According to a recent article in Crain’s New York Business, a bill to raise the hotel tax by nearly 1 percent was introduced yesterday in the New York City Council. According to the report, the legislation, which would increase the tax on room charges to 5.875 percent from 5 percent, could pass the council as soon as December 18 and take effect March 1.
The Hotel Association of New York City says the increase, as well as the 14.5 percent in other taxes paid on a $300-a-night room, would discourage tourism and kill thousands of jobs. The bill will be considered by the council Finance Committee and could be voted on by the full council at its next scheduled meeting.