Nebraska will not tax the services of travel advisors, and ASTA says its advocacy was a factor in the outcome.
According to ASTA, the Nebraska Legislature recently held a special, four-week session aimed at providing residents tax relief. The session recently concluded, and the tax plan that passed keeps in place an exemption of sales tax on travel advisors' services.
"Removing the sales tax exemption for travel advisors and tour operators would have had serious financial consequences for both travelers and travel advisors, with many clients seeking advisors outside Nebraska to avoid the tax," ASTA vice president of advocacy Jessica Klement said in a statement. "We are thrilled that the sales tax exemption remains intact, protecting both consumers and travel advisors in Nebraska."
Travel advisors across the state took action against the possibility of a tax on their services, ASTA said, "flooding legislators with calls and emails urging them to reconsider the tax proposal."
In its messaging, ASTA said it focused on the risk that clients would seek advisors in a state that doesn't tax their services.
"While the governor of Nebraska vows the issue will come up again next year, with this threat averted for now, Nebraska's travel advisors can continue to focus on what they do best -- helping clients create unforgettable travel experiences with their expertise and personalized service," ASTA said.