while sociologist donald kraybill marvels at ability of amish entrepreneurs to build succesful businesses with only an eighth grade education, he also points out an important reason: the federal government exempts amish employers from paying social security taxes as well as, in some states, workers compensation and unemployment insurance. these exemptions can amount to many thousands of dollars a year in savings, depending on the number of employees. of course, that could change as more amish people choose business over farming.