The automotive repair industry is poised to receive a substantial boost from the proposed Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act of 2024.
This bipartisan initiative, supported by the Automotive Service Association (ASA), aims to alleviate financial strains faced by independent repair shops, grappling with rapid technological advancements and an evolving automotive landscape.
If passed, the legislation, as outlined in a press release from ASA, would address several pressing concerns. It offers a reprieve from the high costs associated with adopting new technologies such as EVs and ADAS. These adaptations have forced many independent repairers to incur significant debts to upgrade their facilities and equipment. The Tax Relief Act proposes to reclassify the interest paid on these loans as a deductible expense.
Furthermore, the act proposes a 100% bonus depreciation allowance for qualified property acquired between Dec. 31, 2022, and Jan. 1, 2026. This allowance would cover necessary investments like equipment and vehicles.
Additionally, it increases the maximum expense limit for qualifying property, adjusting for inflation in the coming years, providing immediate financial relief while also setting a precedent for sustainable growth in the industry.
A proposed change in the Child Tax Credit would directly impact employees of these repair businesses. The reform in the tax framework includes a consideration for the number of children in a household and raises the per-child limit, with provisions for annual increases adjusted for inflation through 2025.
“Many independent repairers have had to spend heavily on new equipment and other investments just so their businesses can stay afloat and relevant in this turbulent automotive environment," said Scott Benavidez, president of the ASA Board of Directors. He added the Tax Relief Act would greatly assist businesses in continuing to provide quality service to their communities.
Bob Redding, ASA’s Washington, D.C., representative, commended the bipartisan effort led by U.S. Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden, D-OR, and U.S. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-MO. He said the legislative tax agreement will extend benefits not only to the automotive repair shops but also to other small businesses and their employees across the U.S.
