Request for NINO

[Geraldine417]

Airbnb is requesting personal tax information. I have asked them for chapter and verse and eventually was told to ignore the request. However I find the emails stressful and the notification alert confusing. There is no requirement for a UK citizen to provide this information. I’m glad Airbnb take taxation seriously (as I do) but this request is inappropriate. Is any other UK citizen (or who doesn’t apply to) had thus issue? Thanks 

[Helen3]

Hello @Geraldine417 

From a fellow host in Bristol .

There is actually a new legal requirement for you to provide your NI or UTR information as part of new digital distance selling regulations . This is put in place to ensure businesses like ours are paying tax on the income we earn via digital channels.

who told you to ignore the request ? 

[Geraldine417]

Thanks. The question is -what law? 

[Tanya842]

Exactly!  I've asked at least FIVE times for clarification - totally ignored.

Because they know they are NOT enititled to this confidential information.

Guess they will have to take action against me for breaking a law they won't tell me about!!! it's ridiculous.

[Tanya842]

See my reply to Geraldine, Airbnb confirmed in writing 18/9/24 that supplying information is at "my discretion" BUT then followed up with several emails advising me payments will be paused until I do.  No idea how to proceed but I'm not providing accommodation without payment.  It's a total mess

[Mike-And-Jane0]

@Geraldine417 you have every right to ignore this request from Airbnb and you are correct that

there is no requirement for a UK citizen to provide it BUT. The consequence  is likely to be your removal from the platform. Airbnb, by law, has to supply details of earnings by its hosts to HMRC. Without a national insurance number or tax identification number it cannot do this so it will have to remove you from the platform. Goodbye.

[Geraldine417]

Thank you for replying .. the question is what law.. 

Anyway it’s resolved. 

[Tanya842]

Mike

Re : Removal from Platform

Airbnb also won't answer this point - I stated under no circumstances am I providing my NI Number - if it is a deal breaker - so be it- remove me and cancel my bookings - no response!

[Elisa]

Hi @Geraldine417 ‌😊‌, 

Thank you for asking this in the community!

I just read your comment, and I’m glad you solved the situation!

I’m curious, how did you do that?

It would be helpful for other hosts to share the solution as well!

Warm regards 🌻,

[Geraldine417]

not resolved In that I am still  getting emails , the notification is still there .. and no explanation for the request but I was told to ignore the request..

[Elisa]

Hi @Geraldine417 😊, 

Thank you for letting me know. I’m sorry; I thought you had resolved the issue.

I would suggest that you connect with our Local Host Clubs to talk with people from your area and see what they think about it.

Also, did you reach out to the Airbnb Customer Support Team?

Warm regards, 🌻

[Geraldine417 · Accepted solution]

It was Support who told me to ignore the request and wouid try and remove the notification .  I had suggested Support escalate the question to whoever writes the policy . I have completed feedback accordingly. It woujd save a lot of time if they just explained. Airbnb have now provided some information on anew link explaining new requirements for online platforms for certain countries about reporting to tax authorities but it’s incomplete. A proper explanation is required.