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Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector Department
Transient Occupancy Tax and Business Improvement Area
Transient Occupancy Tax and Business Improvement Area
Vrbo Frequently Asked Questions
Vrbo will begin collecting the Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for all bookings beginning February 1, 2024, onwards and will remit the TOT directly to Sonoma County pursuant to the Voluntary Collection Agreement (VCA).
Please see the below frequently asked questions about the VCA and changes to Vrbo TOT Collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What has changed?
If you use Vrbo for any short-term rental activity, Vrbo will now collect and remit the TOT for bookings made February 1, 2024, onwards. You are still responsible for filing a TOT return each quarter as well as submitting supporting documentation for all rental activity for each reporting period.
I have reservations prior to February 1, 2024, will Vrbo remit the TOT?
No, any short-term rental activity bookings made prior to February 1, 2024, will be remitted by the operator during this transition period.
How will I complete my TOT return for the January – March reporting period?
Report all gross rents from all platforms on line 1. Complete the Airbnb and Exemption lines as you have before. Vrbo bookings made on February 1, 2024, through March 31, 2024, will be reported as the Vrbo adjustment. The operator will be responsible for the TOT on the remaining taxable gross rents in addition to the supporting documentation for all short-term rental activity for each quarter.
Will Vrbo submit the TOT based on paid dates or stay dates?
Vrbo will submit the TOT based on the stay range.
I’m subject to BIA, will Vrbo pay BIA?
No, Vrbo will not pay BIA on your behalf. Report and remit the BIA directly to our office.
Am I still required to file a quarterly return if I only use Vrbo?
Yes, you are required to complete and submit a TOT return each quarter in addition to providing support documentation.
How do I know how much Vrbo is paying and how much I should pay?
You are responsible for paying TOT pertaining to bookings that occurred prior to February 1 in addition to any BIA that was collected. The report generated through Vrbo will provide information on the amount that Vrbo remits, as well as the amount you are responsible for remitting.
I only use platforms that Sonoma County has VCAs with, do I need to do anything?
You are required to file a TOT return and provide supporting documentation each quarter and any TOT if applicable.
I use Vrbo within a different platform, such as Expedia, Evolve, and HomeRez, will I still be responsible for remitting the TOT from Vrbo?
Yes, if you are using a different platform for your Vrbo reservations, you will continue to file and pay your TOT.
I am a Property Manager, how am I affected?
If the Vrbo reports indicate Vrbo is paying the TOT for bookings made February 1, 2024 onwards:
- You would report the TOT paid by Vrbo in the Vrbo adjustment column.
If Vrbo is not paying the TOT on your behalf:
- The reporting process will remain the same and you may disregard the Vrbo adjustment column.
I am a Property Manager subject to BIA, how will I complete the report?
The reporting process will remain the same. The PM Detail Report will automatically calculate BIA that will be remitted with your TOT payment, return and supporting documentation.