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El Paso's New Short-Term Rental Tax: Insights from a Local Business Owner

KVIA••Heriberto Perez Lara
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The City of El Paso has enacted a new ordinance requiring short-term vacation rental owners to pay the hotel occupancy tax (HOT), aimed at creating a fairer tax structure and generating approximately $3.5 million annually for tourism initiatives. Local Airbnb owner Isaac Martinez initially worried about the impact but now believes the tax will primarily affect guests rather than hosts. He emphasizes that the tax will be applied directly to renters, not owners, and encourages hosts to view this as an opportunity to enhance their services. The ordinance will take effect within 90 to 180 days, with the city working on implementation details.

Key Details: • New ordinance requires short-term rental owners to pay hotel occupancy tax. • Expected to generate $3.5 million annually for tourism-related investments. • Tax will be charged directly to guests, not rental owners. • Implementation will begin between 90 and 180 days after adoption. • Hosts are encouraged to improve their offerings to attract guests.

tourism local-business tax short-term-rentals airbnb

People & Organizations

El PasoIsaac Martinez

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