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 TEFRA 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 thisinformation available to
its members and is constantly updating the data. Also, through
regularly held Conferences IRTA continually educates its
members as to the latest developmentsin 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.