Senate tax plan targeted real estate commissions

Your commissions again came under fire in the Texas Legislature. A school-finance plan unanimously passed by the Senate in May incorporated property-tax cuts, sales-tax increases, and new taxes on service providers–including a tax on real estate commissions.

With a few weeks left in the session as this issue of Texas REALTOR® went to press, the House rejected the Senate’s plan, and it looks unlikely that a tax on services will pass. Many insiders expect a special session to be called sometime next year to address school finance.

Regardless of when the debate on taxes and school finance proceeds, the Texas Association of REALTORS® will continue to mobilize all available resources to protect REALTORS®’ interests while working to find a way to fund schools that is fair to all Texans.

Based on recommendations from the TAR Taxation Task Force, which studied the issue for a year and a half, the association will continue to opposes any legislation that makes it harder for Texans to buy homes, including a tax on commissions and taxes on the transfer of real estate.

Many Texas REALTORS® contacted the association to ask what they could do to oppose the tax on services. While the TAR Legislative Management Team and Governmental Affairs staff will do everything in their power to keep commissions safe, their effectiveness comes directly from members’ grassroots efforts. Get involved in the association’s various political affairs programs (see the Govt. Affairs section of TexasRealtors.com), and keep an eye out for additional updates, as you may be called on to contact your legislators to support or oppose certain proposals.

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Buyers & sellers, visit www.texasrealestate.com.
REALTORS®, visit www.texasrealtors.com.