Connecticut House Bill HB06626

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/22/11
• Refer: 3/22/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Imposition Of The Sales Tax On Room Remarketers.

Impact

The proposed law would redefine several sections of the existing Connecticut sales tax statutes. If enacted, it would mandate that room remarketers be responsible for collecting and remitting taxes on the full rental amount to the state. This change aims to level the playing field between traditional hotels and online remarketers, ensuring that tax obligations are uniformly applied. This law highlights the state's efforts to modernize tax regulations to capture revenue from businesses that operate primarily in a digital space.

Summary

House Bill 06626 aims to impose a sales tax on room remarketers, such as online travel agencies, for the rental of hotel rooms. The bill defines a 'room remarketer' as any individual or entity that offers or arranges for hotel room rentals through various means, including internet transactions. This legislation is designed to ensure that sales tax is collected on both the net rent received by hotel operators and any additional rent charged by room remarketers, effectively closing a potential tax loophole in the hospitality industry.

Conclusion

HB06626 represents a significant shift in the way sales tax is applied within the hospitality sector, especially targeting the growing influence of online travel services. As the bill aims to capture more revenue in a digital economy, its passage could serve as a precedent for similar measures in other sectors that are increasingly reliant on online platforms.

Contention

Notable points of contention involve whether this legislative change may impose additional financial burdens on room remarketers, which could potentially lead to increased costs for consumers. Critics of the bill might argue that it could negatively affect the competitive landscape of the hotel industry by increasing the operational costs of online remarketers. Proponents, however, emphasize the importance of fair tax collection and competitive equity between physical and digital service providers.