In its second week, the Alabama Legislature began moving legislation in earnest, including several bills of concern to retailers. Shifting the state’s August sales tax holiday to July could be debated soon in either chamber (HB132 / SB136). A bill…
Legislation authorizing wine and beer tastings inside grocery stores that have off-premises consumption licenses and at least $2 million in total annual sales await consideration by both House and Senate committees. HB134 by Rep. David Faulkner, R-Birmingham, is one of…
MONTGOMERY – From Friday, Feb. 24, to Sunday, Feb. 26, Alabama will observe its sixth annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. The Alabama Retail Association encourages Alabamians to restock emergency supplies in homes, workplaces and vehicles during this three-day tax holiday….
Linda Flaherty’s friends and colleagues describe her as a bridge builder and a great listener. She regularly attends merchant meetings and interacts with other business owners. “Her involvement in the community has made a difference for other people starting out…
The Alabama Legislature gaveled in its 2017 regular session Tuesday with such weighty issues as prison reform, redistricting and finding money for Medicaid needing attention. More than 350 bills have been introduced so far, including ones calling on retailers to have…
Alabama’s political party caucuses this week introduced their legislative agendas for 2017. Alabama Retail is monitoring a Democratic proposal to require unitary combined reporting (SB67) and a Republican bill to make Medicaid fraud a Class C felony (SB85). The combined…
In First Month, More Than $5 Million in Taxes Collected from Major Remote Online-Only Sellers Alabama’s 2016 holiday sales are on track to exceed expectations. The Alabama Department of Revenue released its November sales tax numbers in early January,…
All new hires must fill out the latest Form I-9 the first day they are on the job. Starting Sunday, Jan. 22, employers must use the Form I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification dated 11/14/2016. That version should be completed for new hires…
Alabama has been under a statewide emergency declaration since 7 a.m. Friday, Jan. 6, related to Winter Storm Helena. Sleet and snow fell overnight Friday in parts of central Alabama, including Birmingham and Tuscaloosa. As temperatures dropped, the remaining snowy or slushy areas froze. Due to…
As 2016 ends and 2017 begins, take note of these federal and state laws and policies that could have a bearing on your business: OVERTIME RULE CHANGES PUT ON HOLD For two years, Alabama Retail kept members informed about the…