AOPA fights plan to repeal aircraft sales tax exemption
Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick wants to repeal a sales tax exemption that has spurred aviation growth in the state, but AOPA is urging the governor to reconsider his plan. Since 2002, aircraft and aircraft parts sold in Massachusetts have been exempt from the state’s 5-percent sales tax, a move that has made aircraft, maintenance, and flight instruction more affordable. Since the exemption was enacted, the number of based aircraft has increased by 40 percent, while the multiengine fleet and the number of business-owned aircraft have doubled. The governor’s proposed budget, which would rescind the tax exemption, is in the hands of the state legislature. AOPA is pressing the governor and lawmakers to oppose repealing the tax exemption, pointing out the economic benefits it has brought by supporting aviation growth in the state.
February 8, 2008
