In Seattle, are we required to collect sales tax for airbnb guests?

[Shelley--And-Bart-0]

We got a business license, which the city said was required, but they couldn't answer our question about sales tax.

[Jodi7]

I am also confused on whether or not to add necessary taxes to our rates in order to collect the taxes from guests.  Is there someone at AIRBNB we can actually talk to in person about how this works??

[Ed-and-Hugh0]

@Shelley--And-Bart-0 Many hosts use services such as Avalara which are pretty good about knowing how to handle Airbnb tax and license issues.

[Shelley--And-Bart-0]

We finally got an answer that the City of Seattle controls the Occupancy Tax (which is required), but Air B&B's do not have to collect Sales Tax which comes under the jurisdiction of the State of Washington.  So, that's one answer down, and just 49 States to go!  We appreciated all of you who replied.  Thank you.

[Chi-and-Nhung0]

Hi Bart & Shelley,

Thank you for your helpful information. Since I am new on Airbnb, I found a difficult time trying to figure out all these too. We also live in Seattle. As you mentioned that you already got the business license, could you please kindly instruct us the way to get it, like where we should go to, and who we should meet, if there is any fee to pay and process to go through?

Besides, I read on Airbnb that they help collect taxes from guest for us. So do we need to do anything else other than filling in the tax information link Airbnb email us? 

Thank you and I hope to hear from you soon.

Best regards,

Chi Nhung.

[Tobin2]

So the WA Dept of revenue wants me to report my business income from Airbnb.  I have no idea how to do this properly and when i call them i get disconnected.  Has anyone figured this out?  Since Airbnb is collecting the occupancy tax I expect i owe nothing.

[Cynthia-and-Chris1]

https://www.airbnb.com/help/article/869/seattle--wa

[Jon-and-Barb0]

Hi Tobin, did you ever figure this out?  I'm having the same problem.