A new survey finds that small businesses restrained their borrowing in December, as they awaited the outcome of tax and budget talks in Congress.

The survey of small business lending was released Monday by PayNet, a firm that provides credit ratings on small businesses. The Thomson Reuters/PayNet Small Business Lending index edged up to 112 from a revised 111.1 in November.

The cautious borrowing was in line with other reports on small business activity during December. Owners were waiting to see whether Congress would raise taxes and slash the federal budget. Lawmakers raised taxes on individuals earning at least $400,000, and couples earning at least $450,000. That affected some owners who report their business income on their personal tax returns.

Lawmakers put off action on budget cuts until March.