ATLANTA— House Bill 933, introduced by State Representative Alex Atwood (R-Brunswick), received final passage on Thursday, March 20, 2014, and will now go to the Governor for consideration. HB 933 would make permanent an existing sales tax exemption for aviation parts used to repair and maintain out-of-state airplanes. This exemption was scheduled to automatically expire on July 1, 2015.
“The passage of a permanent tax exemption is something almost never done in the Georgia General Assembly. HB 933 was thoroughly vetted in both the House and Senate,” said Rep. Atwood. “I am truly grateful to all my House colleagues and the Georgia Senators for recognizing the true benefit of this legislation in promoting the development of the aviation industry and associated jobs in Glynn County and throughout the state of Georgia. I am particularly grateful to House Speaker David Ralston, Majority Leader Larry O’Neal, Minority Leader Stacy Abrams, Lt. Governor Casey Cagle and Governor Deal for their support.”
House Bill 933 secured a state law that exempts engines, parts, equipment, or other personal property used in the maintenance or repair of out-of-state aircraft from Georgia’s sale and use taxes. In the eight years since its original enactment, the temporary exemption has helped to bolster the aviation service industry and create jobs in Atlanta, Macon, Augusta, Savannah, and Brunswick, as well as other parts of the state.
Other states, including Florida and Alabama, have enacted similar tax exemptions. Of the states with an active aviation industry, only three have automatic expirations for their exemptions.
“This is truly a job creator for the citizens of Georgia, for it allows aviation industries in Georgia to make those long term infrastructure commitments that are so necessary to job creation and expansion,” added Rep. Atwood.
For more information about HB 933, click here.
Representative Alex Atwood represents the citizens of District 179, which includes portions of Glynn County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Vice Chair of Juvenile Justice Committee, and as the Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations, Insurance, and Judiciary Non-Civil committees and as House Majority Caucus Deputy Whip.
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