Utah lawmakers looking to crack down on Airbnb tax cheats

FILE: LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 03: The Airbnb emblem is displayed on a pc display on August 3, 2016 in London, England. (Photograph by Carl Court docket/Getty Photographs)

(Photograph by Carl Court docket/Getty Photographs)

SALT LAKE CITY — State lawmakers have their eyes on short-term leases — like Airbnb — for brand new, harder tax rules. No invoice has been filed but, however lawmakers are searching for methods to close down tax cheats.

Republican Rep. Calvin Musselman, who represents Weber County, mentioned many individuals lease property in areas the place it’s not allowed.

He mentioned in his county 40 rental properties are licensed in contrast with greater than 800 which aren’t.

Musselman mentioned many individuals are renting houses and flats with out utilizing apps like Airbnb and with out a gross sales tax license. Subsequently, he mentioned, some persons are not turning the suitable taxes over to the state.

“The best way the legislation works is you would need to solely and solely lease your property by one of many platforms. When you rented it one time exterior of the platform, you’d be accountable to remit the tax,” he mentioned.

Lawmakers are additionally taking a look at how short-term leases are impacting the housing market.

Unlicensed short-term leases “might need affected affordability and for sure availability of housing inventory,” Musselman mentioned.