Monticello, NY – In order to more comprehensively cover the full range of lodging opportunities locally, the Sullivan County Legislature just revised the existing Lodging Facility Room Occupancy Tax.
Known informally as the “bed tax” since its 1990 enactment, the tax on the occupancy of lodging facility rooms (5% of the rental rate) is split between the County (which retains 15%) and not-for-profits engaged in tourism marketing and promotion (85%).
“All short-term rentals of lodging facilities are subject to the tax, from hotels and motels to bed-and-breakfasts and homes that are rented out partially or fully for less than 90 days. That includes people who offer rooms in their own residences via services like Airbnb, VRBO, etc.,” explained County Treasurer Nancy Buck. “The law was updated to clarify the definition of a lodging facility as ‘any form of shelter not owned by or provided by the occupant which is used for lodging on an overnight basis’.”
The Treasurer’s Office remains empowered to collect and enforce the tax. Any person/entity operating a lodging facility within the County should apply for a Certificate of Authority to collect Room Occupancy Tax. For more information, including an application for the Certificate, visit https://sullivanny.us/Departments/Treasurer/RoomTax or call the Treasurer’s Office at 845-807-0200.