February 4, 2010
The ethanol industry has been criticized for being dependent on government subsidies and requiring too many resources to produce. However, the financial facts speak for themselves. The Government’s 2008 $4.7 billion investment in the ethanol industry returned almost $20.0 billion in increased tax revenue and reduced farm program expenditures.
This has to be one of the most financially successful government investments ever.
The current generation corn-based ethanol is likely not the entire solution to the energy problem. However, a growing vigorous ethanol industry has been created that already provides a significant contribution to the United States budget and economy by providing jobs and displacing oil imports.
The Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) of $0.51 per gallon (now reduced to $0.45 per gallon) provided the United States a 5-to-1 return on investment in 2008 as follows:
|
Revenue (economic benefits): |
|
||
|
|
Federal income tax paid on increased |
|
|
|
|
GDP and higher household income |
$ 11.90 |
billion |
|
|
Source: Contribution of the Ethanol Industry to the Economy of the United States |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
State and Local tax revenue paid on increased |
|
|
|
|
GDP, higher household income and increased property taxes |
$ 9.00 |
billion |
|
|
Source: Contribution of the Ethanol Industry to the Economy of the United States |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reduction in Loan Deficiency Payments |
$ 3.4 |
billion |
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total 2008 economic benefits |
$24.35 billion |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Expense (federal tax credit): |
|
|
|
|
|
Volumetric Ethanol Excise Tax Credit (VEETC) |
|
|
|
|
and Small Producer Credit |
$ 4.70 |
billion |
|
|
Source: Contribution of the Ethanol Industry to the Economy of the United States |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net Economic Benefit of Ethanol tax credit
|
$ 19.65 |
billion |
|
|
|
|
|
The renewable fuel industry provides American jobs and a less or non-polluting fuel. With increasing efficiencies each year, it is obvious that this industry has a bright future as it continues to mature.
About CFO Systems LLC
CFO Systems provides CFOs and Controllers to the Midwest on a contract basis. We specialize in offering proven financial leadership to our clients. Our leadership team has extensive experience and is able to implement solutions targeted specifically for each client’s needs. Companies working with CFO Systems enjoy the benefits of advanced expertise, while limiting the cost and commitment of senior staff. Our clients trust us to help lead them to the next level by providing quality financial leadership.
About Bill McInturf
Bill McInturf has 25 years experience of senior financial leadership primarily in the real estate industry. He has participated in private fund raising, acquisitions, dispositions, acquisition financing, re-financing and mezzanine financing, the selection and implementation of two enterprise-wide computer systems; supporting rapid growth (both organic and acquisition) with process improvements that streamlined efficiencies; and managing budgeting and forecasting, cash management, audit, and tax return preparation.