The Real Value of IRTA Membership

IRTA is the oldest and most established barter, trade and alternative currency
association in the world. IRTA’s global focus assures creative input from a
wide variety of companies and individuals with an unsurpassed collective
industry experience. IRTA continues to grow, evolve and add to its list of
impressive benefits.

Governmental Relations

IRTA secured passage of the Tax Equity and Responsibility Act in the U.S. in 1982.  This Act legitimized the barter industry in the U.S. by categorizing exchanges as 3rd party record keepers and requiring 1099-B reporting.

IRTA continues to be on the forefront of governmental/barter industry relations both in the U.S and around the world.  Currently, IRTA’s Executive Director, Ron Whitney serves as a member to the IRS’s business advisory group IRPAC, (Information Reporting Program Advisory Group) and is working to resolve the non-matching TIN problems that many exchange owners are suffering through.  See IRPAC Public Meeting Reports 2007 for more details.

Education

Over IRTA’s 30 year existence it has compiled the industries most complete library on virtually every topic of interest related to the barter industry.  IRTA makes this information available to its members and is constantly updating the data.  Also, through regularly held Conferences IRTA continually educates its members as to the latest developments in the industry.  IRTA’s Conferences have a long standing reputation for providing a first class venue combined with the best, state of the art issues forum in the business.

Trading

IRTA’s Universal Currency (UC) program provides a vibrant platform for trade exchanges to increase their volume and fulfill the needs of their members.  UC continues to set new records every year in trade volume.

Ethics

IRTA takes very seriously its responsibility with regards to ethical conduct in the industry.  The Ethics Committee reviews issues on an as needed basis and makes meaningful rulings to resolve conflicts.

Networking

IRTA’s Conferences, outreach services and committees provide a vast array of opportunities to network with your peers in the industry to improve your business network and profitability.

Certification Programs

IRTA’s Certified Trade Broker (CTB) program provides the opportunity to obtain a documented level of accomplishment that will distinguish from your competitors in the industry.

Brand Recognition

As a member of IRTA you will hold yourself and your business out as an organization that
holds itself to the highest standards in the industry, a distinction that respected and admired throughout the world.