Women Business Owners Discussed Tax Policies
The Women's Business Owners Group met with legislative experts to address estate and wealth tax challenges.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Financial Planning
Live Poll
Should federal lawmakers prioritize repealing estate and wealth taxes to support family-owned businesses?
The Women's Business Owners Group convened with Capitol Hill experts to discuss policy concerns impacting family-owned firms. The meeting focused on the landscape of proposed wealth and estate tax legislation.
Why it matters
Women-owned businesses represent nearly 40 percent of the U.S. economy, and participants sought to navigate the potential fiscal impact of various proposed tax bills.
There are currently 15 proposed national wealth tax bills and 40 at the state level. Women-owned businesses employ 12.2 million people and generate $2.7 trillion in revenue.
The players
Women's Business Owners Group
This organization functions as an advisory panel to the Congressional Family Business Caucus.
Congressional Family Business Caucus
This legislative body coordinates with business leaders to address issues affecting family-owned firms.
Family Enterprise USA
This advocacy organization promotes the interests of family businesses in the United States.
Tim Schultz
He is the incoming Chief Executive Officer slated to take leadership of Family Enterprise USA.
Pat Soldano
She is the current Chief Executive Officer of Family Enterprise USA.
The details
More than 20 business owners gathered to receive legislative insights and discuss challenges unique to family-run enterprises. The group serves as an advisory panel to the Congressional Family Business Caucus, which recently concluded its final 2026 meeting.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Congressional Family Business Caucus held its final 2026 meeting.
October 1, 2026: Women's Business Owners Group held its policy meeting.
End of 2026: Tim Schultz will succeed Pat Soldano as CEO of Family Enterprise USA.
Market Landscape
The legislative advocacy group follows the recent passage of the 21st Century Road to Housing Act to shape future fiscal environments. These efforts shift the competitive landscape for family firms by engaging directly with the policy process.
Changes to wealth and estate tax laws could directly alter the succession planning and capital availability for business owners. These policy shifts may impact the long-term tax liabilities for family-owned entities nationwide.
The takeaway
Business owners should monitor both state and federal tax proposals to ensure their financial planning accounts for shifting legislative priorities. Proactive engagement with policy experts helps firms mitigate the risks associated with potential changes to estate tax structures.
What happens next
Tim Schultz will formally transition into his role as Chief Executive Officer of Family Enterprise USA at the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more information on managing corporate tax obligations, visit Financial Planning.
More information
Review resources regarding legislative advocacy on the Family Enterprise USA website.
Live Poll
Should federal lawmakers prioritize repealing estate and wealth taxes to support family-owned businesses?
