Small businesses continue to bear a disproportionate share of the federal regulatory burden, according to a report released by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA). The Impact of Regulatory Costs on Small Firms was released at the 30th anniversary observance for the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
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Get Your Report Now!Researchers Nicole V. Crain and W. Mark Crain found that the total costs of federal regulations have further increased from the level established in a 2005 study, as has the cost per employee. The total price tag has jumped to $1.75 trillion and the cost per employee at firms with fewer than 20 employees is now $10,585. The authors explain that the increase in the new estimate is due in part to changed methodology.
The authors conclude that environmental and tax compliance regulations appear to be the main cost drivers for small firms. The report also looks at regulatory, economic, and occupational safety and health and homeland security.
The report can be accessed via the SBA Office of Advocacy.
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