Shelby County, TN Personal Property Taxes on my Airbnb?

Shelby County, TN Personal Property Taxes on my Airbnb?

I just got a personal property tax schedule to submit for my Airbnb.  It is a one bed guest house and I guess they want a list and value of everything in it so I can pay more tax!  I have a business license and permit I paid for and already pay property tax.  Now they want to tax me on the stuff in the Airbnb?  Help!  

3 Replies 3
Lorna170
Level 10
Swannanoa, NC

@Robert7766  You have to love our states and counties for thinking up ways to tax homeowners.  Personal property taxes are not new, nor are they IMO reasonable or sensible.  Own a lawnmower?  Pay an annual tax.  Ridiculous.

 

I would recommend that you review the personal property tax form sent to you with your tax accountant.  That person would be best to advise you on what to include in the assessment and how to determine the value.  

Thank you for responding.  I need to find a good tax advisor.  I questioned the assessors office but they weren't much help.  Most of the "stuff" in the Airbnb is furniture that has been in the guest house when my mother in law lived in it.  She passed and I thought I could make a few bucks without being burdened with stupid taxes, permits, business license fees ect.   Airbnb wasn't any help either and I wonder how many hosts Don't comply with State and local laws?

@Robert7766 

Yup...this is not new. Yes, technically you owe personal property tax on the Airbnb business in most states to the county the listing is operating in. In addition to furnishings in the Airbnb, anything you use to run the business (business cards, your cell phone, printer, office supplies) should be in included in the list to be taxed.

 

I asked if I use my cell phone for personal and business, why is that taxed? I was told the state says even if you make one call/text on the cell phone for business purposes, it needs to be included on the form to be taxed.