Realtors® against Home Rental Tax

The Massachusetts Association of REALTORS® recently testified on Beacon Hill against a proposed budget bill that would have created a new hotel/motel tax on short term single family home rentals.  NSAR also submitted written testimony arguing that (1) it would require registration and fees on property owners that were never intended for seasonal or second homeowners; (2) seasonal rental owners are not set up to meet the extensive accounting requirements for room occupancy taxes; and (3) this new tax would substantially discourage the purchase of second homes and short term rental properties, especially for those who need the income to support the expenses of the property.