Who must pay this tax?
Anyone who stays in a "dwelling unit designed for temporary overnight human occupancy" for business, pleasure, or recreational purposes. This includes overnight rental of spaces designed for parking recreational vehicles.
Are there any customers that are exempt from paying the tax?
Yes, the following lodgers are exempt from paying this tax:
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lodgers who spend 30 or more consecutive days at your facility,
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federal employees and employees of federal instrumentalities, (i.e.: American Red Cross), on official business,
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persons with diplomatic immunity.
How will this tax be collected?
Every lodging provider in Oregon is responsible for collecting the tax at the time the fee for lodging is paid.
How will the funds be used?
The state will use this revenue to promote tourism programs in Oregon.
How much will this cost me?
As a lodging provider, you are required to collect this tax from your customers. This tax is held in trust and remitted to Oregon Department of Revenue on a quarterly basis. The law allows you to withhold 5 percent of the state lodging taxes you collect to cover the cost of record keeping, reporting, and collecting the tax. If you fail to pay this tax timely, you may be assessed penalty and interest.
How is this tax different from the city or county tax I'm already paying?
This tax promotes tourism statewide. City and county taxes fund a variety of local programs.
When did this tax start?
The 2003 Oregon Legislature established a state lodging tax, effective January 1, 2004. Revenues generated rom this tax will be used exclusively to fund the programs of the
Oregon Tourism Commission (dba Travel Oregon) and to implement its statewide tourism program.
How and when do I pay this tax?
You are required to file a return with the Oregon Department of Revenue and pay the taxes quarterly, on or before the last day of April, July, October, and January. You must file a return even if you did not collect any tax for the reporting period.
How much paperwork will I need to do? Will I need to keep records?
You will need to complete a
State lodging tax return every quarter.
You must collect the tax, keep accurate records, and comply with rules set by the Oregon
Department of Revenue with respect to this tax. The records and statements must show whether there is a tax liability.
You are allowed to withhold 5 percent of the state lodging taxes you collect to cover the cost of record keeping, reporting, and collecting the tax. The Oregon Department of Revenue may examine the books, papers, or records required to be kept under ORS 305.824 (section 3).
Can I pay this tax along with other business taxes I pay?
You must submit your tax payment with the
State Lodging Tax Quarterly Return to ensure payment is applied appropriately.
What happens if I don't pay the tax or I pay it late?
If a provider fails to file a return or pay the amount due by the due date, a penalty will be charged equal to 5 percent of the amount due. If a return is not filed within a month from the due date, an additional penalty of 20 percent will be charged.
Interest will be added to any unpaid amount, figured from the time the tax becomes due. Interest will be at the rate established under Oregon law.
What counties and cities within Oregon and other states have lodging taxes?
Many counties and cities within Oregon also levy a tax for lodging. Local and City lodging taxes are separate from this State Lodging Tax. Contact your
city and or
county for local lodging tax information.
Can lodging providers get rebates on this tax?
No, this tax in not subject to rebates.
Does the tax apply to just the cost of the room or are other lodging charges included in the taxable amount?
If the cost of the lodging includes amenities that
are not optional, the entire lodging rate is
taxable. Charges for other taxes and optional items offered for a separate fee would not be included in the tax.