Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)

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Consultation has concluded. Thank you for your contributions.

image of hand opening a hotel door

Background

On Thursday November 23, 2017, the Province of Ontario issued the Transient Accommodation Regulation 435/17, which came into force December 1, 2017 and provides the necessary provisions for municipalities across Ontario to implement a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)

Huntsville By-Law 2019-123, approved the implementation of a four percent (4%) mandatory MAT applicable on all accommodations under 30 days.

The MAT applies to all accommodation sold for a continuous period of less than 30 days in a hotel, motel, lodge, inn, short term rental (STR), and bed and breakfast.

Use of Revenue Generated Through the Program

The tax will generate funding to promote and develop tourism within Huntsville. A portion (70%) of the net revenues (excluding tax generated through (STR) will be directed towards the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association who's sole focus will be the enhancement and promotion of tourism in Huntsville. This organization will direct funds towards tourism promotion and development with a focus on attracting more visitors to the Town through sports and cultural events, new product developments, and enhanced attractions and outdoor activities.

The remaining 30% of these net revenues as well as 100% of the net revenues generated through the STR program will be retained by the Town of Huntsville. The funds will be earmarked for projects and initiatives that promote and support tourism and economic development efforts that benefit residents and visitors.

About the Legislation

The Municipal Accommodation Tax is a new revenue tool that the provincial government has given Ontario municipalities to further promote tourism as an economic driver.

On May 17, 2017, the Province enacted Bill 127, Stronger, Healthier Ontario Act, 2017, providing municipalities the authority to levy a transient accommodation tax (hotel tax). The Transient Accommodation Regulation 435/17 came into force on December 1, 2017, outlining provisions for municipalities across Ontario to implement a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).

The Regulation applies if a municipality imposes a tax in respect of the purchase of transient accommodation in the municipality under section Municipal Act 400.1 of the Act.


Background

On Thursday November 23, 2017, the Province of Ontario issued the Transient Accommodation Regulation 435/17, which came into force December 1, 2017 and provides the necessary provisions for municipalities across Ontario to implement a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT)

Huntsville By-Law 2019-123, approved the implementation of a four percent (4%) mandatory MAT applicable on all accommodations under 30 days.

The MAT applies to all accommodation sold for a continuous period of less than 30 days in a hotel, motel, lodge, inn, short term rental (STR), and bed and breakfast.

Use of Revenue Generated Through the Program

The tax will generate funding to promote and develop tourism within Huntsville. A portion (70%) of the net revenues (excluding tax generated through (STR) will be directed towards the Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association who's sole focus will be the enhancement and promotion of tourism in Huntsville. This organization will direct funds towards tourism promotion and development with a focus on attracting more visitors to the Town through sports and cultural events, new product developments, and enhanced attractions and outdoor activities.

The remaining 30% of these net revenues as well as 100% of the net revenues generated through the STR program will be retained by the Town of Huntsville. The funds will be earmarked for projects and initiatives that promote and support tourism and economic development efforts that benefit residents and visitors.

About the Legislation

The Municipal Accommodation Tax is a new revenue tool that the provincial government has given Ontario municipalities to further promote tourism as an economic driver.

On May 17, 2017, the Province enacted Bill 127, Stronger, Healthier Ontario Act, 2017, providing municipalities the authority to levy a transient accommodation tax (hotel tax). The Transient Accommodation Regulation 435/17 came into force on December 1, 2017, outlining provisions for municipalities across Ontario to implement a Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT).

The Regulation applies if a municipality imposes a tax in respect of the purchase of transient accommodation in the municipality under section Municipal Act 400.1 of the Act.


Consultation has concluded. Thank you for your contributions.

  • Share Do you have to pay the MAT tax? Can you refuse to pay it. on Facebook Share Do you have to pay the MAT tax? Can you refuse to pay it. on Twitter Share Do you have to pay the MAT tax? Can you refuse to pay it. on Linkedin Email Do you have to pay the MAT tax? Can you refuse to pay it. link

    Do you have to pay the MAT tax? Can you refuse to pay it.

    Lin asked about 3 years ago

    The MAT is imposed under the authority of the Municipal Act; as such, it is required to be reported and collected. If it is not remitted, the owner would be subject to interest charges and additional collection fees.

  • Share Are hotels still charging a DMF or is it only the MAT? on Facebook Share Are hotels still charging a DMF or is it only the MAT? on Twitter Share Are hotels still charging a DMF or is it only the MAT? on Linkedin Email Are hotels still charging a DMF or is it only the MAT? link

    Are hotels still charging a DMF or is it only the MAT?

    Sherri asked over 3 years ago

    All hotels and motels are legally required to charge the Municipal Accommodation Tax. If a property wishes to charge additional fees they can but it is not remitted to the Municipality and can not be applied to the calculation for the Municipal Accommodation Tax.

  • Share Will the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association be contacting the licensed short term rental accommodations to arrange payment of the MAT collected in 2020? Or do the hosts have to contact them? Or is the MAT not being collected in 2020 due to Covid-19? on Facebook Share Will the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association be contacting the licensed short term rental accommodations to arrange payment of the MAT collected in 2020? Or do the hosts have to contact them? Or is the MAT not being collected in 2020 due to Covid-19? on Twitter Share Will the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association be contacting the licensed short term rental accommodations to arrange payment of the MAT collected in 2020? Or do the hosts have to contact them? Or is the MAT not being collected in 2020 due to Covid-19? on Linkedin Email Will the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association be contacting the licensed short term rental accommodations to arrange payment of the MAT collected in 2020? Or do the hosts have to contact them? Or is the MAT not being collected in 2020 due to Covid-19? link

    Will the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association be contacting the licensed short term rental accommodations to arrange payment of the MAT collected in 2020? Or do the hosts have to contact them? Or is the MAT not being collected in 2020 due to Covid-19?

    Heather asked over 3 years ago

    The Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association has been contacting licensed short term rental accommodations to arrange payment. That will include 2021 if you charged the tax.

  • Share Is the MAT amount charged on the total before or after HST? on Facebook Share Is the MAT amount charged on the total before or after HST? on Twitter Share Is the MAT amount charged on the total before or after HST? on Linkedin Email Is the MAT amount charged on the total before or after HST? link

    Is the MAT amount charged on the total before or after HST?

    Vanessa asked almost 4 years ago

    Thank you for your question, the Tax is charged prior to HST.

  • Share You were very kind to respond so quickly and substantively to my question. My original query was based on a review of other city MAT policies and I saw that Niagara Falls was using a $2.00 per room charge rather than a 4 or other % levy. I couldn’t see anywhere in the MAT Regulations where there was a choice or flexibility in approach. Perhaps I should contact NF staff directly. Thanks again for getting back to me on the earlier request. on Facebook Share You were very kind to respond so quickly and substantively to my question. My original query was based on a review of other city MAT policies and I saw that Niagara Falls was using a $2.00 per room charge rather than a 4 or other % levy. I couldn’t see anywhere in the MAT Regulations where there was a choice or flexibility in approach. Perhaps I should contact NF staff directly. Thanks again for getting back to me on the earlier request. on Twitter Share You were very kind to respond so quickly and substantively to my question. My original query was based on a review of other city MAT policies and I saw that Niagara Falls was using a $2.00 per room charge rather than a 4 or other % levy. I couldn’t see anywhere in the MAT Regulations where there was a choice or flexibility in approach. Perhaps I should contact NF staff directly. Thanks again for getting back to me on the earlier request. on Linkedin Email You were very kind to respond so quickly and substantively to my question. My original query was based on a review of other city MAT policies and I saw that Niagara Falls was using a $2.00 per room charge rather than a 4 or other % levy. I couldn’t see anywhere in the MAT Regulations where there was a choice or flexibility in approach. Perhaps I should contact NF staff directly. Thanks again for getting back to me on the earlier request. link

    You were very kind to respond so quickly and substantively to my question. My original query was based on a review of other city MAT policies and I saw that Niagara Falls was using a $2.00 per room charge rather than a 4 or other % levy. I couldn’t see anywhere in the MAT Regulations where there was a choice or flexibility in approach. Perhaps I should contact NF staff directly. Thanks again for getting back to me on the earlier request.

    Michael asked over 4 years ago

    Thanks, at this time changing the rate from 4% to something else most likely would not be considered until the end of the pilot project which is a little over 2 years away.

  • Share Where did the figure of 4% come from? Is there flexibility in setting the tax, e.g. by applying a lower rate <4% or by applying a fixed dollar amount per room? Thank you. Michael Welsh on Facebook Share Where did the figure of 4% come from? Is there flexibility in setting the tax, e.g. by applying a lower rate <4% or by applying a fixed dollar amount per room? Thank you. Michael Welsh on Twitter Share Where did the figure of 4% come from? Is there flexibility in setting the tax, e.g. by applying a lower rate <4% or by applying a fixed dollar amount per room? Thank you. Michael Welsh on Linkedin Email Where did the figure of 4% come from? Is there flexibility in setting the tax, e.g. by applying a lower rate <4% or by applying a fixed dollar amount per room? Thank you. Michael Welsh link

    Where did the figure of 4% come from? Is there flexibility in setting the tax, e.g. by applying a lower rate <4% or by applying a fixed dollar amount per room? Thank you. Michael Welsh

    Michael asked over 4 years ago

    When the program was being developed the Town consulted with local hoteliers on what the % rate should. Based on their input and on what other Municipalities were setting their rate at we both agreed with 4%. The legislation set by the Province of Ontario around the establishment of a Municipal Accommodation Tax in a community requires the Municipality to establish a tax rate (%), we cannot set a fixed dollar amount/room.

    Thank you for your inquiry

  • Share Who authorized Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association to collect the new tax? Why Town of Huntsville elected this corporation to collect the tax instead of doing this itself? Was there a public tender for this contract to collect taxes? on Facebook Share Who authorized Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association to collect the new tax? Why Town of Huntsville elected this corporation to collect the tax instead of doing this itself? Was there a public tender for this contract to collect taxes? on Twitter Share Who authorized Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association to collect the new tax? Why Town of Huntsville elected this corporation to collect the tax instead of doing this itself? Was there a public tender for this contract to collect taxes? on Linkedin Email Who authorized Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association to collect the new tax? Why Town of Huntsville elected this corporation to collect the tax instead of doing this itself? Was there a public tender for this contract to collect taxes? link

    Who authorized Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association to collect the new tax? Why Town of Huntsville elected this corporation to collect the tax instead of doing this itself? Was there a public tender for this contract to collect taxes?

    Serguei Kornienko asked about 5 years ago

    Thank you for your question, Huntsville Municipal Accommodation Tax Association does not collect the new tax, 70% of the money the Town receives through the program is allocated to the Association. 

    As per Provincial Regulation the Town has to give at least 50% of all revenue received to a Tourism Marketing Association. Allocating them 70% of the revenue was authorized by Huntsville Town Council. A tender was not completed, staff, Council and stakeholders felt the creation of a non-share capital corporation with representation from multiple community stakeholders on the board would be the most effective way to guide how that portion of the revenue was spent.

    The collection of the actual tax is conducted by the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association on behalf of the Town of Huntsville and was authorized by the Huntsville Town Council. There was a public tender issued to do this and they were the only respondents.

  • Share Is this 'tax' different than a Destination Marketing Program (DMP) or fee (DMF) that hotels can also implement? Are hotels permitted to charge both a DMF (up to 3%) as well as the MAT (4%)? on Facebook Share Is this 'tax' different than a Destination Marketing Program (DMP) or fee (DMF) that hotels can also implement? Are hotels permitted to charge both a DMF (up to 3%) as well as the MAT (4%)? on Twitter Share Is this 'tax' different than a Destination Marketing Program (DMP) or fee (DMF) that hotels can also implement? Are hotels permitted to charge both a DMF (up to 3%) as well as the MAT (4%)? on Linkedin Email Is this 'tax' different than a Destination Marketing Program (DMP) or fee (DMF) that hotels can also implement? Are hotels permitted to charge both a DMF (up to 3%) as well as the MAT (4%)? link

    Is this 'tax' different than a Destination Marketing Program (DMP) or fee (DMF) that hotels can also implement? Are hotels permitted to charge both a DMF (up to 3%) as well as the MAT (4%)?

    KLDR asked about 5 years ago

    The Destination Marketing Program was a voluntary fee that Hotels could choose to charge their guests, the Municipal Accommodation Tax program requires by a Municipal By-Law that all hotels charge a 4% fee and remit that back to the Municipality. If a Hotel were to charge an additional fee outside of this, it would be at their own discretion but could not be identified on the receipt as a Municipal Accommodation Tax.

  • Share Is increased taxation an economically sound vehicle to grow tourism? It would appear to be taking money from local people, who a) are allowing more people (particularly those who might not be as affluent) to visit Muskoka, b) would in turn certainly spend it on the local economy, in return for government projects with unknown tourism outcomes. Ultimately is this simply an excuse to get more spending money? on Facebook Share Is increased taxation an economically sound vehicle to grow tourism? It would appear to be taking money from local people, who a) are allowing more people (particularly those who might not be as affluent) to visit Muskoka, b) would in turn certainly spend it on the local economy, in return for government projects with unknown tourism outcomes. Ultimately is this simply an excuse to get more spending money? on Twitter Share Is increased taxation an economically sound vehicle to grow tourism? It would appear to be taking money from local people, who a) are allowing more people (particularly those who might not be as affluent) to visit Muskoka, b) would in turn certainly spend it on the local economy, in return for government projects with unknown tourism outcomes. Ultimately is this simply an excuse to get more spending money? on Linkedin Email Is increased taxation an economically sound vehicle to grow tourism? It would appear to be taking money from local people, who a) are allowing more people (particularly those who might not be as affluent) to visit Muskoka, b) would in turn certainly spend it on the local economy, in return for government projects with unknown tourism outcomes. Ultimately is this simply an excuse to get more spending money? link

    Is increased taxation an economically sound vehicle to grow tourism? It would appear to be taking money from local people, who a) are allowing more people (particularly those who might not be as affluent) to visit Muskoka, b) would in turn certainly spend it on the local economy, in return for government projects with unknown tourism outcomes. Ultimately is this simply an excuse to get more spending money?

    Sean Boolsen asked about 5 years ago

    Thank you for you inquiry, I believe you are referencing the recent report regarding the licensing program related to Private Short Term Accommodation Rentals in Huntsville as well as there inclusion in the Municipal Accommodation Tax program? Could you please confirm and I will be able to address you question appropriately.

    Thank you 

  • Share Why would it be that not one dime of this tax goes to anything other than tourism? It is almost unheard of that a government tax does not go to general revenues for obvious reasons as it allows these tax administrators (ie. the tourism operators) to cherry pick where their tax dollars go on Facebook Share Why would it be that not one dime of this tax goes to anything other than tourism? It is almost unheard of that a government tax does not go to general revenues for obvious reasons as it allows these tax administrators (ie. the tourism operators) to cherry pick where their tax dollars go on Twitter Share Why would it be that not one dime of this tax goes to anything other than tourism? It is almost unheard of that a government tax does not go to general revenues for obvious reasons as it allows these tax administrators (ie. the tourism operators) to cherry pick where their tax dollars go on Linkedin Email Why would it be that not one dime of this tax goes to anything other than tourism? It is almost unheard of that a government tax does not go to general revenues for obvious reasons as it allows these tax administrators (ie. the tourism operators) to cherry pick where their tax dollars go link

    Why would it be that not one dime of this tax goes to anything other than tourism? It is almost unheard of that a government tax does not go to general revenues for obvious reasons as it allows these tax administrators (ie. the tourism operators) to cherry pick where their tax dollars go

    WHILLAP asked about 5 years ago

    Thank you for your inquiry, in the documents section of this page, there is a report titled Municipal Accommodation Tax - Financial Policy, which outlines how the Town plans to spend their portion of the revenue, it is not solely focused on Tourism. 

    When developing this program with our stakeholders we did feel it was important that the money collected through Tourism receipts should be redirected towards increasing and developing Tourism, marketing, programming and infrastructure in the community which will also benefit residents. 

    Thanks