Eurobodalla holiday homes being used for Airbnbs are in the sights of the Australian Tax Office.
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In the lead up to the June long weekend, the ATO warns officers are keeping a close eye on owners of holiday rental properties in popular destinations, such as on the Far South Coast.
Airbnb began in California and describes itself as “a community marketplace for people to list, discover, and book accommodation”.
Property owners have registered in more than 65,000 cities and 191 countries.
“Airbnb is the easiest way for people to monetise their extra space and showcase it to an audience of millions,” the company says.
However, the tax office warns breaking the rules could be costly.
Aside from some homeowners not declaring income at all, tax officers said there was also a trend for owners to claim too many deductions.
ATO assistant commissioner Kath Anderson urged all Australian home owners to ensure they kep accurate records of expenses and strong evidence to show the property was genuinely available for rent at normal rates.
“One taxpayer had to pay the ATO back over $45,000 in tax from deduction claims made for a holiday home they were renting out to friends and family below the market rate,” Ms Anderson said.
“Technology enhancements and extensive use of data is allowing us to identify incorrect or suspicious claims.
“We also have a good idea of the locations likely to be used for holiday homes.”
The population of the Eurobodalla traditionally swells on the June long weekend, as holidaymakers from Canberra and other areas travel to the area for a winter break.
An increasing number of those visitors are opting for Airbnb accommodation, rather than staying in traditional tourist venues, such as hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts and youth hostels.
Airbnb was founded in 2008 and is based in California. Homeowners rent out rooms in their permanent residence or list vacant investment properties or holiday homes. The shire has a high proportion of properties owned by non-resident ratepayers.