Help extend Virginia's maintenance tax exemption

AOPA continues to work with the Virginia Aviation Business Association to garner support for H.B.1729 and S.B.942, both of which would strike the July 1 sunset date for an exemption that has helped Virginia's aviation businesses remain competitive with surrounding states that provide similar exemptions. Both bills would also strike language in the present law that excludes aircraft that weigh less than 2,400 pounds from the exemption, subjecting these aircraft to the state's 4.3-percent sales tax.  

AOPA worked with VABA to pass the now-expiring exemption in 2017, and to renew it for three years in 2022, though lawmakers opted to include both an end date and the weight limit in that legislation.

“The 2025 legislative session is a critical time for Virginia’s general aviation and burgeoning UAS industries,” said AOPA’s Eastern Regional Manager Sean Collins. “AOPA’s successful 2024 effort in Maryland extended the state’s exemption through 2030. Pennsylvania and West Virginia cemented their exemptions permanently. Failure to cement Virginia’s will have a devastating impact on airports and aviation business throughout the commonwealth.”

According to a 2018 economic study by the Virginia Department of Aviation, the 66 public airports in the state support 146,600 jobs and $23 billion in annual economic activity.

AOPA noted in a recent memo to state lawmakers that “general aviation is a mobile industry. While convenience is a chief concern, expense is the principal motive in choosing where to base and service aircraft, even if it means leaving or avoiding Virginia entirely." 

Collins encourages AOPA members supportive of this measure to begin contacting their state legislators to urge their support of the respective bills.