IFA supports a clear and fair “joint employer” standard that is based on direct control and allows franchisees to operate independently and our economy to flourish.

IFA supports the intent of the ACA to expand access to health care, but has urged for the return of the 40-hour workweek and elimination of the employer mandate.

IFA has urged Congress to expand and extend programs to provide franchise businesses with increased avenues to access capital, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

IFA has strongly opposed efforts to enact independent contractor tests that rob franchise owners of their investments by effectively demoting them to employees of their brand.

Historically, franchise brands have been allowed to immediately recognize the initial franchise fees earned from incoming franchisees, which average $36,000, when all material services or conditions relating to the sale have been substantially performed or satisfied.  For small business, “emerging brands,” the recognition of this income is critical to the financial stability of entrepreneurs who are beginning to grow their business.

With the expansion of apprenticeship programs through an executive order, America’s 733,000 franchise businesses are helping close the skills gap, creating more middle-class jobs by drawing back Americans who had previously left the workforce.

The Veteran Entrepreneurs Act would provide veterans with a 25 percent tax credit on the initial franchise fee, which the prospective veteran franchisee can elect to pass to the franchisor in exchange for a discount of equivalent value up front.

Bipartisan Members of Congress Promote Minority Franchise Ownership.

IFA’s advocacy efforts ensured more than 500 franchise brands and thousands of franchise business owners are eligible for a new 20% deduction on qualified business income as part of the new tax law.

Whether a large franchisor company with thousands of locations or an individual franchisee successfully running a single unit, delivering affordable health care is one of the most pressing issues facing franchising.