Is Partial Repeal Possible ?

This story is based on two sources, an article from The Hill yesterday, and an article from CNS News today.  Both sources are reporting on the fact that the Republicans in Congress and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are trying to repeal a provision in the healthcare reform act that would be very cumbersome for small businesses. 

According to CNS News:

“In section 9006 of the health care law, starting in 2012, the new health care law requires businesses, tax-exempt organizations, and government entities to file Form 1099 for every single business-to-business transaction of $600 or more, for both property and services. So small businesses purchases from vendors that exceed $600 must report those transactions to the IRS.”

This means that a small business must track its office supply purchases and other business to business purchases and send 1099’s to the vendors involved.  This is a new provision–previously only services above $600 needed to be reported.  

CNS News further reports:

“Nina Olson, head of Taxpayer Advocate Services, said, “If the IRS continues to ramp up enforcement while reducing taxpayer service programs, I would be concerned about its ability to administer the new health care credits and penalty taxes in a fair and compassionate way.”

There are serious questions as to whether the IRS will be able to track this new requirement.  There is also the question being asked by some Congressmen, “What does this have to do with healthcare?”  I think that as we come closer to seeing the healthcare reform bill put into effect, we will find out that a lot of the bill has very little to do with healthcare.