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Hosts tell commission they received bed-tax notices; ask how Airbnb remits funds to city
Summary
Multiple hosts said they received occupancy/bed-tax notices and worry about duplicate remittances because platforms may remit taxes; the commission asked staff and the board of aldermen to clarify collection and reporting procedures.
Several speakers raised confusion about local occupancy ("bed") tax collection and whether platforms such as Airbnb remit taxes directly to the city.
"I just got a letter saying I owed a bed tax, and I wasn't even given a percentage... We finally figured out it was 5%," said Amelia Tims, who said she then contacted staff for clarification. Tims and another commenter asked whether Airbnb remits a tourism tax directly to the city and whether hosts are being double‑charged when platforms collect taxes on their behalf.
Commissioners suggested that the Board of Aldermen or finance staff may need to weigh in on collection mechanics; RJ said staff would look into how surrounding municipalities and platforms handle remittance practices. The commission noted that resolving tax remittance and reporting is distinct from zoning decisions but important for host compliance and enforcement.
