possible and give the industry these tools to help create a more vibrant and agile economy.”

Click here to read the letter.

Background

The bipartisan Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024) includes several provisions that will benefit the hospitality and tourism industries, including:

• An extension of the 100% bonus depreciation through the end of 2025. Under current law, leasehold and other qualifying interior improvements are eligible for 60% bonus depreciation this year before bonus depreciation phases out after 2026.
• A four-year extension with retroactivity of the taxpayer-favorable earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) standard for measuring the amount of business interest deductible under section 163(j).
• A provision accelerating the deadline to file claims for the Employee Retention Credit (ERC) to January 31, 2024. With the potential closure of the program to new applicants, any businesses still considering applying are encouraged to do so quickly.
• A Child Tax Credit enhancement.