AWB president Don Brunell blogged recently about the advantages to businesses of the B&O tax simplification measure endorsed by Gov. Chris Gregoire. Brunell writes:

AWB has pointed out the B&O tax is different than the sales tax because at least 39 cities collect B&O taxes independently using their own rules, penalties and fees. B&O taxes are not uniformly implemented like sales taxes.This creates asignificant burden for small businesses.

The governor’s policy brief makes the right point, particularly in this economy.

Small business owners should be able to spend their time growing their business, not puzzling over multiple forms and differences between state and local B&O taxes. Most businesses want to pay the right amount of tax. Simplification will make it easier for businesses to understand and comply with their tax obligations.

Still, as the Seattle Times reports, major cities oppose the measure.