GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — If you’re looking to rent a place in Kent County through Airbnb, get ready to pay more: The company has agreed to tack on a hotel tax benefiting the county.
Airbnb says customers will see the Kent County Lodging Excise Tax on their invoices beginning Aug. 1. Kent County Treasurer Ken Parrish says the Voluntary Collection Agreement takes the burden off the shoulders of Airbnb hosts, since the company will be in charge of calculating occupancy taxes.
Kent County Administrator/Controller Wayman Britt says the move will “cover the expense for increased tourism" and helps level the playing field for the county’s existing hotel and lodging industry.