Virginia Sales Tax Exemptions for Aircraft in Effect

By Terry Barrett, CPA, Tax Senior Manager

Virginia Sales Tax Exemptions for Aircraft in Effect

Update on Extended Exemption for Certain Aircraft Retail Sales and Use Tax

Legislation was passed by the General Assembly and approved by the Governor that extends the effective date for the exemption from the Virginia retail sales and use tax for certain aircraft parts and supplies. Specifically, the legislation extends from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2025, the exemption for parts, engines, and supplies used in maintaining, repairing or reconditioning aircraft or an aircraft’s avionics system, engine or component parts. The extended exemption continues to apply to unmanned systems but for unmanned systems (such as drones) it is applicable only to those with a maximum takeoff weight of at least 2,400 pounds.

Overview of Sales Tax Exemptions for Aircrafts

In July 2018, Virginia passed an exemption from Virginia’s Retail Sales and Use Tax for parts, engines, and supplies used for maintaining, repairing, or reconditioning aircraft or any aircraft’s avionics system, engine, or component parts. The exemption is for both manned and unmanned (e.g., drone) systems. The exemption, however, does not extend to tools or equipment used in the maintenance or repair process. The exemption is essentially for unscheduled common carriers and owners of private aircraft and systems.

Since 1966, there has been an exemption from Virginia’s Retail Sales and Use Tax for purchases by scheduled airlines. That exemption is for tangible personal property sold or leased to airlines operating in intrastate, interstate or foreign commerce as a common carrier providing scheduled air service on a continuing basis to one or more Virginia airports at least one day per week, for use or consumption by such airline directly in the rendition of its common carrier service. The existing exemption for scheduled airlines is for items used or consumed directly in the rendition of common carrier services and is broader than the new exemption.

Questions on the changes facing Virginia retail sales and use taxes? We can help. Contact a member of the State and Local Tax team or Email | 804.747.0000


Additional State and Local Tax Resources:

“Supreme Court’s Wayfair Case Will Impact Virginia Businesses”

State Efforts to Collect Sales Use Tax

State and Local Tax Obligations of Emerging Businesses

“Merging or acquiring? Don’t forget state and local taxes”

Federal Tax Reform: State and Local Implications

Tax Cuts and Jobs Act Overview

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About the Author


Terry Barrett

Terry Barrett, CPA, Tax Senior Manager

Terry Barrett specializes in state and local tax concerns for her clients. She has over 30 years of experience working in the public and private accounting sector. She is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University.

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The information contained within this article is provided for informational purposes only and is current as of the date published. Online readers are advised not to act upon this information without seeking the service of a professional accountant, as this article is not a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, or financial advice from a professional accountant.

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