MAYVILLE - The county finance department has seen an increase in those registering their cottages and cabins tied to the county's 5 percent occupancy tax.
But there's still some confusion over who must pay.
And the county is expecting more to come forward and comply.
"There has been some confusion over who is taxed," said Susan Marsh, county finance director. "I've had a lot of people calling me and my department asking if they needed to pay."
The legislature in July passed a local law amendment that gives those renting out their properties until Dec. 31 to comply with the tax law. The amnesty period only affects those who rent out their property for 29 days or less.
According to county law, the renting of a room or dwelling to the same party for less than a month is subject to the tax. Those required to collect and remit the 5 percent tax include: hotels, motels, cottages, condominiums, apartments or other properties kept for lodging throughout the county.
"We have seen about 10 people register with the county finance department," Marsh said of the county's recent push for compliance. "We would like to see more."
The local law amendment was pushed by legislator George Borrello, R-Irving. Borrello said he hoped the amnesty period would encourage more to come forward and register their properties.
"This is an amnesty program that will allow bungalow owners, people that own cottages or so forth, ... to register and begin collecting and paying occupancy tax," he said last month.
Those who comply now will not be charged back taxes, Marsh said. However, starting in January the county will crack down on non-compliance, and back taxes may be sought.
Portions of the occupancy tax, which totaled $1.2 million last year, are used to promote tourism and local waterways.