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Accommodation Tax Overview: On April 23, 2008 City Council passed the Accommodation Tax By-law No. 70/2008. The Lieutenant Governor in Council (Province of Manitoba) has now approved the By-law. The By-law came into force June 1, 2008. The By-law sets the requirements for the application, collection and remittance of a 5% tax on accommodations within the City of Winnipeg effective June 1, 2008. The intent of the accommodation tax is to generate revenue to support Destination Winnipeg, the Winnipeg Convention Centre, and special events including other organizations, projects and events that will encourage tourism to Winnipeg. The accommodation tax will be collected by the providers of all accommodations (hotels, motels, etc.) and will be remitted to the City of Winnipeg once a month. The requirement to remit taxes and the monthly tax return must be met no later than the 20th day of the month following the month in which the taxes were payable and for which the monthly tax return is applicable. For example, the accommodation tax return and remittance for the June 2008 reporting period was due July 20, 2008. Quick Facts: With some specific exemptions, the accommodation tax will be charged on all room or bed accommodations of less than thirty nights in the city of Winnipeg. It will apply to a room that has been paid for, even if it was not used. The accommodation tax will apply to the purchase price of the accommodation with no deductions made for items that are "built into" the room charge, such as for the use of a pool or continental breakfasts, where those items are not available for purchase separately a la carte. Where a "package" has been sold to a purchaser that includes the accommodation plus other goods and services (spa, dinner meal, etc.), and those goods and services are available for purchase separately a la carte, the tax will not apply to those goods and services. The tax will also not apply to optional items which result in additional charges, such as room service, movies, and telephone calls. Exemptions The accommodation tax will not apply to the following situations:
Refunds, Appeals, Penalties and Auditing The By-law has clauses that consider refunds, for example, to people who are in Winnipeg for medical tests or treatments and for taxes paid in error. The By-law also addresses appeals to the City of Winnipeg's Standing Policy Committee on Finance, penalties for late payment and allowing access to records for auditing purposes. No Registration The By-law does not require providers of accommodation to register with the City. Transition Measure The By-law has a clause relating to refunding the accommodation tax to third party tourist companies who have purchased accommodations and resold them in tour packages prior to March 26, 2008. Refunds will be possible, by application, until January 1, 2009. Is the tax applicable to additional beds? Yes, the Accommodation Tax is also applicable to the price of other charges connected with the actual occupancy of the room whether or not they are separately stated. Such charges include the rental cost for additional items such as beds, cots, cribs and linens. By-law: Click By-law Searches and search for: Accommodation By-law No. 70/2008. Information Circular: For more detailed information on the specific provisions contained in By-law No. 70/2008 please click this link to view the Information Circular Forms: |
Last update:
04.07.2011
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