Minnesota State Wire

A recent poll from the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) reveals strong, bipartisan support for small businesses in the United States and the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction. Conducted from March 21 to March 25, 2025, the survey included 2,000 American voters, with an additional 500 small business owners participating for a nuanced view.

The study shows that over 80% of Americans believe federal support for small businesses is vital, with strong agreement across party lines—83% of Republicans, 86% of Democrats, and 79% of Independents concur on this point. Specifically, 93% agree that maintaining the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction is a key priority for Congress, while nearly all respondents (95%) express concern regarding the deduction's potential expiration.

"This research reinforces the high stakes of this Congressional tax debate," said NFIB President Brad Close. "Americans recognize the immense value of the 20% Small Business Tax Deduction and are concerned about the devastating consequences should Congress fail to act. NFIB strongly urges Congress to make the deduction permanent and deliver the certainty that small businesses need to continue to grow, hire, and give back to their communities."

"Minnesota's small businesses are vital to our economy," added NFIB Minnesota State Director Jon Boesche. "The 20% Small Business Tax Deduction must be made permanent to provide Main Street with the stability and certainty it deserves."

The 20% Small Business Tax Deduction, introduced in 2017 as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA), is set to expire at the end of 2025. Without Congressional intervention, nine out of ten small businesses could face increased taxes, impacting their ability to expand operations and improve employee wages.

According to the poll, 62% of respondents want this deduction to be maintained in the tax code, with 77% agreeing that it helps small businesses remain competitive against larger corporations. Moreover, 91% agree that small businesses depend on this deduction, 79% believe it positively impacts the economy, and 75% see benefits for their local economy. More than half of the respondents, 51%, are extremely or very concerned about the economic repercussions if the deduction expires.

The poll was facilitated by Seven Letter Insight and had a margin of error of +/-2.0%.