Inside the NFIB’s 2026 Legislative Priorities

Inside the NFIB’s 2026 Legislative Priorities

Small business policy matters, and the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) just released its 2026 Small Business Legislative Priorities—outlining the key issues it wants Congress to address to help Main Street thrive in the year ahead. These priorities reflect feedback from small business owners like you, and they target policies that could reduce costs, encourage growth, and make it easier to operate a business in the U.S. in 2026. Today we’ll be breaking down what the NFIB is focusing on, plus what it could mean for your business.

Permanently Exempt Small Businesses from BOI Reporting

One of the top items on the NFIB’s list is a push to permanently exempt American-owned small businesses from Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) reporting requirements under the Corporate Transparency Act, which NFIB described as “onerous, intrusive, and costly” for small firms.

Although the Treasury Department temporarily exempted small businesses from BOI reporting, the NFIB wants Congress to make that exemption permanent or repeal the requirement altogether, and to destroy BOI data already filed. For small business owners, this could mean less compliance burden and lower administrative costs in future years.

Boost Competition in Credit Card Fees

Small business owners pay millions in credit card processing fees every year. To combat this, the NFIB is urging Congress to inject competition into the credit card swipe fee system by passing legislation like the Credit Card Competition Act and encouraging federal antitrust scrutiny of rate-setting practices by card networks like Visa and Mastercard. If successful, this could reduce merchant service fees (a recurring cost for retailers, restaurants, contractors, and many service businesses), ultimately improving profitability.

Build on Recent Tax Successes and Lower Tax Rates

The NFIB highlights a big win from 2025: the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which made the 20 percent Small Business Deduction permanent and prevented a significant tax hike for more than 30 million small business owners.

For 2026, the NFIB urges Congress to go a step further by expanding that deduction and even restoring lower tax rates for small C-corporations. If enacted, these changes could free up capital for reinvestment in hiring, equipment, marketing, or other growth strategies.

Lower Health Care Costs

Rising healthcare costs remain one of the longest-running challenges for small business owners, and NFIB’s agenda reflects that. The group is calling on Congress to help lower the cost of health insurance by increasing flexibility in how small businesses provide benefits and expanding options outside traditional group plans.

Specifically, NFIB wants lawmakers to allow pre-tax contributions to health reimbursement accounts, remove barriers to Association Health Plans (AHPs), and eliminate costly insurance mandates that drive up premiums. Reducing healthcare expenses could help small employers attract and retain workers without ballooning overhead.

Reduce Anti-Small Business Labor Mandates

Labor mandates, from worker classification rules to sweeping union legislation, can have big cost and compliance impacts on small companies. NFIB opposes proposals like the Warehouse Workers Protection Act and the Protecting the Right to Organize Act, arguing that they could unfairly burden small employers during collective bargaining and increase labor costs. By pushing back on broad mandates, NFIB hopes to protect small business flexibility in workforce management and wage settings.

Reduce Energy Costs

Energy costs have climbed in recent years and remain a “very significant” operating expense for many small businesses. NFIB’s agenda includes support for common-sense reforms to make electricity and fuel more affordable and reliable. Lower energy prices can mean healthier margins for manufacturers, retailers, and service providers — especially those with high utility usage like restaurants and warehouse operations.

Right to Repair

Small independent repair shops often face barriers when manufacturers restrict access to tools and parts. NFIB supports Right to Repair legislation, including the REPAIR Act, that would enable small businesses to compete fairly by fixing cars, tractors, and electronics. This could benefit Main Street businesses in the automotive and tech repair sectors by leveling the competitive landscape and keeping more revenue local.

Meaningful Regulatory Reform

NFIB wants Congress to pass legislation that reduces regulatory burden on small businesses by requiring simpler, clearer compliance requirements and limiting unnecessary red tape. They’ve pointed to proposals like the PROVE It Act as examples of legislation that could streamline rules and reduce complexity. Less paperwork and fewer arbitrary compliance costs can mean more time and money for owners to focus on growth and customers.

Protect Small Businesses from Litigation Abuse

Finally, NFIB is pushing to stop situations where foreign investors use U.S. courts to target American small businesses with lawsuits, which can drive up legal costs and insurance premiums. NFIB supports legislation to curtail these practices and protect domestic employers. Given that legal expenses can be crippling for smaller companies, this priority resonates with many owners focused on risk mitigation.

What This Means for Your Business

The NFIB’s 2026 legislative agenda highlights the rising costs and regulatory hurdles that small business owners face—from taxes and healthcare to energy, labor, litigation, and everyday processing fees. Whether it’s reducing swipe fees, securing permanent tax deductions, or lowering regulatory burdens, these priorities all underscore a broader need for policy that helps Main Street stay competitive and grow.

For small business owners, staying informed about these policy debates can help you understand the environment your business operates in, advocate for pro-growth changes, and plan for future costs. And the best place to keep tabs on it all? The Financial Pantry: your best source for all the news your business needs to succeed.