The nation’s largest massage membership organization has issued a call to massage therapists in order to prevent New York State from implementing three actions that would increase the cost of doing business in the state.
Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals (ABMP) released a statement in late December noting that the state’s budget deficit had resulted in a proposed budget that would make personal services, including massage, subject to sales tax; expand fingerprinting and its attendant $75 fee to any massage therapists who receive insurance reimbursement for massage; and increase state licensing exam fees.
“Attempting to expand service taxes to massage therapy and other personal services has become an increasingly common way for states to try to increase tax revenue,” the statement noted. “We have had success in defeating some attempts, but only if massage therapists become involved in contacting their representatives.
“ABMP recommends contacting your assembly member to voice your concerns.”