Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Check those motel taxes

What impact do motel taxes have on travelers?

Recently I was checking motel prices in Kentucky and Tennessee and was shocked at the difference in taxes. Based on the difference, I decided to stay in Kentucky AND to inform the motel chain of the reason for my choice.

In Tennessee the taxes on a night's stay are 17.25%.
In Kentucky the taxes on a night's stay are 10.24%.

Why would taxes in Tennessee be 70% higher? Only because the various taxing bodies are getting away with soaking the traveling public.

From time to time local attention right here in Woodstock and in McHenry County is given to raising the hotel/motel tax. Motel owners and operators, travelers AND residents should complain and stop every effort to raise taxes.

How much does Woodstock collect because of hotel/motel taxes? And what does the City really do with the money to promote tourism? Does the City spend the money advertising and promoting all of Woodstock?

Last time I read how the money was used, it was doled out to a few local organizations to boost their operating revenues. After a portion gets spent for general operating expenses, how much of the tax money really goes for promoting tourism in Woodstock?

No comments: