Rental Property / Occupancy Tax?

[bbrownatl]

I recently had a client ask me if they should be collecting an "Occupancy" tax on their rental properties. Specifically, they have three units in Lumpkin, County (Dahlonega, GA). I called the tax commissioners office of Lumpkin county and they were not aware of such tax. My understanding is that this is normally via local and/or county tax provisions and in some cases require notification to the tax office and filing of a special form. Any insight into the need for individual property owners who rent out vacation property to collect any special room or occupancy taxes?

Much thanks in advance,
Brian

[TAXNJ]

All governments

Did you check All governments in your state? Not aware of a federal one (yet, don't want to say it too loud)

See link below from your state website. Always like to research where you can read vs. telephone call response. Also ask your client where they heard what they said to,you.

http://www.dca.state.ga.us/development/research/programs/downloads/CherokeeCountyFullOrdinance3.1.pdf

[taxea]

I don't know about that state but, as an example, Hawaii has an additional transient tax

[jimmcg]

Occupancy Tax

This is usually a local tax for hotels & motels. Governed & defined by local revenue codes. Time to do some research. Read the applicable municipal codes to determine the inclusions & exclusions in the tax base.

[TAXNJ]

Is

I don't know about that state but, as an example, Hawaii has an additional transient tax

Is that a State tax? Who and what are "transients" ? What do they call visitors/ vacationers?

[Uncle]

Hawaii GE and TA tax

These are State taxes. The General Excise Tax is currently 4 or 4.5 percent of gross rental income. The TA (transient accommodations tax) is an additional 9.25 percent tax on gross income (with a minor offset). The TA tax is due on any rental where period of occupancy is less than 180 days. Come on over - we want your money.

[TAXNJ]

Thanks

These are State taxes. The General Excise Tax is currently 4 or 4.5 percent of gross rental income. The TA (transient accommodations tax) is an additional 9.25 percent tax on gross income (with a minor offset). The TA tax is due on any rental where period of occupancy is less than 180 days. Come on over - we want your money.

Did not know that! Is there a tax for the Lei they give one after landing?

That 9.25% is high. Do they use the funds towards your interstate highways fund?

Had the opportunity to visit your state a few times and often recommend it to others. Hawaii is a beautiful state and hope it remains that way.

[taxea]

Is that a State tax? Who and what are "transients" ? What do they call visitors/ vacationers?

"transients" are short-term-less than 30 days-includes, vacation, motel and hotel. Rental tax is 4.5, transient an addcitional 7.5

[TAXNJ]

Original post

"transients" are short-term-less than 30 days-includes, vacation, motel and hotel. Rental tax is 4.5, transient an addcitional 7.5

As far as the Original Poster, the Georgia state web site references one specific "county" for this type of tax. So it would be to the benefit as mentioned earlier to contact /research all governments in Georgia and let us know the results.

As far as Hawaii's tax, though 12% +, if it goes towards keeping your state beautiful, then it's purpose might be substianted (also offer discounts for seniors and Veterans).

You must have it tough to work in such a dream location.

[taxea]

Did not know that! Is there a tax for the Lei they give one after landing?

That 9.25% is high. Do they use the funds towards your interstate highways fund?

Had the opportunity to visit your state a few times and often recommend it to others. Hawaii is a beautiful state and hope it remains that way.

yes, we are blessed to live in a beautiful state but the politics suck. the state nickel and dimes everything when it comes to taxes.
they finally passed an SOL in 2007 of 15 years but did not grandfather it so prior to 2007 any taxes owed follows the taxpayer to the grave. they also frown on waiving penalties.