Most travel advisors in Washington have avoided an increase
in the state's tax on travel services, though high earners will see an increase, according
to ASTA.
The Society said just before the state's legislature
adjourned, it passed tax legislation on April 28.
A bill introduced earlier this year
sought to repeal the 0.275% preferential business and occupation tax on travel
agent and tour operator commission income and replace it with a 1.5% tax rate.
With the recently passed legislation, the rate will remain
at 0.275% for those earning less than $250,000 per year, ASTA said. Those
earning more will pay a 0.9% rate.
"We didn't get everything we asked for in Washington,
but the fact of the matter is ASTA member efforts this spring ensure that
agencies in the state -- members and non-members alike -- will collectively pay
$14 million less in tax every year," said Eben Peck, ASTA's executive vice
president of advocacy.
Several ASTA members testified in committee hearings to
fight against the higher proposed tax: Dan Smith of Travel By Dan/Caribbean
Adventures, Shawn Van Der Putten of Exquisite Travel Group and Ann Chamberlin,
ASTA's senior vice president of membership and strategic partnerships. In
addition, 145 people used ASTA's grassroots website to send 609 advocacy messages to legislators.
ASTA is currently fighting tax proposals in other states, including
Nebraska and Connecticut.