American Innovation Act of 2018

American Innovation Act of 2018

This bill consolidates and expands the existing tax deductions for start-up expenditures and organizational expenditures of taxpayers beginning an active trade or business.

For the year in which an active trade or business begins, the bill allows a single deduction equal to the lesser of (1) the aggregate amount of start-up and organizational expenditures paid or incurred in connection with the active trade or business, or (2) $20,000, reduced (but not below zero) by the amount by which the aggregate amount exceeds $120,000. The $20,000 and $120,000 limits must be adjusted for inflation after 2019.

The bill also allows a start-up business to use net operating loss carryforwards, net operating losses, and unused general business tax credits after an ownership change without being subject to certain limitations required under current law.

Written by the nonpartisan Congressional Research Service. All summary versions on Congress.gov