Reservation change includes new occupancy tax

[Stephen20]

I had a reservation confirmed on Feb 8, 2016 before Airbnb began collecting occupancy tax in Oakland. Today my guest needed to reduce their reservation by 2 weeks. The Alter Reservation form correctly shows a reduction in price, but when my guests receives the alteration for approval it shows an increase in price because an occupancy tax is now included*. The occupancy tax shouldn't apply to a reservation was made before the law went into effect, should it? How can I make this change without incurring the tax?

* If this is indeed correct, Airbnb really needs to reflect the addition of the tax in their Alter Reservation form.

[Stephen20]

Ah, after reading Oakland’s tax requirements I see now why the tax was engaged: “14% of the listing price including any cleaning fee for reservations 30 nights and shorter.” When the reservation was changed it fell within that taxable range.

So that’s my fault for not reading up on the tax law, but I do wish Airbnb’s change form would include taxes so there is no confusion.