WASHINGTON – As Congress continues deliberations on additional financial assistance for individuals and companies impacted by the pandemic, the Natural Products Association (NPA) is joining businesses representing millions of workers and customers in an open letter asking officials to include tax credits for businesses facing steep reopening costs. The letter to House and Senate leaders, Treasury Secretary Steve Munuchin, and White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, can be viewed here.
“As Americans have turned to nutritional supplements to support their health and immune systems in this crisis, natural products businesses have truly been a lifeline. The downside is that this has come at great cost,” said Daniel Fabricant, Ph.D., President and CEO of NPA. “It is vital that Congress include targeted tax credits for businesses so they can continue to serve the American people and keep their doors open. We checked with our members on what they need most from the next stimulus package and this was the #1 priority.”
In a recent survey, NPA members projected spending an annual average of $13,595 — with some expected to spend as much as $200,000 — on COVID-19-related priorities including testing, personal protective equipment (PPE) and workplace changes to accommodate social distancing. Some companies indicated they were bracing for significant costs but were unable to calculate them due to the uncertainties of state-level government decisions on reopening.
The organizations requested that qualified expenses for tax credits include:
- Cleaning and workplace safety-related costs, including cleaning, disinfecting, and sterilizing-related products; equipment; delivery/dispensing devices and systems; and technology platforms or services related to preventing the spread of COVID–19
- Training, consulting, standards, certifications, auditing/quality control, monitoring, and guidelines or other similar information related to COVID–19
- Personal protective equipment
- Technology used for limiting or tracing and tracking physical contact between customers and employees in the United States and improving workplace safety and hygiene
- Other expenditures associated with maintaining a healthy physical workplace such as reconfigurations, including those necessary to comply with federal, state, and local guidelines, as well as industry best practices
NPA has activated its grassroots network and is urging its members to contact Congress to support the Healthy Workplace Tax Credit. More information about NPA’s grassroots network can be found here.
# # #
Natural Products Association
The Natural Products Association (NPA) is the trade association representing the entire natural products industry. We advocate for our members who supply, manufacture and sell natural ingredients or products for consumers. The Natural Products Association promotes good manufacturing practices as part of the growth and success of the industry. Founded in 1936, NPA represents over 750 members accounting for more than 10,000 locations of retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers and distributors of natural products, including foods, dietary supplements, and health/beauty aids. Visit www.npanational.org
