The Trump tax cuts and the 5×5 Brewery: A Texas case study

There is nothing quite like the sound of cracking open an ice cold can of beer on a hot day. But when settling down with your favorite IPA, you may not be thinking about tax policy.

For the owners of 5×5 Brewing Co. in South Texas, however, taxes will be top of mind. In fact, 2025 will be a pivotal year for the small manufacturer, which makes its own beer and sells it at its brewery in Mission, online, and all over Texas, since this is the year when Congress will decide whether to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

If federal lawmakers do not act, 5×5 Brewing Co. and thousands of manufacturers like them across the country will suffer.

And it could affect your bar tab — and more.

Veteran-owned 5×5 Brewing Co. expanded after Trump tax cuts

5×5 Brewing Co. is owned and operated by U.S. military veterans. The band of brothers behind the brew includes George Rice and Ray Franklin, who served in the U.S. Army, Sean Downey and Jorge Gonzalez, veterans of the U.S. Marine Corps, and Alex Gelman, who served in the U.S. Navy.

The group credits the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, also known as the Trump tax cuts, for helping them build their company.

“The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was able to get us 100% write-off provisions on equipment that we would purchase,” explained George. “Being able to do that led to a lot of economic upside … [it] let us invest in equipment, reinvest in our employees, give raises, and hire more employees.” George also said the Trump tax cuts allowed 5×5 Brewing Co. to increase its production and expand its capabilities.

George, who signed up for military service after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, and his partners say they use a fine-tuned attention to detail learned while serving in the military to create “awesome brew.”

Their customers agree.

The veterans’ attention to detail and the Trump tax cuts helped turn 5×5 Brewing Co. into the largest manufacturing brewery in South Texas. The company has a veteran preference hiring policy and recently entered a Brewing Apprenticeship Program with South Texas College. That program is the first in the country and will help aspiring small business owners learn the secrets behind 5×5 Brewing Co.’s success.

5×5 Brewing Co. owner says Tax Cuts and Jobs Act extension must be a priority

Several key pro-growth provisions of the Trump tax cuts will expire at the end of 2025 unless federal lawmakers approve legislation to extend them.

George says an extension bill must be at the top of Congress’ to-do list.

“Protecting Prosperity and protecting small businesses should be the top legislative priority going into these next few years to ensure our economic strength as a country stays iron hot,” George argued.

There’s a lot dividing our country, but most Americans agree with George: Washington shouldn’t be raising anyone’s taxes. In fact, an overwhelming 76% of Americans say that now is the wrong time to raise taxes. The agreement cuts across party lines.

Extending and improving upon the Trump tax cuts will not only help businesses like 5×5 Brewing Co. Lower taxes are necessary to help your family keep more of its hard-earned money and get our country back on the path to prosperity. Extensions will make your life more affordable, create greater opportunity in your community, and reignite the American Dream for millions of entrepreneurs and veterans like George.

Congress needs to extend the Trump tax cuts quickly. For businesses, certainty on tax policy is crucial, especially at a time when the broader policy and economic environment are so unsettled.

To ensure the legislation works for families, individuals, and companies like 5×5 Brewing Co., lawmakers need to hear from the millions of Americans who would be harmed if the Trump tax cuts aren’t preserved and improved upon.

Make your voice heard.