@Katarina13
Hi Katarina, The law appears to be full of unknowns at the moment but this is the interpretation of it as it stands....
The new law and what it does:
- Packaged as a tax break, it gives the option to any private individual renting real estate for under 30 days to pay a flat 21% tax instead of the normal income tax that starts at 23% and goes up depending on one’s income.
- Obligates intermediaries (Airbnb), including on-line sites that collect payment from the guest, specifically Airbnb, to withhold the 21% and pay it directly to the tax authorities on behalf of the accommodation provider.
- Obligates the same intermediaries (Airbnb) to report to the tax authorities all rentals taking place.
- Owners who don’t wish to pay the flat rate will have the amounts paid on their behalf put on credit toward whatever else they owe.
- This new law goes into effect as of June 2017. The tax authority has 90 days to inform the public and other parties concerned how the reporting and payments will be done.
So Katarina, it appears you have a choice! You pay the flat rate of 21%, which will be automatically deducted by Airbnb and forwarded to the relevant tax authorities as a tax component in your name. If you have no other income this would be the realistic option.
It also obligates Airbnb to report to the tax office all hosts who are deriving income through Airbnb!
If you elect not to pay the flat rate, money deducted by Airbnb will be credited against your tax office liability!
Which ever option you elect to take Katarina you are going to lose 21% of your listing amount as a tax component!
Now whether you think this is good or bad is not relevant....... all Italian short term renters are in the same boat and you all have two options...increase your listing amounts by 21% to cover this payment or cease short term hosting.
As you have had no contact from Airbnb regarding this I would suggest you give them a call on +39 06 99366533 and ask for more information. I would also speak with an accountant who is familiar with the way this new law works and perhaps get them to work with Airbnb on your behalf.
I hope this helps Katarina but it's a bit hard to give advice from here on the other side of the world!
Cheers.....Rob