Sumter County Tourist Tax
 

We will be renting the property we recently purchased until we are able to retire. We understand there is a tax we must pay when we collect rent for the property. I have called 8 different phone numbers and been transferred 3 times to other departments. I was told to call the state and was told to get in touch with the "taxing authority in the county where the property is located".

I'm certain there must be someone on this forum that has the information we need to pay the Sumter County Tourist Tax. Would you please share your knowledge with the rest of us that keep reaching dead ends?

This website should help and there is an 800 telephone number.

FL Dept Rev - Tax Information Publication 2004

Thank you so very much!

The state will send you a coupon book for your payment monthly, whether you have renters or not. If no renters you still have to return the coupon with zero's.

Is it complicated to rent a property? Is there any single source for info that will cover all the bases? If we ever do this, we want to do it right. Thanks.

I find the easiest way is just turn the property over to the Villages Home Property management. They will set up the tax account and collect the tax from the renter, if they rent 6 mos or less. If you want piece of mind for it to be handled correctly,and you are out of the area. I know a lot of people handle their own and do just as well, saving commission. Some have had good luck with them, and others have complaints, you have to judge for yourself . See a lot of threads on here about it. Wish you well.

Easy but costly. Setting up the tax account is very easy. The link provided previously will get you going. You don't need to send in coupons if you are willing to file online. They will withdraw the tax from a checking account you designate, as someone said earlier, you have to submit a monthly return even if the tax is zero. Takes about 10 seconds for the zero return and about 60 seconds if there is tax due.

And then.......
 

Some management companies charge you the equivalent management fee WHEN YOU STAY IN YOUR OWN HOME, because they could have rented it if you were not there. Also keep this question in mind, "where on THEIR list are you". when they are renting multiple properties.

So call me stupid, but how does the state know you are renting your property in TV???

We have decided to rent the house ourselves and advertise on ****. It's a matter of keeping accurate records and having someone locally to oversee the day to day operations of the rental. We've had rental property in the Outer Banks for years and have a management company. With weekly turn over and 32 weeks booked we feel it's necessary to have a management company. In The Villages the house won't turn over weekly and the main difference is, there are several options of people that will oversee the property without charging a percentage. That isn't available in the Outer Banks.

We found someone on this site that is available 24/7 for the guests to call if there is a problem, they clean after the guests depart, wash the sheets, and make the beds. He is doing everything needed with the exception of booking the house (**** is a great site for listing a rental property) and handling the money. He came highly recommended on this site.

We spoke with the Village Management Company and what they offered simply didn't meet our needs. We understand each geographic area is different and our expectations may not be realistic in The Villages. We feel we can provide the guest with better service with Lighthouse Home Watch. We also have more control over our own property.

:popcorn:

They compare the property records with the homestead records. Then start asking questions.

They could ask The Villages for a list of properties that they issued temporary ID's to.

If you deduct your expenses from your Federal tax returns, it doesn't take a state long to realize you have a rental property. If I'm bringing in income, I want to pay my fair share. Not more, but my fair share. Plus, it's the law.

and you think the villages willing gives up info to the government?

The entertainment at LSL and Brownwood is partially funded by tourist tax dollars.....think about it.

Think about what?

Sumter county has a , umm, "tourist tax" ?

I'll bet you that if you don't sign up with anyone and don't pay any taxes, it won't be long before the appropriate taxation authority notifies you exactly who you need to send your taxes to.

That is the tax on short term rentals. Do you want to give up part of the entertainment at 2 squares so someone can dodge the tax on rentals ?

I have found, over the years, that a lot of people in the Villages do not pay the County (Sumter, Lake & Marion Counties which all have the tax) and State tourist tax on rentals. It amazes me that most people are very honest and would not think of not paying the Federal income taxes, but will totally ignore the law when it comes to paying the tourist tax, thinking that they can just get away with it. The tax is due on any rental that is rented for less than 6 months...just like you pay a tax when you stay in a motel/hotel. If your house is rented more than 6 months to the same person, than it is a long term rental and no tax is due. The State tax is 5% and each county has it own tax rate...Lake County is 6%. You must also get a business license from the County and a Resale Certificate for Sales tax from the State. And, you need to file monthly, whether it is rented or not.

I have heard that some people have been caught not paying the tax and have had huge fines levied on them...so they must have a way of finding out, if you don't pay it.

Just as a point of added information.

It is my understanding....

IF you rent out a home and the lease does not state
that the term of lease is for more than 6 months.....
..........................you MUST pay the tourist tax for the First 6 months.

This applies even if you have a Month to Month lease and the people
intend to stay over 6 months.

To not be liable for the tourist tax...........
.......There must be a Date Certain on the Lease that clearly states
an end date that is for a "minimum" of six months and 1 day.

Correct

I appreciate all the information provided. It's our duty to pay the tax and it was important to us to find out the proper procedure. We now have the forms, percentage rate, and instructions to file correctly. Thank you to those that sent us in the right direction.

I also hope those that rent their property will do the right thing and pay the tax. I agree with other posts that none of us would ignore our Federal Tax. I have to wonder why someone would skip out on the local tax when you can personally see how it benefits those that are your neighbors.

Amen