The Warren County Treasurer’s Office is reminding owners of properties in Warren County that are used for short-term rental to register with the county Treasurer’s Office to collect Warren County Occupancy Tax as required by county law.
Warren County Treasurer Christine Norton and her staff have been working with property owners to have them register to collect and remit Warren County’s 4% occupancy tax that is paid by visitors at hotels, motels, lodges and short-term rentals.
Nearly 1,500 short-term rental properties have been registered in Warren County to date. But the Treasurer’s Office staff believes there are hundreds of property owners who have not been remitting occupancy tax receipts to the Treasurer’s Office as required.
A vendor has been hired by Warren County to help identify those properties. Interest and penalties can be imposed for unpaid occupancy taxes.
Treasurer Norton noted: “We are thankful that most short-term rental owners have been happy to work with us. We want to remind those who have not connected with our office about their obligations under the law. The funds collected through Occupancy Tax help improve our hospitality industry and make Warren County’s tourism economy stronger.”
Short-term rentals are defined as rentals of 30 days or shorter in duration.
Under Warren County’s Occupancy Tax Law, property owners can be held liable for back payments, and penalties can be assessed as well. Property owners who rent through Airbnb, VRBO or other similar platforms, or without aid of a booking agent, are required to register with the county.
Proceeds from Warren County occupancy tax are used to support tourism promotion in Warren County.
Information about the Occupancy Tax registration process, including online forms to register with the Treasurer’s Office, can be found here.
Those with questions can call the Treasurer’s Office at 518-761-6388.
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