County Struggles to Enforce Short-Term Rental Tax

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Officials in Marin County, California, thought an amnesty offer may entice landlords to start collecting occupancy taxes on short-term rentals, but now those officials say the plan failed.

A new ordinance requires landlords to collect a 10 percent county transient occupancy fee, according to a local news report.

Last month, officials promised to forgive those who have so far failed to comply with the law.  But, they say fewer than two dozen landlords have come forward, according to the report.

The fees charged under the ordinance are typical for the hotel industry.  In addition to collecting the tax, Marin landlords must purchase a business license.

Officials told reporters that landlords who do not ‘fess up will face penalties going back three years, which could easily double, or even triple,  the amount owed.

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