ARPAC FAQs
What is RPAC?
Since 1969, the REALTORS® Political Action Committee (RPAC) has promoted the election of pro-REALTOR® candidates across the United States. The purpose of RPAC is clear: voluntary contributions made by REALTORS® are used to help elect candidates who understand and support their interests. These are not members’ dues; this is money given freely by REALTORS® in recognition of the importance of the political process. The REALTORS® Political Action Committee and other political fundraising are the keys to protecting and promoting the real estate industry.
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 to RPAC in addition to my membership renewal?
Federal law prohibits the use of your dues dollars for political purposes. RPAC is funded entirely by the voluntary investments of REALTORS®.
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?
100% of your RPAC investment is used to elect candidates at the local, state, and national levels who both understand and support REALTOR® issues. 35 percent of your RPAC investment is utilized by Atlanta RPAC for use in the metro Atlanta area for local candidates. Another 35 percent is utilized by Georgia RPAC for use in state elections and the remaining 30 percent is used by National RPAC in Congressional races across the country.
Candidates who receive support from RPAC are not selected based on their political party or ideology, but solely on their support of real estate issues. Our legislative allies are members of the REALTOR® Party. The REALTOR® Party supports the issues that are important to you as a REALTOR®, regardless of political party affiliation.
Is my RPAC investment tax deductible?
Your investment is not 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
RPAC Investments
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 REALTORS® Association, 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.