Community Forums

Bigd9 · 10-21-2019, 08:07 AM

We rarely stay at private campgrounds, but yesterday we decided to stop early and duct into a private campground to escape the winds that were buffeting our coach. Using Passport America we got a site for two nights for less that $25 per night. But what surprised me were the number of taxes applied to the price!
I mean what the heck is a "special district tax?"

Earl II · 10-21-2019, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigd9

We rarely stay at private campgrounds, but yesterday we decided to stop early and duct into a private campground to escape the winds that were buffeting our coach. Using Passport America we got a site for two nights for less that $25 per night. But what surprised me were the number of taxes applied to the price!
I mean what the heck is a "special district tax?"

So I am guessing that you have not stayed at a hotel or motel and looked at that bill? Try staying at a hotel in a place like San Diego and get an education on the subject. It is all legal and put on paper by the local politicians. Same thing can happen at a RV park and I have seen it too. Not a surprise.

FlyingDiver · 10-21-2019, 08:17 AM

Special taxes on lodgings (hotels and campgrounds, etc) are a favorite of politicians because it's not their constituents that are paying them. Florida doesn't have an income tax - they make it up on lodging taxes (and property taxes).

twinboat · 10-21-2019, 08:17 AM

Special district can be fire district, or something along that line, kind services.

Some districts come up with " specialised equipment " needs for commercial properties. Tower ladders for tall buildings, brush trucks for campgrounds, low clearance fire trucks for parking structures......

Everybody want a piece of the pie.

grindstone01 · 10-21-2019, 08:24 AM

I agree that local taxes are a rip off, especially for someone just passing through. I often wondered if they are even legit or did the CG just add the charge to their bottom line profit? Who would take the time to verify a local city tax charge like "special district tax"?

TXiceman · 10-21-2019, 10:25 AM

Most state and local governments are hungry for money and have been hitting RV campgrounds with an Occupancy tax just like the Motels and Hotels.

Not a fan of more taxes, but you get used to it.

Ken

Solo_RV_Guy · 10-21-2019, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bigd9

We rarely stay at private campgrounds, but yesterday we decided to stop early and duct into a private campground to escape the winds that were buffeting our coach. Using Passport America we got a site for two nights for less that $25 per night. But what surprised me were the number of taxes applied to the price!
I mean what the heck is a "special district tax?"

Special districts can be for fire protection, rural water district, or for some voodoo financing used to attract economic development for which the end users pay.

I think the insult to injury is for a local authority to charge a transient guest tax (hotels call them "bed taxes") on top of sales/use tax.

Old-Biscuit · 10-21-2019, 12:00 PM

$6.80 ---14% tax rate

Still you did 'save' $48.50 in camp site fees PLUS an additional $6.80 in Taxes on $97 site fees

bixler2 · 10-21-2019, 12:12 PM

As an employee of a local government in the planning and zoning division, some places call them impact fees and as stated are applied to various project that otherwise might not get funding. If the fees collected truly go to the collector, such as improved water lines to a campground or better sanitary sewer systems, then I would support them 100%. I have seen too many creative finding options used to divert these fees to other, unrelated projects. I all end up paying the fee and moving on because you just can't fight city hall. FYI - we do not impose any "impact fees" for our campground or any other projects.

CBDunkerson · 10-21-2019, 12:35 PM

The explosion in local ordinances is getting insane. Half the reason I am looking in to RVing for retirement is to be able to spend most of my time on federal land... where I only need to worry about one set of stupid overly bureaucratic rules... rather than adding in state, county, town, and 'special district' restrictions.

HR2004 · 10-21-2019, 01:11 PM

I guess we have lucked out.. the few places where we used passport america if I paid in cash and it was 15 bucks for the night or 20, that's all they wanted.. I assume the cash didn't go in the till.

F4Gary · 10-21-2019, 01:38 PM

Stay in a hotel or rent a car in Arlington Tx and you just helped pay for the stadiums the Rangers and the Cowboys play in. Local fees and taxes.

arcaguy · 10-21-2019, 02:31 PM

Yep, still trying to figure out why William Clay Ford need my $40 more than I did but the powers that be in the State of Michigan thought so. The Lions got a new stadium and I got $40 poorer for something I'll never set foot in or around.

momdoc · 10-21-2019, 07:51 PM

Yep local taxes of all kinds are normal these days. Think of it as the government "helping" you.

Of think of it as the BOHICA tax...bend over here it comes again.