Atlanta REALTORS® Association: RPAC FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about RPAC

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®. 35 percent of your RPAC investment goes to Atlanta RPAC for use right here in the metro Atlanta area for local candidates and issues. Another 35 percent is goes to Georgia RPAC for use in state elections. The remaining 30 percent is used by National RPAC in 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.

How does my investment pay off?

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

Preventing cities and counties in Georgia from charging individual REALTORS® a business license fee
Prohibiting local governments from charging property managers a rental registration fee
Ending a moratorium on development on the BeltLine (over one-fourth of the entire city of Atlanta!) and defeating moratoria legislation in other jurisdictions
Defeating a proposal that would have imposed civil and criminal liability on real estate agents if the clients failed to retrofit plumbing fixtures prior to the closing of a sale
Keeping national banks out of the real estate brokerage and property management business
Defeating a 100 percent increase in real estate transfer tax
Fighting for increased conforming loan limits and lower down payments for FHA loans, as well as the creation of a National Housing Trust Fund

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 Atlanta Board of REALTORS®, or the Atlanta Commercial Board of REALTORS® will not favor or disfavor any member because of the amount contributed. 70% of each contribution is used by GARPAC and ARPAC 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.