Starting April 1 2024, online marketplace operators may need to collect and remit 15% goods and services tax (GST) on all listed short-stay and visitor accommodations to the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department (IRD) regardless of your GST registration status. 

FAQs 

What do I need to do? 

As an integrated property manager, you must comply with the GST rules because you take payment directly from the traveler.  

If you operate an online marketplace that allows direct traveler bookings, you'll be considered the online marketplace operator that must comply with the GST changes instead of Vrbo/Bookabach. Therefore, you will need to account for the 15% GST in your software, and collect and remit it directly to the Inland Revenue Department (IRD). Work with your software provider to have the GST component loaded and displayed to Vrbo travelers as a tax.

The marketplace rule applies to all online marketplace operators, even if you aren’t based in New Zealand. Refer to the IRD’s guidelines (PDF) or consult your accountant or tax advisor for your GST reporting changes. 

I’m a property owner/manager with an API/software integration. What do I do if I'm an integrated property manager but not an online marketplace operator? 

If you’re (1) the actual property owner (not an intermediary platform), (2) GST registered in New Zealand, and (3) meet either of the opt out eligibility criteria, Vrbo/Bookabach will assume you qualify and agree to opt out from the GST changes if you maintain your API/Software Integration with us. 

In this case, you commit to continue to account for GST on your own properties and issue tax supplier information to travelers just as you are doing now.  

What happens if I’m unable to comply with the rules? 

If you (or the IRD) inform us that you are unable to comply with the GST rules, Vrbo/Bookabach may need to remove your listings. 

In the meantime, consider listing your properties directly on the Vrbo/Bookabach platform (not via a software integration) using Payments by Vrbo which will allow Vrbo/Bookabach to comply with the GST rules. For more information, contact us.