Homepage Fill a Valid Georgia Hotel Tax Template

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: Failing to provide all required details, such as the name of the official or employee, title, and agency, can lead to delays or rejection of the exemption request.

  2. Missing Signature: Not signing the form can invalidate the exemption. Ensure that the official or employee signs and dates the form before submission.

  3. Incorrect Dates: Entering the wrong dates of lodging can cause issues. Double-check the dates to ensure they match the travel dates for official business.

  4. Failure to Attach Documentation: Not including a copy of the exemption form with hotel tax records may result in non-compliance. Always maintain proper documentation.

  5. Using Incorrect Payment Methods: Ensure that the payment method used is acceptable. Only State of Georgia issued credit cards or direct billing to the government agency are valid for exemption.

  6. Ignoring Additional Exemptions: Government officials may also be exempt from Georgia State Sales Tax. Not submitting the “Department of Revenue Sales Tax Certificate of Exemption Form (ST-5)” could lead to unnecessary charges.

  7. Not Contacting the Accounting Office: If there are questions or uncertainties, failing to reach out to the traveler’s accounting or fiscal office can lead to mistakes. Always seek clarification if needed.

Essential Points on This Form

What is the Georgia Hotel Tax form?

The Georgia Hotel Tax form, officially known as the Certificate of Exemption of Local Hotel/Motel Excise Tax, allows government officials or employees to avoid paying local hotel or motel taxes while traveling for official business. This exemption is based on legislation that was enacted in 1987, which ensures that individuals traveling on behalf of a government agency are not burdened by these additional costs.

Who is eligible for the exemption?

Eligibility for the exemption includes government officials and employees who are traveling on official business. To qualify, the individual must be able to verify their identity and the nature of their travel. This includes providing the necessary documentation that confirms their status as a government representative.

How do I apply for the exemption?

To apply for the exemption, the government official or employee must complete the Certificate of Exemption form. This form requires basic information such as the name, title, and agency represented. Additionally, the individual must sign the form to certify that their lodging was necessary for their official duties. It is essential to present this form to the hotel at the time of check-in.

What payment methods are accepted when using the exemption?

All payment methods are accepted for the lodging expenses under the exemption. This includes personal credit cards, government-issued credit cards, and payments made directly to the hotel by the governmental organization. It is important to ensure that a copy of the exemption form is maintained with the hotel tax records for documentation purposes.

Do government officials also qualify for a sales tax exemption?

Yes, government officials and employees are also exempt from Georgia State Sales Tax. To benefit from this exemption, individuals must submit the “Department of Revenue Sales Tax Certificate of Exemption Form (ST-5)” to the hotel operators. Similar to the hotel tax exemption, this sales tax exemption applies when payments are made using a State of Georgia issued credit card or through direct billing to the government agency.

What should I do if I have questions about the exemption?

If you have any questions regarding the exemption process or the form itself, it is best to contact the accounting or fiscal office associated with the traveler. They will provide guidance and clarify any uncertainties you may have about the exemption requirements or procedures.

Georgia Hotel Tax Sample

STATE OF GEORGIA

CERTIFICATE OF EXEMPTION OF LOCAL HOTEL/MOTEL EXCISE TAX

ATTENTION: GEORGIA HOTEL AND MOTEL OPERATORS

Effective April 2, 1987, Act Number 621 amending Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 48-13-51 provides that Georgia state or local government officials or employees traveling on official business should not be charged county or municipal excise tax on lodging, often referred to as local hotel/motel tax.

Upon verification of the identity of the government official or employee identified below, Georgia hotel and motel operators are required to exempt the individual from any applicable tax(es), as outlined below.

Tax

Acceptable Payment Methods

Required Form(s) – Provided by the

 

 

Traveler

 

 

 

Occupancy Tax (local, county, or

ALL payment methods accepted

State of GA Certificate of Exemption

municipal lodging, or excise tax)

(Personal or Government payment)

of Local Hotel/Motel Excise Tax

 

 

 

A copy of this exemption form must be maintained with hotel tax records to document the individual’s status as a government official or employee traveling on official business. If you have any questions, please contact the traveler’s accounting or fiscal office contact, identified below.

CERTIFICATION:

This is to certify that the lodging obtained on the date(s) identified below was required in the discharge of my official duties for the named agency, and qualifies for exemption of the local hotel/motel excise tax under Official Code of Georgia Annotated Chapter 48-13 (as amended by Act 621, Georgia Laws 1987).

Signature of Official or Employee____________________________________ Date ________________

Please complete below:

Name of Official or Employee ______________________________________________________________________

Title of Official or Employee _______________________________________________________________________

Government Agency Represented __________________________________________________________________

Accounting/Fiscal Office Contact Name ____________________________________ Phone No._________________

Date(s) of Lodging _______________________________________________________________________________

NOTE: Government officials or employees are also exempt from Georgia State Sales Tax when individuals submit the “Department of Revenue Sales Tax Certificate of Exemption Form (ST-5)” to hotel operators. The payment methods that are applicable to the exemption of this sales tax are either a State of Georgia issued credit card or payments made by directly billing the governmental organization.

Key takeaways

Here are key takeaways regarding the Georgia Hotel Tax form:

  • Purpose of the Form: The Georgia Hotel Tax form certifies that government officials or employees traveling on official business are exempt from local hotel/motel excise tax.
  • Effective Date: The exemption has been in effect since April 2, 1987, as per Act Number 621.
  • Verification Requirement: Hotel and motel operators must verify the identity of the government official or employee before applying the tax exemption.
  • Documentation: A copy of the exemption form must be kept with hotel tax records to confirm the individual’s status as a government employee.
  • Payment Methods: All payment methods are accepted for the occupancy tax, including personal or government payments.
  • Additional Exemption: Government officials or employees are also exempt from Georgia State Sales Tax when using the appropriate exemption form (ST-5).
  • Required Information: The form requires details such as the name, title, agency represented, and dates of lodging.
  • Contact for Questions: For any inquiries, individuals should reach out to the traveler’s accounting or fiscal office contact listed on the form.

Document Characteristics

Fact Name Description
Governing Law The Georgia Hotel Tax form is governed by Official Code of Georgia Annotated Section 48-13-51, amended by Act Number 621 in 1987.
Purpose This form certifies that government officials or employees are exempt from local hotel/motel excise tax while traveling on official business.
Effective Date The exemption for local hotel/motel excise tax became effective on April 2, 1987.
Payment Methods All payment methods are accepted, whether personal or government-issued, for the occupancy tax exemption.
Required Documentation A copy of the Certificate of Exemption must be maintained with hotel tax records to validate the individual's exempt status.
Sales Tax Exemption Government officials or employees are also exempt from Georgia State Sales Tax when using the ST-5 exemption form.
Certification Requirement The form must be signed by the official or employee certifying that the lodging was necessary for official duties.
Contact Information Travelers must provide an accounting or fiscal office contact name and phone number on the form.
Additional Notes Payment can be made via a State of Georgia issued credit card or by billing the governmental organization directly.