Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has signed legislation that will keep the state’s sales tax exemption on aircraft parts and materials in effect beyond the end of the year.
The exemption from state and local sales and use taxes would have expired under a "sunset" provision on Jan. 1, 2015, if House Bill 2029 had not been passed.
Eliminating the expiration provision was a 2014 legislative priority for AOPA in Missouri, and will provide "long-term benefits and jobs to the people of Missouri while continuing to spur economic development," said Yasmina Platt, AOPA’s Central Southwest regional manager.
"The tax exemption increases aviation activity, generates jobs, and raises revenue for businesses," she said. "What we have seen in states where this exemption is not yet available is that based aircraft, maintenance personnel, and maintenance shops migrate to states with exemptions because their home states are not competitive."
AOPA reported in March on vigorous advocacy efforts that included support from the Missouri Pilots Association; testimony before a legislative panel by tenants at the Spirit of St. Louis Airport; and attendance at a public hearing by a large contingent of aviation community representatives to show the aviation community’s support.
AOPA members in Missouri participated by contacting their Senate and House member about the legislation, Platt said.
