January 1st, 2017 new sales tax rate for Anna Maria Island is 12% for vacation rentals

Just in case you are managing your own property it is important to know that the sales tax for all accommodations on Anna Maria Island is 12% effective January, 1st, 2017.  I have attached the letter from the State which provides some of the additional details on the why and how.  I have received several questions regarding how this works for current guests arriving AFTER January 1st, 2017.  State Tax change

While it may be hard to believe anyone arriving AFTER January 1st, 2017 is NOW at the new tax rate of 12% regardless of when they booked.  So a guest booking in early 2016 arriving January 3rd, 2017 must now abide by the new tax rate of 12% and the State expects to be paid the correct amount after January 1st, 2017.  I know how odd that must seem that a contract has been provided for a specific price however the state and county don’t care.  The accommodation was provided AFTER January 1st, 2017 so therefore the new tax is enforced which is 12%.

I am sorry for the news but hopefully you agree, better to know now, than to find yourself receiving letters from the tax authorities sometime in March or April of 2017 that the tax amount provided are short.  For sure change all your reservations effective immediately to be 12% state and local taxes.