Airbnb to voluntarily begin collecting taxes starting Oct. 1
Airbnb, the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company, has partnered with the County of San Luis Obispo on a new tax agreement. Beginning Oct. 1, Airbnb will begin collecting and remitting the 9% Transient Occupancy Tax, 1 percent Tourism Marketing District and 2 percent Business Improvement District (specified geographic area) Assessment on all eligible bookings in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Guests will be charged the appropriate tax on their Airbnb bill and the company will then remit to the county the taxes collected.
Marisa Moret, Airbnb Public Policy Manager stated, “We are proud to partner with the County of San Luis Obispo on this tax partnership that makes it easier for Airbnb hosts to collect taxes. From its gorgeous coastal beaches to its renowned farmers markets and California mission, SLO County is one of California’s premiere travel destinations. Airbnb offers an array of accommodations for travelers looking for a coastal experience and this partnership will help attract new visitors to the county.”
With this new agreement, the unincorporated areas of San Luis Obispo County join more than 310 jurisdictions globally where Airbnb has collected and remitted more than $300 million in hotel and tourist taxes.
For families in San Luis Obispo County and the seven incorporated cities, Airbnb makes it possible to pay their bills, stay in their homes and make ends meet. The typical host in the county earns $7,500 a year sharing their home, which is meaningful supplemental income during a time of historic income inequality.
County of San Luis Obispo Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector James P. Erb stated, “For years, visitors have been coming to SLO County and this tax partnership makes it even easier for vacation rentals to comply with local laws. From our beaches to wine country, we have so much to offer travelers looking for a California coastal experience and we look forward to working with Airbnb to attract new visitors.”
Airbnb is democratizing travel by creating an affordable way for travelers to authentically explore every corner of the world, including the California Coastline. To date, there have been more than 200 million guest arrivals in Airbnb listings around the globe, including 140,000 in San Luis Obispo County and the incorporated cities in the last year.
About Airbnb
Airbnb’s mission is to create a world where people can belong anywhere when they travel by being connected to local cultures and having unique travel experiences. Today, Airbnb is the world’s leading community-driven hospitality company, with 4 million listings in 65,000 cities and more than 191 countries. Since the company’s founding in 2008, there have been over 200 million total guest arrivals at Airbnb listings around the world.
About San Luis Obispo County
Established in 1850 as one of the original counties of California, the County of San Luis Obispo is one of the largest employers in the area and provides essential services to SLO County citizens, including municipal services for the unincorporated areas and state or federal programs for all local jurisdictions. Elected representatives, including a five-member Board of Supervisors, work with employees to serve the community to enhance the economic, environmental and social quality of life of SLO County citizens. For more information, visit www.slocounty.ca.gov.
