As a Hipcamp Host, you may be required to collect and remit occupancy taxes on your bookings. In some cases, Hipcamp collects and remits taxes on your behalf, but additional tax obligations may apply depending on your location. This guide explains what you need to know about sales and occupancy taxes, when Hipcamp collects them, and what steps you need to take to stay compliant.
- What are occupancy taxes?
- Is Hipcamp collecting any occupancy taxes?
- As a Host do I have an obligation to collect occupancy taxes?
- Where can I view taxes being collected on my bookings?
- How do I find my local tax rate?
- Information on taxes Hipcamp automatically collects (by state)
What are occupancy taxes?
In the United States many state and local (generally county or city) governments charge an occupancy tax on short term stays, rentals, or similar accommodations. These taxes can take many names: occupancy taxes, transient taxes, accommodation taxes, hotel taxes, etc. Sometimes generic “sales tax” laws also capture these types of activities. For simplicity, we will refer to these taxes as occupancy taxes for the remainder of this article. Taxability of a host listing may also vary by site type. For example some jurisdictions may charge occupancy taxes only if a physical structure is provided for accommodations.
Is Hipcamp collecting any occupancy taxes?
Based on state and local laws, where Hipcamp has determined it has a collection obligation we will charge, collect, and remit these taxes to the appropriate governing agency; additional details below. Hosts cannot opt out as Hipcamp’s responsibility to collect is mandated by the state or local government. This also applies to all Hipcamp Hosts using their own reservation software or integrated Property Management Systems (PMSs).
It is important to note that occupancy taxes can be administered by multiple jurisdictions; including state, county, city, and other local jurisdictions. Hipcamp may collect some but not all of these. As such, it is possible for a Host to have an obligation to collect in addition to what Hipcamp collects on their behalf.
For example: A state may have a state occupancy tax that Hipcamp collects. But a specific city within the state may have its own additional tax that Hipcamp does not collect. In this instance, the Host may be required to collect and remit the additional city tax.
As a Host do I have an obligation to collect occupancy taxes?
We at Hipcamp cannot offer you legal or accounting advice, and we recommend that you check with your accountant or taxation specialist to help determine when you do have a collection obligation. Alternatively, you can seek further information or advice from your state or local government to learn more about the specific tax requirements in your area.
If a Host determines that they have a collection obligation, they can enable taxes in their Host Dashboard. (See instructions here).
Where can I view taxes being collected on my bookings?
Hipcampers see all relevant taxes that they are required to pay when placing a booking. As a Host, you can view the taxes applied to bookings in two places:
- On a booking: If you are collecting taxes in addition to those Hipcamp is collecting and remitting, both amounts will be separate line items on each individual booking. You can view this by opening up any individual booking from your calendar or bookings page.
- In your Payout Summary: In your weekly payout summary, you are clearly shown taxes that are paid out to you, which are taxes you need to take action to remit. Taxes that Hipcamp is collecting and remitting are not shown on your weekly payout summary.
How do I find my local tax rate?
Hipcamp has partnered with occupancy tax experts Avalara to help you find tax information and ensure you are using the correct tax rate for your state or county.
Note: In some counties, lodging is subject to taxes, while other forms of camping are not. If you are providing tent or RV camping only, you may not need to collect taxes from Hipcampers. If you are providing lodgings, such as a cabin, yurt, or other structure, you can use Avalara’s tool to determine the appropriate transient and occupancy tax rates.
Information on taxes Hipcamp automatically collects (by state)
You will find information on the taxes Hipcamp collects below. If a state is not listed, Hipcamp does not currently collect and remit occupancy taxes in that state.
*Note that tax laws are constantly evolving and Hipcamp regularly reviews and updates its tax policies, accordingly. This list is subject to change and any relevant changes in your state or local jurisdiction will be communicated to you.
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Kentucky
- Oregon
- Maine
- Montana
- New York
- North Carolina
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
- Vermont
California
Specific details regarding San Benito County, California
Hipcamp collects and remits Transient Occupancy Tax for all bookings of all site types made in this county. As a California based host, it is possible that there are state or other local occupancy taxes that you may be required to collect and remit to the appropriate agency.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of August 1, 2024. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before August 1, 2024 You will still need to remit these taxes. For any bookings made after August 1, 2024, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
Colorado
The state of Colorado collects 4 different types of sales and use tax that apply as occupancy taxes: State Sales and Use Tax, County Sales and Use Tax, City Sales and Use Tax, and Special Districts Sales and Use Tax. Hipcamp administers all state, county, and special districts occupancy taxes as well as some city occupancy taxes for all bookings of all site types. As a Host, it is possible there is a city occupancy tax that you may be required to collect and remit to that local agency.
A full list of the counties and cities in Colorado where Hipcamp collects occupancy taxes can be found here (updated as of July 2024)
You can also learn more on the Colorado Department of Revenue Tax website.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of September 9, 2024. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before September 9, 2024. You will still need to remit these taxes. For any bookings made after September 9, 2024., Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
Idaho
The state of Idaho collects 3 different types of taxes that apply as occupancy taxes: State Sales and Use Tax, Travel and Convention Tax, and Auditorium District Taxes. Hipcamp administers all 3 of these taxes: all bookings of all site types for the Sales and Use Tax and Travel and Convention Tax; all bookings for physical structures only for the Auditorium District Taxes. As a Host, it is possible that there are other local occupancy taxes that you may be required to collect and remit to that local agency.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of Feb 7th, 2025. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before Feb 7th, 2025. You will still need to remit these taxes. For any bookings made after Feb 7th, 2025, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
Kentucky
The state of Kentucky collects Sales and Use Tax and Transient Room Tax that applies as occupancy taxes. Hipcamp administers both of these taxes for all bookings of all site types. Hipcamp does not collect local level occupancy taxes in Kentucky. Therefore, as a Host it is possible that there are other local occupancy taxes that you may be required to collect and remit to that local agency.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of December 7, 2023. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before December 7, 2023. You will still need to remit these taxes. For any bookings made after December 7, 2023, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
Oregon
Specific details regarding Washington County, Oregon
Hipcamp collects and remits Transient Lodging Tax for all bookings of all site types made in Washington County. As an Oregon based host, it is possible that there are state or other local occupancy taxes that you may be required to collect and remit to the appropriate agency.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of July 1, 2024. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before July 1, 2024 You will still need to remit these taxes. For any bookings made after July 1, 2024, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
Maine
The state of Maine collects Sales and Use Tax that applies as occupancy tax. Hipcamp administers this tax for all bookings of all site types. There are no local occupancy taxes and as such there should not be a situation where a Host has an obligation to collect and remit occupancy taxes.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of March 9, 2022. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before March 9, 2022. You will still need to remit these taxes.For any bookings made after March 9, 2022, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
Montana
The state of Montana collects State Lodging Facility Sales and Use Tax that applies as occupancy tax. Hipcamp administers this tax for all bookings of all site types. Hipcamp does not collect local level occupancy taxes in Montana. Therefore, as a Host it is possible that there are other local occupancy taxes that you may be required to collect and remit to that local agency.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of July 26, 2023. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before July 26, 2023. You will still need to remit these taxes.For any bookings made after July 26, 2023, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
New York
Specific details in regards to Sullivan County, New York
Hipcamp collects and remits Room Occupancy Tax for all bookings of physical structures made in Sullivan County. We have confirmed with the county that only physical structures are subject to this tax. As a New York based host, it is possible that there are state or other local occupancy taxes that you may be required to collect and remit to the appropriate agency.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of September 23, 2023. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before September 23, 2023. You will still need to remit these taxes. For any bookings made after September 23, 2023, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
North Carolina
Specific details in regards to Chatham County, North Carolina
Hipcamp collects and remits Occupancy Tax for all bookings of physical structures made in Chatham County. As a North Carolina based host, it is possible that there are state or other local occupancy taxes that you may be required to collect and remit to the appropriate agency.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of July 1, 2024. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before July 1, 2024 You will still need to remit these taxes. For any bookings made after July 1, 2024, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
Utah
The state of Utah collects State Combined Sales and Use Tax and State and Local Transient Room Tax that applies as occupancy taxes. Hipcamp administers these taxes for all bookings of all site types. While Hipcamp administers Local Transient Room Tax through to the state, it is possible that there are other local occupancy taxes that are not collected by Hipcamp. Therefore, as a Host it is possible that there are other local occupancy taxes that you may be required to collect and remit to that local agency.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of July 28, 2023. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before July 28, 2023. You will still need to remit these taxes.For any bookings made after July 28, 2023, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
Washington
The state of Washington collects State Sales and Use Tax and Local Sales and Use Tax that applies as occupancy taxes. Hipcamp administers these taxes for all bookings of all site types. Hipcamp does not collect other local level occupancy taxes in Washington. Therefore, as a Host it is possible that there are other local occupancy taxes that you may be required to collect and remit to that local agency.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of August 1, 2023. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before August 1, 2023. You will still need to remit these taxes. For any bookings made after August 1, 2023, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
Wyoming
The state of Wyoming collects State Sales and Use Tax and Local Lodging Tax that applies as occupancy taxes. Hipcamp administers these taxes for all bookings of all site types. Hipcamp does not collect other local level occupancy taxes in Wyoming. Therefore, as a Host it is possible that there are other local occupancy taxes that you may be required to collect and remit to that local agency.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of October 4, 2023. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before October 4, 2023. You will still need to remit these taxes. For any bookings made after October 4, 2023, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.
Vermont
The state of Vermont collects Meals and Room Tax, Short Term Rental Tax, and Local Option Tax that applies as occupancy taxes. Hipcamp administers these taxes for all bookings of physical structures. While Hipcamp administers Local Option Tax through to the state, it is possible that there are other local occupancy taxes that are not collected by Hipcamp. Therefore, as a Host it is possible that there are other local occupancy taxes that you may be required to collect and remit to that local agency.
Hipcamp collected taxes will be charged to newly made reservations as of December 5, 2024. If you were previously collecting taxes via the tool in your Host Dashboard, those taxes will be paid out to you for all bookings made before December 5, 2024. You will still need to remit these taxes. For any bookings made after December 5, 2024, Hipcamp will collect and remit those taxes.