FAQs

What is RPAC?

RPAC stands for the REALTORS® Political Action Committee. RPAC raises funds from REALTORS® and uses those funds to help elect REALTOR®-friendly candidates at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Why should I care about RPAC?

Like it or not, government and the political process directly impacts the ability of real estate professionals to be profitable. As REALTORS®, we have two choices: We can either be players in the political process, or become victims of it. RPAC is how REALTORS® get and keep a seat at the table.

Why should I contribute money to RPAC when I’ve already paid my membership dues?

Federal law prohibits the use of your dues dollars for political purposes. RPAC is funded entirely by the voluntary investments of REALTORS®.

By the way, no one is asking you for a contribution, donation, or gift. That implies that you’re never going to see your money again. By fighting to protect property rights and keep the government out of your checkbook, RPAC becomes your best investment in your industry, your firm, and your career.

How will my investment be used?

One hundred percent of your investment is used to help elect candidates for public office that share the ideals and principles of REALTORS®. Your RPAC investment is used right here for local candidates and issues, for use in state elections, and for use in National Congressional races across the country.

Is my RPAC investment tax deductible?

Unfortunately, no. Your investment is not tax deductible on your federal or state income tax returns.

Who may be solicited for RPAC contributions?

According to Federal Election law, RPAC may solicit only individual members—i.e., non-corporate members of NAR and their families. The term “members” means all individuals who currently satisfy the requirements for membership in any one of the local, state, and/or the National Association and regularly pay dues.

Executive, administrative and management personnel of the local, state and/or national associations are also considered under the NAR constitution to be members of the association and may be solicited even though they may not pay association dues.

How does my investment pay off?

Below are some examples of how RPAC creates return on your investment:

• Preserving the federal Mortgage Interest Deduction protects $8,800 in annual commission for the average REALTOR®.
• Raising the conforming mortgage loan limits increased the earnings of the average REALTOR® by $6,250.
• Blocking a 6% state tax on real estate commissions saves the average member $2,300 per year.
• Preventing cities and counties from charging individual REALTORS® a business license fee saves you more than $200 in every jurisdiction in which you do business.
• Preserving the income tax deduction for property taxes protects $2,500 of annual income for the average REALTOR®.
• Keeping national banks out of the real estate brokerage and property management business saves the average REALTOR® $5,400 annually.
• Protecting REALTORS® from prosecution for the unauthorized practice of law for advice regarding clients’ contracts.
• Prohibiting local governments from charging property managers a rental registration fee.
• Defeating a proposal that would have imposed civil and criminal penalties on real estate agents if the clients failed to retrofit plumbing fixtures prior to the closing of a sale.
• Defeating a 100% increase in real estate transfer tax.
• Expanding REALTORS® banking options for client funds by eliminating the requirement that funds be held in a checking account.

Contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes. Contributions to RPAC are voluntary and are used for political purposes. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal and the National Association of REALTORS®, the Georgia Association of REALTORS®, the Newnan-Coweta Board of REALTORS®, will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 70% of each contribution is used by GARPAC to support state and local candidates. Until GARPAC reaches its RPAC goal, 30% is sent to National RPAC to support federal candidates and is charged against your limits under 2 U.S.C. 441a; after GARPAC reaches its RPAC goal, it may elect to retain your entire contribution for use in supporting state and local candidates.

Federal law prohibits the use of your dues dollars for political purposes. RPAC is funded entirely by the voluntary investments of REALTORS®.