Louisiana looks to impose taxes on Airbnb rentals

Central visitors bureaus in Louisiana are supporting the passage of a bill that would require Airbnb rentals and other short-term accommodations to pay the same local occupancy taxes as hotels, according to Baton Rouge Business Report.

Short-term rentals in the state currently pay state and local taxes, but they are not required to pay hotel occupancy taxes. The Louisiana Travel Association told the news outlet the goal of the proposed legislation is to level the playing field between hotels and short-term rentals.

“We’re looking for parity,” LTA President and CEO Jill Kidder told the news outlet. “The idea is to make it easier for our hotels and all those who offer accommodations to know that if you are renting a room to a transient guest you have to pay taxes on it.”