▼

Treasurer

Show All Answers

1. Why do I have to pay this tax?

• The intent of this local law shall be to promote Schuyler County in order to increase convention, trade show and tourist business in the County. This tax is paid by the traveler.

2. When did the room tax law go into effect?

• This law was put into effect in 1988 and last amended in 2008

3. What if I only rent in the summer, do I still have to document the rest of the year and send in the forms?

• Per Schuyler County Occupancy Tax Law, you are required to submit a form to this office, even if you have been closed during the quarter

4. Can I pay one lump sum at the end of the year or during tax season?

• No, per Schuyler County Occupancy Tax Law, you are required to submit a form to this office each quarter.

5. Do I still have to pay if my revenue is less than the cost of operation?

• Yes, if you collect a fee for use of your house/room, you are subject to the room tax.

6. Is this just a Schuyler County tax?

• No, certain localities (counties, cities, towns, etc.) charge an additional tax on hotel occupancy commonly known as bed tax.

7. Do I still have to register with the County if I am exclusively using AirBnB?

• You are required to register with the county to obtain a Certificate of Authority no matter what entity you use. However, AirBnB does collect and remit the tax on your behalf.

8. What if I don’t report my revenue?

• If you fail to report your revenue, interest and penalties will be imposed monthly on the amount of tax owed. If the operator fails to comply with this local law and does not collect occupancy tax from the customer then the operator is guilty of a misdemeanor, punishment for which shall be a fine of not more than $1,000.

9. Where does the collected money go?

Chamber of Commerce for its promotion of tourism and of the publication of the advantages of Schuyler County and the region (Section 3 #12) and to economic development within Schuyler County.

10. What if I don’t provide any housekeeping, linen, or other customary hotel services?

• You must still charge Room Tax, the bungalow exemption contained in the State Tax is not applicable to the separate county tax.

11. Do I also need to pay sales tax?

• New York State collects sales tax; you will need to call (518)485-2889 for questions on specificity.

12. How do I dissolve my State given ID# when I no longer conduct business?

• You will need to contact New York State for assistance.

13. Do I have to display the “Certificate of Authority” when my family is staying at the rental? Not paying customers.

• Your “Certificate of Authority” should be displayed prominently in your rental at all times.

14. I know of others who are renting and not paying Room Tax, why?

• All Operators renting to a patron for less than 30 days are required to collect occupancy tax.
• Please contact the Treasurer’s office as soon as possible so that we may inform the prospective operator of the local law and they may avoid any further fines or penalties.

15. Can you tell me who pays?

• Except in accordance with proper judicial order, or as otherwise provided by law, it shall be unlawful for the Treasurer or any officer or employee of the Department of the Treasurer to divulge or make known in any matter the rents or other information relating to the business of a taxpayer contained in any return required under this local law.

16. Is there a minimum gross amount that doesn’t require taxes to be paid/what if I only rent my house/room for two weeks out of the year?

• If you collect a fee for use of your house/room, you are subject to the room tax.

17. Will there be an audit conducted on my revenue?

• Every operator shall keep records of every occupancy and of all rent paid, charged or due.  Records shall be available for inspection and examination at any time upon demand by the Treasurer or his duly authorized agent or employee and shall be preserved for a period of three (3) years, except that the Treasurer may consent to their destruction within that period or may require that they be kept longer.

18. What if a down payment was received in one quarter but the remainder was received in a different quarter?

• Unfortunately, we are not able to help with this situation. You will need to contact an accountant.

19. What if there is a charge for a pet or a charge for damage to my property? Is that included in my gross income and therefore taxed?

• Since the tax is based upon “rent” and rent is based upon “occupancy”, the additional fee charged for an occupant’s pet is a rental charge and therefore taxable.
• As for damages, such charges fall clearly outside of the definition of what can be construed as “rent” and therefore should not be considered as taxable pursuant to our local room tax law.

20. What if I use a website to schedule my rentals? Such as AirBnB or VRBO.

• AirBnB does submit and pay on your behalf but they are the only business that we have a contract with to do so.
• VRBO or any other rental site does not submit for you therefore you are still required to submit a room tax to our office each quarter.

21. What if I am paying late?

• Late submissions are subject to late fees, please contact our office as soon as possible to get those calculated for you.