Presenter outlines federal 2026 tax changes that may affect Daly City small businesses

A presenter identified in the meeting as 'Mabel' gave Daly City Small Business Commission members a high‑level summary on April 9 of recent federal tax changes that may affect local small businesses and real‑estate investors.

Mabel prefaced her remarks by saying she was not a licensed tax consultant or attorney and that her overview was not exhaustive. She highlighted several provisions she described as consequential for small business owners: the permanent 20% qualified business income (QBI) deduction for pass‑through businesses; an increase in the Section 179 expensing limit to $2.5 million; and the restoration of 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying assets placed in service after early 2025.

"The 20% qualified business income deduction on qualified business income is now permanent," she said, and later noted that 100% bonus depreciation "allows a full write off on qualifying components in a year." She also flagged an expanded employer childcare credit (up to 50% of qualifying costs, with examples provided) and a much lower 1099 reporting threshold (down to $600), which she said will increase record‑keeping burdens for freelancers and small employers.

Mabel said some provisions of interest to local real‑estate investors include enhanced bonus depreciation and opportunity‑zone program incentives. She pointed commission members to a written report with additional fiscal impact analysis and real‑world examples and recommended they seek professional tax advice because application of the rules depends on individual business circumstances.

Commissioners thanked Mabel and noted the volume of material; the commission agreed more detailed review is appropriate before drawing conclusions about local impacts.