Tourist tax and guest registration in Ireland A complete guide
With our tax guides, we’re here to make sense of the latest rules and regulations around tourist taxes and guest registration. This page is your go-to resource for the current situation in Ireland. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich history, and vibrant cities, Ireland draws millions of visitors each year, making it essential to stay informed about the country’s travel regulations.
Is there a tax on tourism in Ireland?
Ireland does not currently have a tourist tax, making it an exception among many European countries. While visitors are free from additional lodging taxes, it’s important to stay informed about potential future changes, as discussions around introducing a tourist tax could arise. For now, Ireland remains a tax-free destination for tourists, ensuring a simpler experience for both travelers and accommodation providers.
For hosts
Organize your administration simply
Guest registration in Ireland
Currently, there are no specific legal obligations in Ireland that require accommodation providers, such as hotels, to register the personal details of their guests. Unlike other European countries that enforce strict guest registration rules, Ireland does not have a formal system in place for recording guest information. However, individual hotels and accommodations may still request personal details for operational purposes, such as ensuring booking accuracy or complying with general business practices.
Short-Term rental registration requirements in Ireland
Following new legislation from 2022, all properties used for short-term rentals in Ireland must now be registered with Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland. This applies to properties rented for up to 21 nights and includes listings on online platforms. Accommodation providers must obtain a valid registration number to comply, or face penalties, including fines of up to €5,000. This new regulation ensures transparency and helps balance the demand for both short-term tourist accommodation and long-term housing, aligning with the Housing for All strategy.
VAT Rates for holiday accommodations in Ireland
All guest and holiday accommodations in Ireland are subject to the reduced VAT rate, no matter how long the stay. From 1 November 2020 to 31 August 2023, this rate was temporarily lowered further, applying the second reduced rate for that period. Staying on top of these VAT changes ensures you're charging the correct rate for your guests.
Constant monitoring of developments in Ireland
While there is currently no tourist tax in Ireland, we are closely following any developments that might lead to changes in the future. As similar taxes have been introduced in other European countries, we stay updated on any potential discussions or regulations that could impact both travelers and accommodation providers.
Frequently asked questions from hosts
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Do I need to register my short-term rental property with Fáilte Ireland?
Yes, as of 2022, all properties used for short-term rentals must be registered with Fáilte Ireland, whether rented independently or via online platforms. Properties rented for up to 21 nights require a valid registration number to avoid penalties.
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What are the consequences if I don’t register my property for short-term rentals?
Hosts who do not register their properties face penalties, including fines of up to €5,000. This regulation ensures transparency in the short-term rental market and helps balance the demand for tourist accommodations with Ireland’s Housing for All strategy.
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Is there a tourist tax in Ireland that I need to collect from my guests?
No, Ireland does not currently impose a tourist tax, which means there is no need for hosts to collect additional lodging taxes from guests. However, we keep track of any developments, so you’re always informed about any potential changes.
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Are there VAT obligations for short-term rental stays?
Yes, holiday accommodations are subject to a reduced VAT rate. While this rate was temporarily further reduced until 31 August 2023, it’s essential to stay updated on VAT changes to ensure compliance with the current rate.
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Does Ireland require me to collect guest details for registration?
Unlike some European countries, Ireland does not mandate guest registration for hosts. However, some hosts may choose to collect guest information for operational accuracy, and Trippz can help streamline this if desired.
How Trippz helps hosts
Organize your administration simply
Classifying your accommodation, keeping a guest registry, collecting and remitting the correct amount of tourist tax; besides taking good care of your guests' travel, there is a lot of administrative work involved in renting out your accommodation. Work that you may not have even thought of initially when you started, and that you probably want to spend as little time on as possible. Therefore, you want to organize your administration as simply as possible.
And fortunately you can, with Trippz!
All in one overview
Trippz is here to make your life as easy as possible, while complying with all regulations. Through our (web)app you automate your guest registration, and you can even prepare your administration for the tourist tax. You don't have to worry about collecting the tourist tax either. Because we keep track of all local regulations, we know exactly what rate your guests have to pay. On arrival day, your guests will automatically receive a message from us to pay their tourist tax. At the end of their stay, the money will be automatically deposited into your account. All you have to do is periodically transfer the total amount to the municipality. Simple!
Automatically sync all Airbnb bookings
You can now synchronise all your Airbnb bookings with Trippz on your account. This means you have to do even less yourself. Ideal for hosts who rent out a lot via Airbnb. Do you rent through another platform? We expect to complete more integrations in the near future. Get in touch to find out if your platform will soon be added to Trippz
Frequently asked questions about Trippz
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Is it difficult to start using Trippz?
Not at all! Trippz is designed to be user-friendly. It is developed as a web application, so you do not need to download an app. You can start right away!
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What does the use of Trippz cost?
At the moment, it is free of charge!
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Can I import all my bookings from Airbnb?
Yes, you can! We have worked on an integration with airbnb, through which you can automatically import all your bookings. Thereby, the messages about guest registration will also be send automatically through our platform.
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Can I import all my bookings from my own booking system?
After the integration with Airbnb, we are now working on all other sorts of integrations. Integrating your own platform is not yet available, but will be in the future!
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What if a guest doesn’t want to register digitally?
This is an unfortunate situation, that does happen from time to time. If a guest does not want to enter digitally, you can manually enter their details into Trippz afterwards.
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What if my municipality changes the tourist tax rates?
At Trippz, we actively follow all tax rates in areas that we cover. When a new tax rate is implemented, we will update the rates accordingly. Still missing something? Please reach out to us!
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What happens if my municipality collaborates with another one?
No problem. As said, we actively follow all municipalities and their rules. We will automatically update this for you. If you want to be sure, you can always message us in advance, so we are even more on top of things!
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How does it work if another organization manages the tax in my municipality?
With Trippz, you can export all the information you need. You can easily copy the needed information towards the file the tax organization requires from you.
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