[mulligan]

Originally Posted by renrod

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.

[renrod]

Think about what?

[DonH57]

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

[getdul981]

Originally Posted by OBXNana

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?

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.

[mulligan]

Originally Posted by renrod

Think about what?

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 ?

[dalecrenshaw]

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.

[mrfixit]

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.

[dalecrenshaw]

Correct

[OBXNana]

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.

[dalecrenshaw]

Amen