Suffolk County Comptroller John M. Kennedy Jr., has approved a voluntary collection agreement with Airbnb, a home rental company, on June 10. With this signing, Airbnb Inc. will be responsible for the remittance of all lodging taxes, which, Kennedy said, will lessen the burden on taxpayers and hasten the tax-return process. The payouts from the hosts will not change from the enactment of this law.
Pursuant to 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. This law applies to all lodging facilities, including residences and tourist homes, not just traditional hotels and motels.
The Hotel and Motel Occupancy Tax, effective since September 9, 1992, has provided numerous benefits to Suffolk County and its residents, Kennedy said. Funds collected from this initiative have contributed to promoting tourism, supporting cultural programs, maintaining county museums and historical sites, and supporting county parks and recreational areas. The tax revenue also supports improvements to local infrastructure and local development projects, which benefit both visiting and permanent residents.
“The signing of this contract is great news for Suffolk County residents, for host operators, and for all those who come to stay in our county for recreation and business,” Kennedy said. “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!”