Small businesses could get a big tax break under Oakland plan

"These are the kinds of ground-level businesses that drive foot traffic and promote neighborhood vibrancy,"

"Crime, regulations, tariffs, and competition from online retailers and delivery services mean that some of the businesses that define Oakland are barely hanging on,"

"By easing some of these initial tax burdens for new and emerging businesses, the city is helping entrepreneurs build sustainable operations from day one, and hopefully attracting new busi"

Councilmembers Zac Unger and Janani Ramachandran along with Mayor Barbara Lee aim to place a tax relief measure on the June 2026 primary ballot. Many small businesses with under $1 million in annual revenue would be exempt from the city's gross receipts tax in 2027, and new businesses opening in commercial spaces in 2027 would receive a tax exemption in 2028 up to $1 million. The city would set aside $3 million to cover lost revenue. Eligible businesses generated $1.6 million in taxes in 2023. City Council approval is required to place the measure on the ballot, and voters would decide final adoption.

Read at The Oaklandside