Erie County Officially Starts New Tax

There is a brand new tax that Erie County is starting here in Western New York and people are NOT HAPPY.

But, I think people will be mad with ANY increase in any tax, of course. This tax would not be for the owners of the Air BnB. The "bed tax" would be for anyone looking to rent an Air BnB. Of course, this does have an effect on customers, which could hinder business.

• It will be a 3% tax on any Air BnB rental.
• Erie County already has a 5% tax on most hotels.
• Erie County has collected around $13 million a year from the occupancy tax as applied to hotel guests.

There are 38 total municipalities that charge a tax to renters for an Air BnB.

Erie County presented the idea last year. Where does the money go to from the "bed tax", if approved?

revenue generated from this tax would go to Visit Buffalo Niagara to bring in more tourism. It would allow the organization to increase advertising beyond its 300-mile radius.

An estimation of how much money this tax would generate was not provided", according to WKBW.