(A) This article may be cited as the "Fairness in Lodging Act".
(B) The General Assembly finds that:
(1) providing lodging accommodations for tourists is a major business in this State;
(2) there are instances where individuals who rent residential accommodations to tourists are failing to collect and remit the local accommodations tax imposed pursuant to Article 5 of this chapter and the state sales tax on accommodations imposed pursuant to Section 12-36-920;
(3) those who fail to collect and remit local and state taxes on providing accommodations to transients are competing unfairly against those who dutifully meet these legal obligations;
(4) by the enactment of the Fairness in Lodging Act, municipalities and counties are provided the option to exercise additional enforcement authority with respect to these taxes and to engage in active cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Revenue in data sharing, to provide comprehensive enforcement of the applicable accommodations tax laws so as to promote a more equal competitive playing field for those engaged in this State in the business of renting accommodations to tourists.
HISTORY: 2014 Act No. 261 (S.985), Section 1, eff June 9, 2014.