What is a Short-Term Rental?
A short-term rental is defined as any occupancy that is rented for less than 90 days to the same person but does not include a property rented for less than 15 days during the calendar year which has not been listed with a rental agency. The Village of Bald Head Island collects occupancy taxes on the cost of short-term rentals such as hotels, bed and breakfast inns, and vacation homes.
What is the Bald Head Island Occupancy Tax?
The Occupancy Tax rate of collection is 6% of the gross rental fee collected and is inclusive of additional fees charged to the rental guest. Hotels, motels, and all Short-Term Rental properties are required to pay this occupancy tax. Per NCGS 160A-215, Gross short-term rent includes all consideration received for occupancy including all non-optional fees (other than taxes) such as booking/reservation fees; cleaning fees; pet charges; fees for extra vehicles, people or beds; etc.; and any amounts received from Lodging intermediaries. For more information on additional fees subject to occupancy taxes, please visit the Village’s website at www.villagebhi.org.
Do I have to remit Occupancy Taxes?
Ultimately, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to make sure all occupancy taxes collected on each rental are properly remitted to the Village. If the property is owned or rented by a business, such as a bed and breakfast, or if a homeowner advertises and rents directly to individuals, the transaction is referred to as a retail transaction, and the retailer must collect and remit occupancy taxes to the Village. If the property owner contracts with a facilitator, such as Airbnb, HomeAway (VRBO), or Trip Advisor, the facilitator will collect and remit occupancy taxes on the property owner’s behalf. If the property owner contracts with a rental agent, that rental agent is responsible for collecting and remitting all occupancy taxes to the Village. It is still the property owner’s responsibility to file a monthly tax report with the Village and provide proof that the facilitator has made payment.
When is the Occupancy Tax due?
Tax payments are due monthly no later than the 20th day of the month following the end of the prior month. If there was no rental activity for the entire month, you are still required to submit the completed Occupancy Tax Monthly Remittance form. Keep in mind that regardless of how the taxes are remitted, it is the homeowner or their agent’s responsibility to file a tax report with the Village on a monthly basis.
How is penalty and interest calculated on late payments?
PENALTIES: The penalties for failure to remit the monthly occupancy tax forms include a 5 percent-per-month penalty, up to a maximum of 25 percent, and a one-time 10 percent penalty for failure to pay the tax along with the monthly return. Both penalties are based on the amount of tax owed. (G.S. 105-236)
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes. We accept all major credit cards. There is a convenience fee of 2.95%on all credit card-based transactions.
Yes. You can select your e-check during checkout. In doing so, you authorize you bank to send the payment electronically to the Village of Bald Head Island. There is no fee associated with e-check payments.
I need to close my account. What do I do?
Please email the Village of Bald Head Island at taxes@villagebhi.org. Please include the closure date and the reason you are closing the account.
Please email the Village of Bald Head Island at taxes@villagebhi.org letting us know you need to file an amended return. In the email please include:
1) Your six digit registration/account number, and owner name
2) Period you need to amend (i.e. February 2022 form due March 20th)
3) If you overpaid or underpaid your original form
4) Brief explanation as to why the form needs to be amended.
Once we receive this email we will review your account and send you further instructions.
What types of assistance can GovOS provide to me?
GovOS can assist you with all your system and account questions. Whether you have a question about your account or technical questions about how to do something in GovOS, please reach out to our support team. We can always reach out to the Village on your behalf if we need their assistance with one of your questions. You can reach GovOS at blt.str.support@govos.com and by phone at (888) 751-1911.
Where are my tax forms? My Action Center is empty.
Your tax forms will be available on the 1st day of the month following the last day of the tax period. For example, the month January tax forms will be available in your Action Center on February 1st. If you do not see the forms you expected, simply contact GovOS support for assistance.
Can I manage multiple properties with one login?
Yes - to do so, click Add accounts from your user login under Manage Your Account(s). You will need your 6 digit Account Number and the GovOS Activation Code to connect to an existing property record.
Can a property have more than one user?
Yes, each property can have an unlimited number of users. Each user is required to provide the 6 digit Account Number and the Activation Code to be authorized to connect to an existing property record.
I did not receive, or I misplaced the letter with my activation code. What do I do?
Contact GovOS at blt.str.support@govos.com or by phone at (888) 751-1911 for assistance. You will need to confirm account details to be verified for the account. To protect the security on property accounts, you will need written (e-mail) permission from a registered owner or officer of the property for us to provide you with a new activation code.
Can I file a Zero File tax return through GovOS?
To file a zero file tax form, select your tax form from your Action Center. Then, complete the required information on the remittance, including Gross Rents and any deductions. You will be prompted to confirm your desire to complete the return as a Zero File return.
What payment types are accepted by the City through GovOS?
The Village accepts ACH Debit, or e-check as well as the following major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, Discover and Amex.
Can I schedule a payment in GovOS?
For your security, GovOS does not store any payment information in the system. You will need to enter your desired payment information each time you check out.
How do I change the User on a Property?
All users need to register, just as you did, by going to the home page for that jurisdiction https://villagebhi.munirevs.com. They will click on the "Go" button under "New Users". They will also need the 6 digit account number and Activation Code for the property.
I forgot my password. What do I do?
From the Log In page, click the “Forgot your password” link and follow the instructions that will be e-mailed to the User’s registered e-mail address.
Do I have to login to GovOS to see my alerts and reminders?
No. All alerts are e-mailed to your authenticated e-mail address. When you login to the system, you will also see any open alerts that need to be addressed in your Action Center.
For Assistance, Contact GovOS Support
When contacting support, be sure to include the jurisdiction (Village of Bald Head Island) and your account number in all emails or voicemails. This will help us assist you as promptly as possible. Thanks!
