Airbnb has collected $14M from local hosts to remit to BC government

Jun 26 2019, 2:39 am

After the BC government revealed last year that it had negotiated and reached a taxation agreement with Airbnb, the company announced this week that it has collected $14 million from local hosts to remit to BC government in the past six months, according to officials.

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Airbnb has been collecting 8% provincial sales tax (PST) and the up-to-3% municipal and regional district tax (MRDT) on short-term accommodations provided in British Columbia through its platform.

In its announcement last year, the BC government said revenue raised from the new tax agreement would be used to fund affordable housing projects in BC.

“Airbnb is proud to be providing significant contributions to affordable housing and tourism promotion initiatives in British Columbia,” said Airbnb’s Alex Dagg in a statement provided to Daily Hive. “This tax agreement serves as a prime example of how Airbnb and government officials can work together as partners to help all residents’ benefit from the positive economic impact of home sharing.”

The total dollar numbers are:

  • Total PST + MRDT: $18 million CAD
  • Total PST: $14 million CAD
  • Total MRDT: $4 million CAD
  • Vancouver MRDT: $1.4 million CAD
  • Victoria MRDT: $350,000 CAD

“We look forward to continuing our work with the province, municipalities across BC, and other jurisdictions across Canada,” said Dagg.

In announcing the agreement last year, BC’s Finance Minister Carole James said the government “appreciate Airbnb coming to the table and our hope is this is just the start.”

Eric ZimmerEric Zimmer

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