We will be discussing important issues that affect out industry. Issues like our up coming labor rate survey and other important topics. Please make time to attend. Food and beverage will be provided so please RSVP if possible so we have an accurate head count.

Location: UTI (Universal Technical Institute): 721 Lockhaven Dr, Houston, TX 77073

TOGETHER. IMPROVING OUR INDUSTRY.

Well, it seems the biggest insurer in the state has taken notice of HABA and its plans to conduct an area labor rate survey this summer. Apparently the insurer also recognizes the rates most isurers are saying are the prevailing amount in Houston and the surrounding areas is to low. Below is a copy of a letter received by several members announcing the increase in what this insurers says the prevailing rates are.

We believe the prevailing rate is even higher than the insurer's on-line survey results show. Soon, HABA will be conducting its own labor and material rate survey. We hope everyone will participate. To make sure your shop is not missed, please visit our website www.habaonline.org or click on the "SURVEY MY SHOP" link below and add your shop to our list of those to be surveyed.

SURVEY MY SHOP!!!!!!!!!! 
 
If one insurer is willing to pay the rates listed below, why shouldn't every insurer be willing to pay the same amount or more? Don't give away your products or services. The last time I checked, our shop was all out of the free stuff and we didn't need anymore practice. Make sure you're collecting a fair and reasonable amount for the work you perform. HABA is not telling you what to charge for your services, just to make sure you're charging what you need to charge. Every shop has it's own expense structure and needs to determine their own repair and material rate. If you're unsure what rate your shop needs to charge, please visit our website to down load a rate calculator and find out. Click Here to visit the Body Shop Tools section of our site for the calculator.

Please forward this e-mail and share this information with other shop owners and managers that may not received our e-mails yet. You can do so by clicking on the link at the bottom of the page.

CSI Complete Independent Labor Rate Survey On behalf of HABA, Go >

Dear Industry Leaders:

HOUSE BILL 500 REDUCING THE FRANCHISE TAX PASSED BUT NOW  THE SENATOR IN CHARGE OF DRAFTING THE COMPARABLE BILL HAS REMOVED THE  TAX RELIEF PROVISIONS FOR OUR INDUSTRY. WE NEED TO GET THEM REINSTATED.

IT'S NOT TOO LATE, BUT IT'S THE 11TH HOUR. THERE ARE 7 DAYS LEFT IN THIS SESSION AND THE LEGISLATURE WILL PASS A BILL.

THE ONLY QUESTION IS WILL IT PROVIDE THE TAX EQUITY THAT WE DESERVE OR WILL IT CONTINUE TO GIVE THE DEALERSHIPS AND FRANCHISES AN UNFAIR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE.

IF YOU DO NOT CALL AND TAKE ACTION, DO NOT BE UPSET WHEN YOU GET YOUR TAX BILL FOR 1% AND YOUR TAX AUDIT FROM THE STATE COMPTROLLER. MAKE THE TIME. MAKE THE CALL.

Please forward this to everyone and let them know now is the time to get on the phone!

Thanks to Johnny Bang from Tomball for getting us these other phone numbers. PLEASE stand up for your industry! there is no Senate BILL number YET but if you tell them HB 500 they know what you are talking about.

Sen. Tommy Williams-Woodlands (Chair) 512-463-0104

Sen. Chuy Hinojosa-McAllen (Vice-Chair)  512-4630120

Sen. Bob Deuell-Greenville  512-463-0102

Sen. Bob Duncan-Lubbock 512-463-0128

Sen. Kevin Eltife-Tyler  512-463-0101

Sen. Craig Estes-Wichita Falls  512-463-0130

Sen. Glen Hegar-Katy  512-463-0118

Sen. Joan Huffman-Houston  512-463-0117

Sen. Eddie Lucio-Brownsville  512-463-0127

Sen. Jane Nelson-Flower Mound  512-463-0112

Sen. Dan Patrick-Houston  5123-463-0107

Sen. Kel Seliger-Amarillo 512-463-0131

Sen. Royce West-Dallas 512-463-0123

Sen. John Whitmire-Houston 512-463-0115

Sen. Judith Zaffirini-Laredo 512-463-0121

I have underlined those Senators who sit on the Finance Committee and that represent the Houston area. When you call them ask to speak with the staffer who handles Senate Finance issues for the Senator. If you get put through to the staffer say that you would like to voice your support for HB 500 that was heard in the Sub-cmte on Fiscal Matters on Thursday, May 16th and that you would like Section 1 from HB 500 (the service trade versus retail trade for body shops and independent repair shops) to be included in the Committee Subsitute for HB 500.

 
NOW IS THE TIME

In JOHN MILLER'S last newsletter article about the franchise tax he asked that everyone be willing to make calls to Austin when the time came.

Our bill passed the House and is now in the Senate where they are stripping out all of the things we have worked 4 years to get.

Even if you do not pay this tax stand up for your fellow shop owners and call Austin.

CALL TODAY

Call Senator Glenn Hagar's office

Chair of the Finance Committee

talk to Pete

1-512-463-0118

 
Tell them how this bill is needed to make the independent's tax rate equal to the dealers, parts stores and tire stores that do auto repair.

Tell them how we have worked 4 years to get this bill passed to get fair taxation

Your association has stood up for you with the City and the State. Now is the time for you to do your part. We really need your help.

 
Kathryn,
Adolf Hoepfl & Son Garage

Dear Shop Owners and Managers,

One of our members sent us information about HB 500, this the Franchise Tax bill that will reduce the tax burden on independent repair shop owners. We need this bill to pass and be signed into law by the Governor. But first we must get it through the Senate. It is currently in committee and we need it to go to floor. Please contact the local representatives listed below and follow the instructions below those names.

Sen. Tommy Williams-Woodlands (Chair)  512-463-0104

Sen. Glen Hegar-Katy  512-463-0118

Sen. Joan Huffman-Houston  512-463-0117

Sen. Dan Patrick-Houston  5123-463-0107

Sen. John Whitmire-Houston 512-463-0115

I have listed those Senator's who sit on the Finance Committee and that represent the Houston area. When you call them ask to speak with the staffer who handles Senate Finance issues for the Senator. If you get put through to the staffer say that you would like to voice your support for HB 500 that was heard in the Sub-committee on Fiscal Matters on Thursday, May 16th and that you would like Section 1 from HB 500 (the service trade versus retail trade for body shops) to be included in the Committee Substitute for HB 500.

Associate Members, please share this with your customers in case they do not receive our e-mail communications.

Thanks,

James Brown
HABA President

Texas Bill that Will Help Resolve Independent Repairer Franchise Tax Issues Passes House and Moves to Senate

Automotive service and collision repair shops owned and operated by new or used car dealerships are taxed at half the rate used to tax the independently owned businesses doing identical work. This is justified in the tax code by classifying dealership sales as "retail" and allowing their service and repair business to be included under that banner.

Texas House Substitute Bill 500 recently passed the House, and now it is pending in the Senate. Once passed in the Senate, this will allow automotive repair shops to be taxed the same amount that dealers, parts stores and tire stores are now taxed. 

ASA asks Texas repairers to help support the Senate version of House Substitute Bill 500 by contacting their state Senators urging support of this legislation. 

Send a Letter Now >

They listened to us in the House, so let's make our voices heard in the Senate. We've almost got it passed, don't stop now.

This is your chance to start making a difference without leaving your shop!

Meet the members of the association and see what we are all about. We hope to interest you in joining and becoming part of a great organization that has and will continue in the advancement of the collision repair industry.

This event will be held on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 from 7:00 PM to 10 PM located at:
Cadillac Bar
1802 Shepherd Dr,
Houston TX 77007

Please join us for our April 2013 meeting. We are having some awesome meetings this year. The March meeting was the best one so far. We have a lot going on this year. Come see what you're missing. We are currently working on our 2013 Labor Rate Survey, to be conducted soon. We're advising State Legislator's on proposed bills that affects our industry.

We're working to reduce the tax burden on our Independent repair shops and level the playing field when compared to other similar businesses. We have elected another new officer to help with the advancement of our association. We are also planning our annual Body shop Owner's and Manager's appreciation event.  So don't miss your chance to have valuable input about everything happening right now.