Tax Relief Push in the Philippines: Marcos’ administration is pushing a 2026 “Progress Bill” to exempt employees earning up to P350,000 from income tax, alongside tax relief for small businesses, while considering higher levies on items like sweetened drinks and tobacco to fund it. Payments Policy Watch (India): Proposed amendments could allow a Merchant Discount Rate on UPI transactions, changing how merchants pay for digital payments and potentially reshaping costs for small sellers. Retirement Plan Penalties (US): A new push targets steep penalties tied to late 401(k) Form 5500 filings, warning many small employers may already face penalty notices. Property Tax Ballot Fight (Florida): A judge ordered Florida to rewrite Amendment 3 ballot title/summary as misleading, keeping the measure on the November ballot but forcing corrected language. Small Business Credit & Jobs (US): Paychex reports small-business employment is steady, with more hours worked and improving weekly earnings, even as credit demand softens. AI for SMB Growth (US): Thryv reported Q2 progress on its AI-native growth platform and announced a co-marketing push with Ooma to help service businesses win more customers. Late Payments Focus (UK): Small Business Commissioner Emma Jones urged August “reset” planning—especially on sales, team compliance, and cashflow—while tackling late-payment pressures. Community & Local Markets: Events like “Small Business Celebration on Central” highlight how local makers and vendors are building foot traffic and community ties.