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Vrbo Partner: Taxes

Learn how tax collection and remittance work for Vrbo Partner reservations and understand your responsibilities based on your payment setup and location.

Written by Dawn Ginie Santoyo

Tax handling for Vrbo Partner reservations depends on your Merchant of Record setup, your property's location, and the taxes that apply to the reservation.

This article explains how taxes are collected, when tax remittance may be available, and what responsibilities remain with the host.

At a Glance

For Vrbo Partner reservations:

  • Tax handling depends on your Merchant of Record setup

  • Tax remittance support is only available when Hospitable is the Merchant of Record

  • Hosts using Stripe are always responsible for filing and remitting applicable taxes

  • Tax remittance availability varies by jurisdiction and tax type

  • Additional local filing requirements may still apply

A reservation breakdown in Hospitable showing accommodation charges, fees, and taxes


How Taxes Are Handled

Tax handling for Vrbo Partner reservations depends on:

  • Your Merchant of Record setup

  • Your property's jurisdiction

  • The taxes that apply to the reservation

The way taxes are collected and remitted differs depending on whether Hospitable or Stripe processes guest payments.


If Hospitable Is the Merchant of Record

When Hospitable is the Merchant of Record, tax collection and remittance support may be available for supported jurisdictions and tax types.

Depending on the jurisdiction:

  • Taxes may be collected and remitted on your behalf

  • Taxes may be collected and included in your payout for you to remit

  • Additional local filing requirements may still apply

Tax remittance support is only available when Hospitable is the Merchant of Record and may vary by jurisdiction and tax type.

See State list where and which taxes we remit here.


If Stripe Is the Merchant of Record

When Stripe is the Merchant of Record, all taxes are treated as pass-through taxes.

This means:

  • Taxes are collected from the guest as part of the reservation

  • Taxes are included in your payout

  • You are responsible for filing and remitting taxes to the appropriate authorities

Hospitable does not remit taxes on your behalf for reservations processed through Stripe.

If you use Stripe as the Merchant of Record, you are always responsible for filing and remitting applicable taxes.


Determining Your Tax Responsibilities

Before relying on any tax workflow, verify:

  • Which taxes apply to your property

  • Whether Hospitable currently supports remittance for those taxes

  • Whether any local filing requirements remain

Tax obligations vary significantly between jurisdictions, and support may differ by tax type.

If you are unsure about your obligations, consult a qualified tax professional.


Reviewing Taxes on a Property

You can review the taxes configured for a property directly in Hospitable.

To view applicable taxes:

  1. Go to Properties.

  2. Select the property.

  3. Open Pricing → Taxes.

The Taxes page displays:

  • Tax name

  • Tax type

  • Tax rate

  • Who remits the tax

  • Which reservation charges the tax applies to

Property Taxes page displaying tax names, rates, remittance responsibility, and applicable charges

This page helps you understand how taxes are being handled for the property and whether a tax is being remitted by Hospitable or treated as a pass-through tax.

The Taxes page reflects the current tax configuration for the selected property. Tax remittance support varies by jurisdiction and tax type, and some local filing requirements may still apply.


If You're Switching from Vrbo Legacy

Some hosts upgrading from the Vrbo Legacy connection may notice changes in how taxes are handled.

Under the Legacy connection, Vrbo may have collected and remitted certain taxes directly depending on the property's location and the taxes involved.

However, some taxes were never remitted by Vrbo and remained the host's responsibility.

Examples may include certain local tourism, occupancy, or development taxes, depending on the jurisdiction.

After upgrading to the Vrbo Partner Connection, tax handling depends on:

  • Your Merchant of Record setup

  • The taxes configured on the property

  • Whether tax remittance support is available for the applicable jurisdiction and tax type

Some local taxes may not have been remitted by Vrbo under the Legacy connection. These taxes remain your responsibility under the Vrbo Partner Connection unless tax remittance support is specifically available for that tax.

If you previously relied on Vrbo to collect or remit taxes, review your tax configuration after upgrading.

To review how taxes are currently handled:

  1. Go to Properties.

  2. Select the property.

  3. Open Pricing → Taxes.

  4. Review the Remitted By column for each tax.

The Taxes page shows whether a tax is:

  • Remitted by Hospitable

  • Treated as a pass-through tax that you must file and remit yourself

Property Taxes page displaying tax remittance responsibility for each configured tax


Tax Reporting

Reservation and payout records reflect the financial activity associated with the booking, including taxes collected from guests.

You can use your reservation and payout records to help reconcile tax-related transactions.


Changes to Tax Coverage

Tax remittance coverage may expand over time as additional jurisdictions and tax types become supported.

As coverage changes:

  • Tax workflows may be updated

  • Remittance responsibilities may change

  • Additional tax support may become available

Hospitable sends an email notification when tax remittance becomes available for a tax that applies to your property.

If your property uses Hospitable as the Merchant of Record, you cannot opt out of supported tax remittance once it becomes available.

If you prefer to remain responsible for filing and remitting taxes yourself, you can switch the property to Stripe as the Merchant of Record. Any change will apply to future reservations after the switch and will not affect existing reservations.

Always review the latest tax documentation before making assumptions about tax handling in your jurisdiction.


Frequently Asked Questions

Are taxes included in the guest's reservation total?

Yes. Applicable taxes are collected as part of the reservation charges presented to the guest.

Does Hospitable remit taxes for all Vrbo Partner reservations?

No. Tax remittance support is only available when Hospitable is the Merchant of Record and only for supported jurisdictions and tax types.

What happens if I use Stripe as the Merchant of Record?

All taxes are treated as pass-through taxes and included in your payout. You are responsible for filing and remitting applicable taxes.

How do I know if taxes are being remitted on my behalf?

Go to Properties → Pricing → Taxes.

The Remitted By column indicates how each tax is handled:

  • Hospitable — Hospitable remits the tax on your behalf where supported.

  • Pass-through — The tax is collected from the guest and included in your payout. You remain responsible for filing and remitting the tax.

Tax handling depends on your Merchant of Record setup, jurisdiction, and the specific tax involved.

Does upgrading from Vrbo Legacy to the Vrbo Partner Connection change my tax obligations?

It may. Under the Legacy connection, Vrbo may have collected and remitted certain taxes depending on the property's location and the taxes involved. Other taxes may already have been your responsibility.

Under the Vrbo Partner Connection, tax handling depends on:

  • Your Merchant of Record setup

  • The taxes involved

  • The property's location

  • Whether tax remittance support is available

Review your property's tax settings after upgrading and consult a qualified tax professional if you are unsure about your obligations.

Should I consult a tax professional?

Yes. Hosts are responsible for understanding their local tax obligations and should seek professional advice when needed.

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