Tax relief advances in Texas

Texas House Bill 1682 would exempt aircraft repair, remodeling, and maintenance from the state sales and use tax, extending to all maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) providers an exemption currently limited to air carriers, agricultural aircraft, and flight training fleets. AOPA Central Southwest Regional Manager Tom Chandler recently met with General Aviation Caucus members for a briefing by state aviation officials and discussion of legislative priorities. Consensus built around making the bill a priority.

“Currently, MRO facilities in the state are at a competitive disadvantage as most of the surrounding states do not charge sales tax on parts,” Chandler said. “With the inherently mobile nature of aircraft, Texas maintenance shops are losing business, especially when major maintenance is required. AOPA is one of the primary organizations involved in drafting and supporting House Bill 1682."

AOPA has a long history of serving pilots and working with Texas lawmakers to accomplish important advances. AOPA staff supported a range of initiatives in 2014 and 2015, including passage of a tower marking law in 2015 that increased safety of agricultural, helicopter, and other low-level operations.

The Texas Legislative General Aviation Caucus met for the first time in the current session in February, and elected Rep. John Cyrier, a certificated pilot, to serve as chairman.