Airbnb has paid $70 million in room taxes since 2017

The collection of the room tax from Airbnb began in Puerto Rico in 2017 as a result of a voluntary collection agreement established between the Tourism Company and the short-term rental giant.

By The Star Staff

Since 2017, Airbnb has paid the Puerto Rico Tourism Company $70 million in room occupancy taxes, also known as the room tax, according to reports Thursday.

The collection of the room tax from the short-term rental giant began on the island in 2017 as a result of a voluntary collection agreement (VCA) established between the Tourism Company and Airbnb.

“Tourism tax collections are vital for governments, especially in times of inflation. We are committed to collaborating with Puerto Rico through the voluntary collection of the Room Tax and providing Puerto Ricans with additional income,” said Carlos Muñoz, director of public policy at Airbnb Central America and the Caribbean. “We welcome House Bill 1557 and Senate Bill 936, which are currently being discussed in the Legislative Assembly.”

The reports note that in 2014 the first VCAs were signed with San Francisco and Portland. Since then, Airbnb has worked with thousands of jurisdictions to facilitate the collection and remittance of various taxes on behalf of hosts, thereby simplifying the administrative process for local governments.