Airbnb will soon charge hotel occupancy tax

If your bags are packed for a trip in the Lone Star State, and you’ve booked a stay at a home through Airbnb expect to see a hotel occupancy tax on your bill starting in May.

Airbnb ‘s website explained that the tax is based on state regulations saying “they’re generally owed on the accommodations price plus any fees for other items, like cleanings or extra guests.”

The Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts listed the rate at 6 percent the cost of a room.

Prices for lodging through Airbnb range from $30 to $100 around El Paso, comparable to rates at area hotels.

The Austin Business Journal reported that Texas has joined more than 275 other areas in the world where Airbnb collect hotel taxes.

They estimate there are around 26,000 Airbnb hosts across Texas, who earn about $4,800 a year by renting out their home, according Airbnb.