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DeSoto Parish moves to collect occupancy taxes from RV parks after policy reversal
Summary
Officials heard from the parish sales tax commission that letters sent in January and March secured registration by one RV park; the commission plans estimated assessments, intent-to-assess notices and, if necessary, liens and suits to collect back occupancy taxes beginning in January.
The DeSoto Parish Police Jury discussed enforcement steps this meeting to collect occupancy taxes from RV parks and similar operators after a policy change required them to resume collecting the parish's 3% occupancy tax.
Chris Robinette, with the DeSoto Parish Sales Tax Commission, told jurors that the commission sent letters in January and again in March to businesses identified as not registered; the commission verified six nonregistered entities and received one registration and remittance. "We sent six letters," Robinette said. "One of them did register with our office, and they did remit the occupancy tax in April." He said the commission will use the same assessment procedures used for sales tax: intent to assess, assessed amounts, liens and suits if necessary, and estimated assessments for unregistered entities.
Jurors asked how far back collections would go and whether penalties should apply given prior confusion over whether RV parks were required to collect occupancy tax. One juror noted the parish previously adopted an ordinance in 2006–2007 that had been interpreted to exempt RV parks; staff said the jury reversed that earlier decision last year and notified businesses in January. Robinette recommended starting assessments in January, using January as a practical look‑back point because a registered RV park began remitting at that time.
Legal and tax staff emphasized the commission typically works with taxpayers and may waive penalties when taxpayers request relief in writing, but the commission can issue estimated assessments where records are missing. Robinette explained penalties accrue at 5% every 30 days once a filing is late and that calculations will follow statutory procedures.
The jury did not adopt a new ordinance at the meeting; instead, jurors asked staff and the sales tax commission to continue enforcement and to report back with results and a recommendation on penalties and back‑periods. The chair indicated the commission's ongoing work constituted action on the issue and asked for future reports.
Next steps: The sales tax commission will continue assessments and report progress to the jury; jurors signaled they want clarity about how far back collection will be sought and how penalties will be applied.
