Craft distillers urge US to make tax cuts permanent

Almost 2,000 people within the alcoholic beverage industry have urged the US government to permanently introduce a federal tax cut for craft brewers and distillers.

Craft distillers in the US are urging the government to pass the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act

On Tuesday (15 October), nearly 2,000 individuals contacted their members of Congress calling for the passage of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act.

The “day of action” resulted in more than 6,000 points of contact with congressional offices via emails, phone calls and social media platforms.

A two-year version of the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act was introduced in 2018 as part of US president Donald Trump’s US$1.4 trillion tax reform bill.

The act provided domestic brewers and distillers who produce fewer than 60,000 barrels a year with a 50% reduction on federal tax.

If the legislation is not made permanent, alcohol producers will face an increase in federal excise taxes from 1 January 2020.

The coalition said: “Craft beverage producers are found in every corner of the country and are active members of their communities, spurring billions of dollars in economic development and tourism.

“In less than three months, the tax reduction that has enabled countless producers to reinvest back in their businesses and communities will expire.

“This critical piece of legislation has broad bipartisan support with 288 co-sponsors in the House and 70 in the Senate.

“Congress must act now to pass the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act.”