HOW DOES MY SUPPORT OF HJTA HELP CALIFORNIA TAXPAYERS, AND WHY ARE THERE SO MANY DIFFERENT HJTA ENTITIES?

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is the most influential taxpayer advocacy group in California. HJTA fights for the interests of taxpayers in the courts, in the Legislature, in the media and in elections.

Because of federal and state law, HJTA has a number of different legal entities under its umbrella. Each one has its own designated area of operation, its own legal requirements and its own fundraising account. Here’s the rundown:

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association is a nonprofit organization, a 501(c)(4) under the IRS code. HJTA can engage in lobbying and communications on behalf of taxpayers. We have a full-time lobbyist in Sacramento who watches every bill that’s introduced and works hard to stop legislation that would raise taxes. Our communications staff keeps our Members informed and makes sure our message about the importance of lower taxes and more efficient government is heard in the press and on social media.

The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Foundation is a 501(c)(3) under the IRS code, and contributions to the Foundation are tax-deductible (consult your tax preparer). The Foundation funds our educational and legal work. Donations help to pay for courtroom battles against illegal taxes, fees and government actions. The Foundation is also funding our new Public Integrity Project, an important effort to hold local governments accountable when they illegally spend tax dollars on campaigns for more tax increases. (See the Foundation Report for details.)

Under California law, neither the Association nor the Foundation may spend money on election campaigns. So HJTA has several entities, called “committees,” for election-related spending.

The Howard Jarvis State Political Action Committee (PAC) raises and spends money to help elect or reelect candidates who support Proposition 13 and are committed to protecting taxpayers.

The Protect Proposition 13 committee raises and spends money to fight any ballot measure that seeks to attack or weaken Proposition 13, the most important taxpayer protection in California. Donations to the Protect Proposition 13 committee go toward campaign expenses such as radio advertising, yard signs, online ads and other forms of communication to voters.

The No New Taxes committee raises and spends money to fight tax increases, especially local tax increases, which frequently are added to the ballot in primary, special and general elections.

We often send letters with updates and information about how HJTA Members can help these efforts with petitions and donations. Thank you for your generous support, which makes it possible for your HJTA to protect taxpayers in every arena and in every battle.