Business is pushing sales and banking the money rather than re-investing it as a hedge against the Possibility of a January 1st tax hike. And I would point out that at least 40% of those who pay no taxes are employed (based on a 10% unemployment rate). With the uncertainty of the times most small businesses (less than 500 employees) are not hiring because of increased costs (like health care mandates) and potential tax increases and if the tax rates are not extended this is going to get worse.