Independent small-business owners in Massachusetts are lining up overwhelmingly against Gov. Deval Patrick’s plan to raise taxes by nearly $2 billion, according to the results of a survey by the Massachusetts chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).
The survey found more than 92 percent are against the proposal, with 4.1 percent opposed and 3.6 percent undecided.
“Small business owners in Massachusetts … are convinced that (the plan) will hurt the economy,” said Bill Vernon, the state’s director for the NFIB. “I can’t remember the last time we balloted our members and the result was this one-sided.”
Patrick’s plan would raise the state income tax from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent while lowering the sales tax from 6.25 percent to 4.5 percent. The governor has advocated the changes to help pay for what he believes are necessary investments in transportation infrastructure and education.
Vernon said two-thirds of small businesses in Massachusetts pay their taxes as individual filers and that a higher income tax would eat into their profits. He also warned that higher taxes on small businesses and consumers would result in fewer jobs and a slower economy.
