Hotel/Sales Tax -- paid for by renter via AirBnb??

[Sean Wilt]

I'm in massive research mode for first STVR investment.  Feel I have a pretty good handle but surprises still come up!  I am looking at an area that has a   6% hotel tax and 7% sales tax.  I have been putting these numbers in my spreadsheets to estimate profit/cash flow.  Obviously at 13%, it takes a chunk for sure but the properties I am looking at still look good.

Well.... learning today in a few places that AirBnb charges the renter the occupancy tax? How do they determine how much?  Assume it is not in the advertised price (like a Hotel), just tacked on in the final fee? 

#1 is that correct?

#2 Does AirBnb pay it directly to the jurisdiction the property is in or to they remit back to me?

#3 I heard AirBnb is the only one that does this (not the others like Bookings.com, VRBO/Home Away.  Is that true? If so, that's fine, assume you just have to account for it on your own if the property rents via those platforms.

Thanks!

[John Underwood]

Yes Airbnb takes it out needed or not. Homeaway/VRBO leaves it up to you to handle.

I believe Airbnb charges the end user like a hotel does.