This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2007, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
WASHINGTON - Sen. Orrin Hatch has introduced legislation that would allow self-employed people to deduct health care premiums from their employment taxes similar to the way corporations can claim that tax break.
The Utah Republican, joined by Sen. Jeff Bingaman, D-N.M., says the measure would correct an unfair tax law that hurts the roughly 21 million self-employed Americans, including 168,000 in Utah.
Hatch says that the success of the American economy depends on U.S. entrepreneurs.
"Yet because of the staggering cost of providing health care for their families, many entrepreneurs cannot quit their day jobs to pursue their dreams," Hatch said in a statement. "If enacted, this bill could go a long way toward helping such individuals take the risk of starting or keeping their own businesses."
Hatch's office says the bill could save a self-employed person paying $4,500 a year for health insurance as much as $688.50 in taxes.
