VRBO/HomeAway Tax Collections and Remittance Changes:
In the Fall of 2019, VRBO/HomeAway modified its platform to collect the State of Montana Lodging Tax. Subsequently, this eliminated the ability for owners to collect the 3% Resort Tax in the system. We heard from the local short-term rental community this change created challenges with collecting the Big Sky Resort Tax. Since that time the Big Sky Resort Area District has negotiated a collections agreement with VRBO/HomeAway to collect and remit the Resort Tax on behalf of VRBO/HomeAway properties located within the District boundaries. As of January 1, 2020 VRBO/HomeAway, is collecting and remitting Resort Taxes for all online bookings in the Big Sky Resort Area District.
FAQ: VRBO/HomeAway Tax Collections and Remittance Changes:
- Do I still need to register my business with the District?
- Yes, per Ordinance 98-01 all establishments operating within the District must register. Please provide your VRBO/HomeAway listing number when registering.
- Do I still need to complete tax forms?
- You will be responsible for remittance of all taxable sales prior to January 1, 2020. All taxable sales after January 1, 2020, will be remitted by VRBO/HomeAway.
- What if my home is listed on multiple sites (I.e. Airbnb, Flip Key or others)?
- This change in collections and remittance is applicable to bookings made through the VRBO/HomeAway platform. If the same property is listed on multiple platforms you must still collect and remit Resort Tax from bookings through those platforms.
- How do I know that VRBO/HomeAway is collecting Resort Tax on my behalf?
- To determine if VRBO/HomeAway collects and remits lodging tax for a specific property:
- Log into your account.
- Click Calendar in the left navigation menu
- Click Rates.
- Click on the gear for Rates settings.
- Click Taxes. You will see here what taxes HomeAway is collect and remitting for your listing.
- If you don’t see any lodging taxes listed, that means VRBO/HomeAway isn’t collecting this tax on your behalf and you remain responsible for collecting and remitting taxes from your guests.
- To determine if VRBO/HomeAway collects and remits lodging tax for a specific property:
- Who do I contact with further questions?
- Questions pertaining to Resort Tax contact 406-995-3234 or info@resorttax.org
- Questions pertaining to the State Lodging tax contact VRBO/HomeAway at 877-228-3145