Court rules travel companies don’t owe Breckenridge taxes

FRISCO, Colo. – The Colorado Supreme Court has ruled that online travel companies do not have to pay accommodation and sales taxes in the ski resort town of Breckenridge.

The Summit Daily News reported Wednesday that the court’s 3-3 decision earlier this month affirms the lower court’s ruling against the city.

Breckenridge has been in litigation with 16 travel companies since 2016, claiming they owe unpaid taxes for hotel reservations.

The appeals court ruled last year that the companies don’t owe the taxes because they are not considered “renters” or “lessors” as stipulated in the city’s law.

City finance director Brian Waldes says they are disappointed by the decision, and they’re considering changing the language in the city ordinance.

Changing the tax ordinance would require voter approval through a ballot question.

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Information from: Summit Daily News, http://www.summitdaily.com/