I didn’t think so. Probably more than any other state, Texas is at a crossroads that could drastically increase the cost of buying, leasing or operating airplanes and other equipment within its borders. Aviation attorney David Mayer is working to protect the interests of general aviation users (and there are a lot of us) in Texas. He needs our support.
According to a recent release by Mayer, former Texas Comptroller Susan Combs proposed a rule in November that would have imposed new requirements on buyers and sellers of aircraft and other equipment. After a spirited “comment campaign” by taxpayers, associations and other interested parties with respect to this rule, Comptroller Combs did not finalize this initiative before she left office.
Further, the new Texas Comptroller Glenn Hegar reportedly recognizes that the proposed rule is very controversial and that the interpretations and policies underlying the proposed rule should be reviewed with a fresh set of eyes. We are now at a unique time—and have a significant opportunity—to address the way in which sales and leases of aircraft (and other equipment) will be treated for sales and use tax purposes. The Texas legislative session began in January and demands time and attention from both Comptroller staff and legislators, so time is of the essence.
Mayer, as a part of Shackleford, Melton, McKinley & Norton, LLP, and Cynthia Ohlenforst from K&L Gates LLP are combining expertise to:
- Actively participate as industry representatives in the discussions that have begun on this topic in order to offer the Comptroller’s office essential background information about the way the aviation industry works, the federal regulatory and tax burdens that aircraft and other equipment owners face, and what occurs in the normal course of business in the industry; and
- Work with legislators and the Comptroller’s office to draft appropriate legislation to address fairly the taxes that apply to aircraft and equipment in the state of Texas.
If, like me, you’d like to make sure that Texas stays friendly to the aviation industry, please contact David Mayer at 214-780-1306 or dmayer@shackelfordlaw.net. I believe he’ll do his best to make a difference.