Tourist Tax in France for Renters
As a renter in France, understanding who pays and who collects the tourist tax can prevent misunderstandings with the landlord or the booking platform. The tourist tax is a local charge applied to temporarily hosted people, often visible on furnished tourist rentals. Depending on the municipality, the amount and collection method vary: the landlord, manager or platform may collect it and then remit it to the town hall. This practical guide explains, in clear language, your rights as a renter and the obligations of those who collect the tax, as well as the steps to take if you find an error or a double charge.
Who collects the tourist tax?
The tourist tax is established by the municipality and can be collected by several actors depending on local arrangements. The collector informs the renter of the amount and then remits it to the competent town hall[1].
- The landlord or owner who rents the property directly.
- The booking platform that collects the tax at payment.
- A manager or concierge service authorized to collect and remit the tax.
How is the tax remitted?
After collection, the amount must be declared and remitted to the town hall according to local periodicity. Procedures (online declaration, periodicity, rate) differ by municipality and are available on the municipality's official website or on Service-Public[2].
- Declaration according to the form or online service required by the municipality.
- Payment of the collected amount at the deadline set by the local authority.
- Keep records of collection receipts and remittance statements.
Your rights as a renter
As a renter, you have the right to clear information on the amount and calculation method of the tax applied to your stay. If you believe an amount has been charged incorrectly, request a detailed invoice from the collector to verify the base and the applied rate.
What to do in case of dispute?
If requesting clarification from the landlord or platform fails, you can refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission or, as a last resort, to the judicial court. Gather all evidence: contracts, invoices, written exchanges and proof of payment.
- First contact the landlord or the platform's customer service to request clarification.
- Keep all documents and screenshots related to the transaction.
- Refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission if amicable resolution is possible.
FAQ
- Is the tourist tax always payable by the renter?
- Yes, if the municipality has instituted it and your accommodation falls into the concerned categories, you must pay it unless a local exemption applies.
- How can I verify that the amount is correct?
- Request a detailed invoice from the collector and compare the applied rate with the information published by the town hall.
- What if the platform charged the tax twice?
- Contact the platform to request a refund, keep the evidence and, if necessary, refer the matter to the departmental conciliation commission.
How to
- Check your stay invoice and note the amount charged as tourist tax.
- Contact the landlord or platform to request an explanation and a detailed invoice.
- If the response is unsatisfactory, gather all documents (contract, messages, proof of payment).
- Refer the case to the departmental conciliation commission or, as a last resort, the judicial court.
Key takeaways
- The tourist tax is collected for the municipality and remitted by the collector.
- Always request a detailed invoice if the amount seems incorrect.
- Keep all proof: they are crucial in case of dispute.
