Are we required to charge renters sales tax? Local tax?

[Michigansunseekr]

We just purchased a home in Sumter County in The Villages. We're planning to rent it out and are wondering if we need to charge our renters sales tax? Or a local tax? Thanks for your input.

[Ooper]

This link may help if you have renters for less than 6 months.

FL Dept Rev - Tax Information Publication 2004 (http://dor.myflorida.com/dor/tips/tip04a01-19.html)

[Michigansunseekr]

Thanks Ooper! Perfect!! Happy Friday to you.

[ijusluvit]

Yes, you must pay sales tax if your rentals are for periods of less than six months. Each county has a different rate and different procedures. It can be a minor aggravation, but I suggest you be sure to take care of it. Folks who don't pay are often caught because they advertise their rentals publicly and county officials sometimes examine those advertisements and cross-check them with tax records.

[BettyCrocked]

Yes and beware as some seem to find it necessary to grill you about it. I'm just waiting for one of these folks to ask to see my tax return. I wonder if they do the same routine to the fish guy over on 466. Or the handyman, or the grass cutter...
If you're like me, you'll find that there is more demand than supply, so I'm able to weed out those I don't want to rent to.

[Michigansunseekr]

Thanks BettyCrocked! I appreciate the feedback. Charge and remit we shall!

[rayschic]

Yes and beware as some seem to find it necessary to grill you about it. I'm just waiting for one of these folks to ask to see my tax return. I wonder if they do the same routine to the fish guy over on 466. Or the handyman, or the grass cutter...
If you're like me, you'll find that there is more demand than supply, so I'm able to weed out those I don't want to rent to.

Most owners get around that by advertising the price including taxes. I rented a home for 7 years. Nobody ever questioned if I paid taxes ( which I did, of course)
In other words, instead of saying $2750 plus 9% tax per month ($2997 per month) just say $3000 per month includes taxes. You net the same amount but don't have to deal with renters questioning your taxes.

[Michigansunseekr]

ijusluvit, thanks to you too! Really appreciating the great feedback! Another reason we're so enjoying our experience.

[Michigansunseekr]

Hi rayschic! Really appreciate the great advice - and it helps explain why the difference in prices. Will keep that in mind for next inquiry.

[BettyCrocked]

Most owners get around that by advertising the price including taxes. I rented a home for 7 years. Nobody ever questioned if I paid taxes ( which I did, of course)
In other words, instead of saying $2750 plus 9% tax per month ($2997 per month) just say $3000 per month includes taxes. You net the same amount but don't have to deal with renters questioning your taxes.

You must have missed the thread a month or so ago addressing this. People were questioning whether the person REALLY pays the extra to the municipalities. It was quite comical, the lengths some people go to worrying about others paying their taxes. Like I said, I wonder if they give the fish man the third degree, lol.