To streamline payment of the Hotel Motel Occupancy Tax, Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Jr. has announced a groundbreaking approval out of his office: a voluntary collection agreement with the popular vacation home rentals company, Airbnb.
Though just publicly announced, the deal was struck on June 10th. With this partnership, Airbnb Inc. will handle the remittance of all lodging taxes, which will substantially lessen the burden on Suffolk County taxpayers.
Hosts’ payouts will not change upon the enactment of this law.
“The signing of this contract is great news for Suffolk County residents, for host operators, and for all those that come to stay in our county for recreation and business,” said Kennedy.
“Many critical initiatives are supported by the collection of the local lodging tax, including historic structures, cultural events, and the many landmarks that make Suffolk County a truly unique travel experience!”
Under Chapter 523, Article II of the Suffolk County Code, every facility providing short-term lodging (less than 30 days) for a fee in Suffolk County is required to collect a 5.5% occupancy tax of the per-diem rental rate charged for each room.
The Hotel and Motel Occupancy Tax has provided countless benefits to Suffolk County residents since it was first put into place in September of 1992.
Upon commencing their Airbnb era, it is abundantly evident these benefits shall stand to continue with indefinite fervor.