Wolf Administration Announces Business Fee Exemptions Saved Veterans and Reservists Nearly $200K

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 22, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ — Governor Tom Wolf and Acting Secretary of State Robert Torres announced today military veterans and reservists saved almost $200,000 thanks to business and professional licensing fee exemptions in 2017.

“Eliminating fees for our military veterans and reservists is another way to foster the best possible business climate in Pennsylvania,” Governor Wolf said. “At the same time, we are showing veterans the gratitude they deserve for their service and sacrifices.”

The business fee exemption, which became effective January 2, 2017, was a result of Act 135 of 2016. The Act eliminates the requirement for fees to start or open a new small business if the business is veteran- or reservist-owned.

Filing fees to register a new business are waived by the Department’s Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations (BCCO) when the registration documents are signed by the veteran or reservist and submitted with proof of the veteran’s or reservist’s status.

BCCO’s 2017 annual business fee exemption report (PDF) shows 1,613 veterans and reservists saved a total of more than $178,000 in business registration fees.

In addition, Act 135 allows the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs (BPOA) to waive initial application fees for certain license types (PDF) for businesses regulated by various boards and commissions.

A total of 121 license applicants had a combined savings of more than $16,000 from the fee exemptions over the course of 2017.

“The Department of State is proud of its role in easing the financial burden on veterans and reservists starting businesses,” Secretary Torres said. “By lowering the start-up costs, we can help ensure that entrepreneur veterans have every opportunity to build a successful future.”