Tourist tax: are we obliged to collect it?

Being a host of a tourist property has many advantages, but we're not going to deny that sometimes it can be a bit cumbersome. For example, in some cities you'll have to deal with... the dreaded tourist tax! But don't be afraid, we're going to explain how it works so you can settle it easily.

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What is the tourist tax?

It's a tax, no more, no less. It's about the amount that each tourist has to pay for overnight stay in a city.

However, we are comforted to know that the money collected will be used to adopt measures for the preservation and conservation of the city, its heritage, its infrastructure, etc. (or so they tell us).

The truth is that if you are a host, this is of interest, since the better preserved your city is, the more attractive it will be for tourists, and that is synonymous with more reservations in your accommodation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROVsjgEJf7g

What cities charge this tax?

The tourist tax in Barcelona [you can find all the legislation on the Generalitat website] is one of the most well-known, perhaps because it was one of the first Spanish cities to implement it. But it's not alone anymore, other localities have joined the trend of charging tourists taxes. In fact, currently, we have a tourist tax in Catalonia and a tourist tax in the Balearic Islands

Do you have a tourist accommodation? Ignoring the law does not exempt you from complying with it. Take a look at our tourist housing legislation center.

Do I have to collect the tourist tax in my vacation rental apartment?

Yes, you have to do it. Prices may vary from year to year, but current ones are like this:

• In Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Menorca a tourist tax is paid, which in vacation rentals is €2 per person per night.
• In Barcelona the rate is €2.25 per person per night.
• In the rest of Catalonia the rate is €0.90 per person per night. Taking into account that those under 16 years old do not pay the rate and the limit is 7 days.

How to collect?

Semiannually you must submit to the Tax Agency the Model 950 to settle the tourist tax of the visitors that your property has received in the last months. The good thing is that nowadays you can do it online and pay with credit card, so it is a quick and simple process. The only thing you should keep in mind is not to miss the declaration deadline.

But to be able to pay the tax, you must first have collected it from your customers. Here you have two options:

• You promote your property indicating that the price does not include the tourist tax and you charge it once your guests have arrived.
• Advertise your vacation rental indicating that the price already includes the tourist tax. In this way, the client pays the tax when making their reservation.

Here, technology comes to your aid again and you can now find many vacation rental management platforms or OTAs that help you with the collection and settlement of this tax. So you don't have to worry about anything.

You have already seen it, the tourist tax is not as complicated to manage as it seems at first glance. Don't be afraid!

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