Virginia Now has 3 sales tax holidays. VRMA can provide you with all you need to know on all three!
The Virginia Department of Taxation states a Sales Tax Holiday is a temporary period when certain purchases are exempt from the sales tax. In 2006, the General Assembly approved Virginia's first Sales Tax Holiday, to take place each year on the first full weekend in August. Now, Virginia has three sales tax holidays for different purposes. VRMA worked with the tax department and many of our members to develop understandable and fair guidelines. We influenced many changes to these guidelines. VRMA is here to work for you. BE A PART OF IT! Back to School Holiday - August 3-5, 2007
Second Year
Please review the guidelines for clarification information from the tax department by clicking on the No Sales Tax logo.
An absorption tax bulletin has been issued. This is a new bulletin from tax that I highly recommend for review, so that you may stay in compliance with the law. It too is posted on our website.
Energy Star Sales Tax holiday – October 5-8, 2007
New this year
Includes energy star qualified appliances up to $2500
More specifically dishwashers, washer, air conditioners, dehumidifiers, refrigerators, ceiling fans, compact fluorescent light bulbs, programmable thermostats designated as a Energy Star product.
Absorption language is a part of this holiday as well
We are working with the tax department in development of the guidelines for updated information click on the No Sales Tax logo.
Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday – May 25-31, 2008
New, passed this year and will begin next year
Exempts items that help prepare for hurricanes from sales tax
More specifically portable generators up to $1000, other items up to $60 – such as blue ice, cell phone batteries, cell phone chargers, food storage coolers, carbon monoxide detectors, fuel tanks, portable self powered light sources, portable radios, two-way radios, weather band radios, storm shutter devices, batteries, tie-down kits, tarpaulins, and ground anchor systems.
Absorption language is a part of this holiday as well
Guidelines will be developed later. For updated information click on the No Sales Tax Holiday logo.
Strength Comes
From Unity - Protection Comes From VRMA
Retailers must realize that the battle against threatening legislation
and taxes will become more difficult in years to come. The retail
industry must maintain its unity and strength at the grassroots
level to wage those battles successfully. Our strength lies in our
members being a unified front with a well heard voice.
The Virginia Retail Merchants Association was ranked 18th for most
effective lobbies out of hundreds of lobbying groups. This ranking
is based on a study published in January 2001 by the Virginia Business
Magazine, who polled the Virginia State Legislators.
Lobbying
For more than 100 years, the VRMA's primary focus
has been to represent the retail industry before the Virginia
General Assembly and the United States Congress to ensure the
retail voice is heard and to protect retail interests. The VRMA
lobbying staff maintains a strong presence during the General
Assembly and often partners with other like-minded organizations
to build broad coalitions that effectively promote a better
environment for all businesses.
Day On the Hill
This single day event brings retailers together
as a unified front to lobby the General Assembly. Our lobbyists
will brief you on the issues and bills of concern then in small
groups you will visit the Delegates and Senators from your area.
This method of lobbying by our members has proven very effective.
Legislative Reception
The VRMA hosts this event with other like minded
organizations during session to allow our members to meet their
state legislators and discuss their concerns. All members of
the General Assembly are invited and this event is well attended
Grassroots Lobbying
The VRMA staff provides members information and
aids to assist in doing their own lobbying with local Legislators
and/or Congressional Representatives. The VRMA will supply copies
of bills and names of bill sponsors and others who may be instrumental
in determining a bills outcome.
Legislator of The Year
Award
During our Annual Meeting we honor a Senator or
a Delegate that has voted with the business community. Legislators
are ranked based on their voting record on issues affecting
or relating to the business climate in Virginia.
Toll-free Hotline
For the convenience of our members, the VRMA provides
a toll-free hotline at 800-232-VRMA. Staff members are prepared
to answer questions regarding the retail industry, legislative
events and member services.
Legislative Hotline
Contacting any Legislator to the Virginia General
Assembly for information on legislation or with an opinion is
encouraged by calling the General Assembly's own hotline during
session at 800-889 0229 (in Richmond, call 225-4973).
VARPAC
Pro-retail state policy starts by electing pro-retail
state legislators. The VRMA's political action committee, VARPAC,
helps do just that. VARPAC is a nonpartisan committee organized
to endorse candidates who have proven their support for a free
market economy; assures retailing's survival and growth by electing
state legislators dedicated to creating a healthy retail environment;
and promotes the visibility of the VRMA in legislative circles.
VARPAC is funded by member contributions and by annual fundraising
activities.
Annual Members Meeting
The VRMA's annual membership meeting provides
opportunities for professional, legislative and personal growth.
Legislators and other political figures are invited and attend giving our members the opportunity to meet and develop relationships with Legislators from across the Commonwealth. All members are encouraged to participate in this informative
and educational meeting.
Retailers must realize that the battle against threatening legislation
and taxes will become more difficult in years to come. The retail
industry must maintain its unity and strength at the grassroots
level to wage those battles successfully. Our strength lies in our
members being a unified front with a well heard voice.
