Tonight, I am working with a small group of NAA members, including David Whitley from Colorado, John Schultz from Minnesota, and David Warren from Maine, who are trying to get the word out to our members about a bill that is currently in the House Judicial Committee. This bill would make a positive impact on our efforts to help simplify and streamline the collection of interstate sales tax, which is now an issue for
everyone in the auction industry because of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in South Dakota vs. Wayfair, Inc.
I don’t know if we will be successful or not. I hope by the time you read this, we have been because it will mean that you will not be responsible for retroactively collecting sales taxes from past auctions. It means that we will have made a huge, positive difference for your business.
More likely, however, is that when you read this, the bill will still be under discussion in Congress.
At the same time, there’s another issue brewing in California. The California State Supreme Court has issued a ruling that tightens restrictions on the use of Independent Contractors; many of whom now are being required to be hired as actual employees.
Yes, another issue that could have a significant impact on the auction industry.
This is why it is so important for you to belong to your state association and the NAA. You must belong to your state organization in order to ensure you have representation at the state legislative level. Whether you live in a license state or not, the state has a huge impact on how you operate your business – the employees you hire, the taxes you pay, and much more.
Nationally, at the Federal level, NAA is the ONLY organization that can represent you.. Let’s talk about what that means. If there are Supreme Court cases or legislation regarding interstate commerce, like there is right now, you need NAA.
Think about the insurance you pay for. You invest in it and you hope that you never have a reason to collect from it. Your state and association dues are like insurance – we are ready to work on YOUR behalf. Even though the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against what we wanted, NAA hasn’t quit fighting for you and for your business. The bill I mentioned was just the latest example.
It was because of NAA’s efforts over the past four years that the legislation that exists in the House Judiciary Committee is even a possibility. We are working hard for it to be successful. We hope we will be. But if we aren’t, NAA won’t stop working to find a solution for you. That’s what we do.
The NAA’s mission is to provide critical resources to auction professionals that will enhance their skills and successes. Sometimes, like now, those resources are on the advocacy front. Other times, it is educating you on what is happening and how to manage your business within any law changes.
Please think about that when you ask, “what’s in it for me?”
Continue to be part of your state association and if you are not a member of NAA, consider it. I’ll be glad to talk with you and show how NAA is looking out for you in ways a single business can’t. Whether you pay membership dues or not, you are benefiting from what we are doing. At the least, contact me so that I can show you how.
That said, your being a part of NAA gives us a better representation within the organization and the auction industry. You need us – and we need you. Contact me at for more information.
Hannes Combest, Executive Director, National Auctioneers Association