Tax On Shore Rentals? Sweeney Says Yes, Murphy Says No

TRENTON, NJ — Vacationers who rent beach houses at the Jersey Shore could pay a tax on their stay, under a proposal by New Jersey Senate President Stephen Sweeney.

The tax is just the latest part of the latest proposal from Sweeney in the battle over how to fund Gov. Phil Murphy's $37.4 billion budget, according to NJ.com.

Sweeney, who represents Gloucester County, says the tax would mean #250 million in revenues.

Murphy rejected the proposal during a telephone town hall Wednesday night, NJ.com reported.

The tax on short-term rentals — rentals of fewer than 90 days — would be through an expansion of the sales tax, the report said, which is 6.625 percent.

Visitors to the Jersey Shore who stay in hotels and motels pay an occupancy tax of 5 percent in addition to sales tax. The proposed tax would cover rentals of vacation homes.

A bill that would have applied sales tax and the occupancy tax to "home-sharing" such as through AirBnB, HomeSwap and other internet sites was vetoed by former Gov. Chris Christie last year.

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