As part of a series of recent advocacy wins, the Outdoor Hospitality Industry (OHI) is celebrating the permanent increase of the federal estate tax exemption to $15 million per individual and $30 million per couple, a landmark change that will help protect family-owned outdoor hospitality businesses for generations to come.
This exemption increase, now part of federal tax law, means that RV park, campground and glamping business owners can pass their operations on to the next generation without the looming threat of excessive estate taxes, provided their estate values remain below the new limits.
“This win directly supports the heart of our industry, family-run small businesses that are often passed down from one generation to the next,” said David Basler, OHI’s chief strategy officer and SVP of government affairs. “Making this exemption permanent ensures that the legacy of outdoor hospitality remains strong for time to come.”
This achievement is the result of years of advocacy, relationship-building by OHI on behalf of the outdoor hospitality industry, and the dedication of OHI members who have made their voices heard by lawmakers.
One of those members, Jen Molesworth, general manager for Diamond Hospitality Group’s The Resort at Erie Landing, emphasized the importance of stepping up: “As the manager of one of the five campgrounds owned by Diamond Hospitality Group, I recognize the importance of active engagement in our industry’s future,” Molesworth said. “I’ve traveled to Washington, D.C., to represent our five parks, but the issues at stake affect every campground operator in the country. Our collective voice matters. It is essential that lawmakers hear directly from those of us working on the ground to understand the real-world implications of policy decisions.”
For many outdoor hospitality businesses, especially those built and operated by families over multiple decades, estate tax uncertainty has been a longstanding concern. Under previous exemption thresholds, owners faced difficult decisions about selling land or operations to cover federal tax liabilities upon inheritance.
With the permanent increase now secured, business owners have greater clarity and confidence to plan for long-term succession, protect their operations, and maintain family ownership.
These tax victories mark a critical step forward, but OHI’s advocacy efforts continue. OHI is currently working to advance other key priorities at the federal level, including the Credit Card Competition Act and the Online Accessibility Act, while also supporting state-level legislation on guest ejection rights, inherent risk protections and campground-specific tax regulations.
OHI said it urges all members to remain engaged and be ready to act when needed, so be on the lookout for another grassroots campaign from OHI’s Advocacy Action Center.
Those interested in learning more about OHI’s advocacy efforts can visit ohi.org/advocacy/ for more information.
