05-31-2016, 08:07 AM
I contacted Airbnb today about a problem with our listing. The Tax ID number in our listing was automatically blocked as if it were a phone number. I researched a little bit and found out that effective April 4, 2016, vacation rental owners and their agents (realtors, vrbo, Airbnb, etc.) are required to list their Transient Accommodations Tax ID number in any advertisement of their rental, online or otherwise. The fines start at $500 a day for noncompliance! Here is the relevant law: http://files.hawaii.gov/tax/legal/har_te...160404.pdf
A quick search of listings in the Puna area showed that almost no one at all is complying with this law. Of the three listings I found with a tax id listed, the number was blocked. Most listings have no number listed at all. Airbnb was able to show the number in our listing after I called them.
I realize many people operate vacation rentals and don't want to deal with collecting and paying more tax. I just thought everyone should at least know what the law says about it. Now whether the state will ever do anything about it is anyone's guess. But if you are already collecting and paying the appropriate taxes, be sure to list your tax ID number anywhere you advertise.
A quick search of listings in the Puna area showed that almost no one at all is complying with this law. Of the three listings I found with a tax id listed, the number was blocked. Most listings have no number listed at all. Airbnb was able to show the number in our listing after I called them.
I realize many people operate vacation rentals and don't want to deal with collecting and paying more tax. I just thought everyone should at least know what the law says about it. Now whether the state will ever do anything about it is anyone's guess. But if you are already collecting and paying the appropriate taxes, be sure to list your tax ID number anywhere you advertise.
