NRF championed a major tax and budget reconciliation measure, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, delivering a pro-business package of permanent tax provisions that will drive economic growth and strengthen America’s retail industry. Learn more.
NRF supported H.R. 1, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, providing budget reconciliation to deliver a pro-consumer package of permanent tax provisions that will fuel economic expansion and support retail businesses. Chief among these are the globally competitive corporate tax rate of 21% and the 20% pass-through deduction, supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs. H.R. 1 also rejected harmful offsets, including corporate tax rate increases and limits on deductions for state and local business taxes (B-SALT deductions). Preserving the core provisions of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was more than just smart policy — it was a direct investment in millions of American workers, businesses and communities.
For nearly 30 years, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit has helped connect American workers who have consistently faced barriers to employment, including eligible veterans, SNAP recipients, individuals with disabilities and long-term unemployed individuals, with good retail jobs. The credit offsets training and onboarding costs, giving retailers an added incentive to open doors of opportunity; however, without congressional action to extend or make the credit permanent, the WOTC will expire on Dec. 31, 2025. Losing this vital incentive would make it harder for businesses to hire, train and retain workers at a time when retailers continue to face persistent workforce challenges.
A job in retail is a great place to start and grow a career, and the Work Opportunity Tax Credit helps businesses invest in prospective employees struggling to find work, giving the American economy a boost. Further, many retail employees who enter the workforce through WOTC-eligible opportunities move onto supervisory or management roles, building long-term financial independence. Communities benefit when more people are employed, self-sufficient and contributing to local economies.
At a time when retailers are already navigating uncertainty from new tariffs and global supply chain pressures, losing WOTC would create another major challenge.
Retail is the nation’s largest private-sector employer, supporting 55 million American jobs. But retailers everywhere are still facing a tough challenge: finding enough workers to keep stores, warehouses and supply chains running smoothly.
NRF strongly supports Congress acting now to extend, and ideally make permanent, the WOTC. It’s a common-sense, bipartisan tool that strengthens the workforce, reduces reliance on government assistance and supports the retail industry’s role as the cornerstone of the American economy.
