[20010222]98-884_小企业立法：信息来源.pdf

1 How many small businesses are there is the United States? No single answer suffices. By thebroadest measure, there are about 25 million. This is the number of business tax returns filed withthe Internal Revenue Service (IRS). In 1999, an estimated 24.8 million non-farm business taxreturns were filed for 5.3 million corporations (including about 16,000 large firmsthose with 500or more employees), 1.8 million partnerships, and 17.7 million sole proprietorships. For detailedstatistical information, go to the SBAs Office of Advocacy website http:/www.sba.gov/ADVO/Congressional Research Service ? The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code 98-884 EUpdated February 22, 2001Small Business Legislation: Sources of InformationBruce K. MulockSpecialist in Business and GovernmentGovernment and Finance DivisionSummaryThis report seeks to respond to inquiries from congressional staff who requestinformation about major legislation affecting small business. More specifically, staffersoften ask CRS to furnish a list of bills of interest to small firms and their owners. Forreasons discussed below including conceptual problems related to constructing sucha l