Airbnb Says UK Tax Probe Could Result In Litigation

by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London

28 October 2019

Airbnb has disclosed that it has been contacted by HM Revenue and Customs regarding the application of tax laws or regulations impacting the company's business, adding that some matters "may result in litigation".

In accounts published this month, for the year ended December 31, 2018, Airbnb said: "The company is also subject to tax inquiries and proceedings concerning its operations and intercompany transactions. Some of these matters may result in litigation."

Airbnb further stated: "The director does not believe that this would have a material impact on the company as any potential liability would be recovered through intercompany agreements in place."

The BBC reported Airbnb paid GBP146,059 in tax in the UK last year. According to statistics released by Airbnb, the site hosted 223,000 active peer-to-peer UK accommodation listings in the one-year period to July 2018, with hosts having transacted with some 8.4 million guests through the site.

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