By James Bradley (Legislative News Service)March 10, 2021
HELENA — Montana has had a 4% sales tax on hotel rooms and rental cars since the late 80’s. But, the way people rent rooms and cars has changed a lot since then.
A bill moving through the 2021 Montana Legislature aims to bring that tax into the online era. Senate Bill 52, sponsored by Sen. Jason Ellsworth, R-Hamilton, would expand the tax to also include bookings from third parties, like Expedia or Priceline.
The bill’s fiscal note shows the change would add just over $3 million to a state special revenue fund over four years. According to the Montana Department of Commerce, the majority of that money goes to the Office of Tourism…