Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) cosponsored the bipartisan Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (H.R. 747) to update the tax code for craft brewers and distillers, spurring economic growth and creating jobs.

“Our current tax system undermines competitiveness and is out of date with the way the world works today. The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act will update our laws to help craft brewers and distillers compete in today’s economy,” DelBene said. “Washington’s First District is home to some of the world’s best craft breweries. These growing industries are vital to our economy. By reducing their unfair tax burden, it would allow them to create new jobs and economic opportunity in our region.”

The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, introduced by Reps. Erik Paulsen (R-MN) and Ron Kind (D-WI), would recalibrate excise taxes for brewers, cider makers, vintners and distillers, and reduce burdensome inventory restrictions. Specifically, the bill would:

• Lower the federal excise tax to $3.50 per barrel on the first 60,000 barrels for domestic brewers producing fewer than 2 million barrels annually.
• Reduce the federal excise tax to $16 per barrel on the first 6 million barrels for all other brewers.
• Maintain the excise tax at the current $18 per barrel rate on barrels exceeding 6 million.

Reps. Dave Reichert (WA-08) and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) are also cosponsors of the bill.

DelBene serves on the House Ways and Means Committee, which has jurisdiction over tax policy.

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