Revenue initiative to maximise compliance among recipients of Airbnb income

A key element of Revenue’s role is proactively assisting taxpayers in meeting their tax obligations and we continually achieve this through a number of initiatives.

As required under the Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, Airbnb has provided details of payments made to its customers in 2014, 2015 and 2016 for the provision of short-term accommodation.

To assist taxpayers in meeting their obligations, Revenue is writing to in the region of 12,000 people, as reminder to include this income on their tax returns. The letters will also provide guidance on the correct tax treatment of this income and give details on how to correct returns already made, where necessary.

Additionally, Revenue recently issued assistance, by way of guidance, on the tax treatment of income arising from the provision of short-term accommodation and this is published on our website, www.revenue.ie.

It is standard Revenue practice to constantly monitor new and emerging risk. Revenue is alert to the risks posed by online business in all its forms, including the provision of short-term accommodation. To maximise compliance among recipients of income from the provision of short-term accommodation, Revenue will also carry out a range of follow-up compliance checks to ensure that returns are filed and are correct.

The vast majority of taxpayers are fully compliant with their tax obligations. Revenue supports the high level of voluntary compliance by providing service to make it as easy as possible for taxpayers to comply with their tax and duty obligations, by being pro-active in helping taxpayers meet their obligations and through early and effective intervention in respect of those who do not comply.

[Ends 18/09/2018]