Texas House Bill HB2889

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the calculation, collection, and remittance of state hotel occupancy taxes.

Impact

The enactment of HB 2889 could have a considerable impact on hotel management practices and the hospitality industry in Texas. By explicitly defining taxable charges, the bill seeks to standardize revenue collection and potentially increase tax revenue from hotel operations. Furthermore, it introduces a provision allowing those who collect payments on behalf of hotels to request exemptions from certain taxes if their annual gross receipts fall below a defined threshold, which may benefit smaller operators in the hotel sector.

Summary

House Bill 2889 introduces significant amendments to the Texas Tax Code regarding the calculation, collection, and remittance of state hotel occupancy taxes. The bill clarifies what constitutes the price of a hotel room, ensuring that all charges related to the use or possession of a room—except for specific excluded services like food and telecommunications—are included in the taxable amount. This change aims to simplify tax collection for hotel owners and operators while providing clearer guidelines for compliance with state tax laws.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2889 appears to be generally positive among stakeholders in the hotel industry who see it as a step towards more streamlined regulations. Supporters argue that the bill would reduce ambiguity in the law, allowing for better compliance and operational efficiency. However, there are concerns among some stakeholders about the implications of the tax structure adjustments and whether it will unfairly burden smaller hotels compared to larger chains, although these views were less vocal in discussions.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the specifics of what charges are included in the taxable amount and the thresholds set for tax exemptions. While the bill aims to unify tax practices across hotels, opponents may argue that the increased clarity may not necessarily equate to fairness, as larger hotels might still benefit disproportionately from the tax structures compared to smaller establishments. This highlights ongoing debates about equity and fairness within the hospitality tax framework in Texas.