Town of Mt. Crested Butte, CO
Frequently Asked Questions- Taxation
What is GovOS?
GovOS is the Town’s tax collection and Short-Term Rental licensing software system.
What is the Town’s Retail Sales Tax Rate?
The Town of Mt Crested Butte’s sales tax rate is 5% on all taxable sales, including lodging services. A detailed list of taxable sales can be found in the Town Code:https://ecode360.com/44308700#44308700 .
What is the Town’s Short-Term Rental Tax?
In addition to the 5% retail sales tax, there is a 4.9% excise tax on your gross short-term rents not already remitted by an intermediary. Hotels, motels, and all Short-Term Rental properties are required to pay both taxes. Gross short-term rent includes all considerations received for occupancy including all fees (other than taxes) such as booking/reservation fees; cleaning fees; pet charges; fees for extra vehicles, people or beds; etc.; and any amounts received from Lodging intermediaries.
What is the total Retail Sales Tax Amount?
Town, State, and County sales taxes are 9.9% in total.
What is the total Short-Term Rental Lodging Tax Amount?
Town, State, and County lodging taxes are 18.8% in total.
How are the State and County Taxes Remitted?
The Town of Mt Crested Butte does not collect State and County Taxes. You are responsible for setting up an account with the State of Colorado for remittance of all State and County taxes.
Do I have to do the Tax form online?
Yes, tax forms can only be completed online through your GovOS account.
I forgot my password. What do I do?
From the Log In page, click the “Forgot Password” link and enter your email address. Navigate to your email and open the email from GovOS for your forgotten password. Click the link in the email to reset your password. Choose a new password and be sure to update any autofill or password keepers you have. Then, you can sign in with your new password.
Do I have to login to GovOS to see my alerts and reminders?
No. All alerts are e-mailed to your authenticated e-mail address. When you login to the system, you will also see any open alerts that need to be addressed on your Dashboard under the Activity section.
Where are my tax forms?
Your tax forms will be available on the 1st day of the month following the last day of the tax period. For example, the Quarter 1 (January-March) tax forms will be available on your Dashboard under the Activity section on April 1st. If you do not see the forms you expected, simply contact GovOS support for assistance.
When are tax returns due to the Town?
Tax payments are due on either a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis, no later than 20th of the following month. If there was no sales or rental activity for the entire period, you are still required to submit the completed tax form.
Can I file a Zero File tax return through GovOS?
To file a zero file tax form, select your tax form from the Activity section on the Dashboard. Then, complete the required information on the remittance, including Gross Rents and any deductions. You will be prompted to confirm your desire to complete the return as a Zero File return.
How do I change my tax filing frequency?
For Retail Sales Tax accounts, please reach out to Finance@mtcb.colorado.govto request an updated filing frequency.
For Lodging Tax Returns: please reach out to Heidi Sheldon, HSheldon@mtcb.colorado.gov, to request a change in tax filing frequency. Owners and property managers who rent exclusively through Airbnb and/or VRBO (non-integrated listing) are permitted to remit lodging taxes on an annual or quarterly basis instead of monthly. Owners and property managers who advertise or rent through any other websites or use Integrated Property Management Software to manage online listings are required to remit lodging taxes monthly.
How is penalty and interest calculated on late payments?
PENALTIES: When a tax form is late, penalty due is equal to the penalty for late payment shall be fifteen dollars ($15.00) or ten (10) percent of the tax deficiency, whichever is greater.
When a tax form is late, interest due is equal to one-half (0.5) percent of the tax deficiency per month from the date when due, not exceeding eighteen (18) percent in the aggregate.
INTEREST: When a tax form is late, interest shall be calculated for per month on the deficiency.
What payment types are accepted by the Town through GovOS?
The Town accepts ACH Debit, or e-check as well as the following major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Can I schedule a payment in GovOS?
For your security, GovOS does not store any payment information in the system. You will need to enter your desired payment information each time you check out.
I need to close my account. What do I do?
Account closure requests are processed by the local jurisdiction upon request from the account holder. The GovOS support team is not authorized to directly close your account.
To close your sales tax license for all non-STR businesses, please contact finance@mtcb.colorado.gov. For closures related to STRs, please contact Heidi with the Town of Mount Crested Butte at HSheldon@mtcb.colorado.gov.
Please include the following in your email to the Town:
If you would like to follow up on your closure request for all non-STR businesses, please contact finance@mtcb.colorado.gov. If you would like to follow up on your closure request for an STR, please contact Heidi with the Town of Mount Crested Butte at HSheldon@mtcb.colorado.gov or call (970) 349-6632 ext 106.
How do I amend a return?
Tax form amendment requests are processed by the local jurisdiction upon request from the account holder. The GovOS support team is not authorized to amend returns.
Please email the Town of Mount Crested Butte at finance@mtcb.colorado.gov requesting to file an amended return.
In the email please include:
If you would like to follow up on your amendment request, please contact the Town of Mount Crested Butte at finance@mtcb.colorado.gov or call (970) 349-6632.
Frequently Asked Questions- Short-Term Rentals (STR’s)
***Please refer to the Short-Term Rentals page of the Mt. Crested Butte Town Website for more information and links to documentation needed for the STR License Application: https://mtcb.colorado.gov/short-term-rentals ***
What is a Short-Term Rental (STR)?
A Short-Term Rental, also known as a vacation rental, is the rental of a legally licensed dwelling unit for periods of less than 30 consecutive days per occurrence. A current and valid STR license issued by the Town of Mt. Crested Butte is required to advertise or short-term rent your property.
Who needs a Short-Term Rental License?
Any property owner, except for Grand Lodge condominium owners, advertising or renting a property for a period of 30 consecutive days or less is required to have a Short-Term Rental License. It is the owner(s)’ responsibility to know and comply with all ordinances, Town Code, and regulations that apply to short term rentals within the Town of Mt. Crested Butte.
Grand Lodge condominium owners are not required to obtain a STR license but are required to pay the annual $10 per person occupancy fee. Details about the requirements for a Grand Lodge Owner can be found here: https://mtcb.colorado.gov/short-term-rentals/grand-lodge-owners
What if I do not obtain a Short-Term Rental License?
Renting or advertising your home for rent on a short-term basis without a current and valid STR license is in violation of the Town of Mt. Crested Town Code, Chapter 11, Article 2. Failure to have a current and valid STR license will result in a violation fine of up to $1,000 per day of violation.
Is there a limit to the number of Short-Term Rental Licenses? Are there any zoning restrictions?
Currently, there is no limit to the number of short-term rental licenses in the Town of Mt. Crested Butte, and there are no zoning restrictions.
How do I apply for a Short-Term Rental License?
Email a copy of your Proof of Ownership to Heidi Sheldon, HSheldon@mtcb.colorado.gov. Acceptable proof of ownership documents is the Warranty Deed or the latest Property Tax Statement. You will be provided with directions on how to set up an account in GovOS and complete the online application. The Short-Term Rental Guide details the license requirements.
What is the cost of an STR License?
The licensing fee for a new STR license is $275, which is valid through the calendar year, not 12 months after date of issue. The licensing fee for the annual renewal license is $200. There is also a $10 per person Occupancy Fee, $10 per person the property is advertised to sleep.
Do I have to complete the Short-Term Rental License Application Online?
Yes, a short-term rental application can only be submitted online through your account in GovOS. Paper applications are not accepted.
Can my Property Manager complete my Short-Term Rental License Application for me?
Yes, your property manager can submit the Short-Term Rental License Application on your behalf. All documents for the application must be completed and signed by the property owner.
How long does it take for a STR License to be approved?
Once the STR license is processed, there is a 60-day window to complete the application and property inspection. On average, STR licenses are issued 1-3 weeks after processing.
What does the Property Inspection entail?
The property inspection will verify compliance with the terms in the Self-Compliance affidavit. The Property Owner or Local Representative must be present for the property inspection which typically takes about 30 minutes. The property inspection will be scheduled once the application has been processed.
How do I update my Local Representative?
Email a completed Local Representative Responsibility & Owner Authorization Form and a copy of the new Local Representative’s driver’s license to HSheldon@mtcb.colorado.gov. If the local representative does not have a local driver's license, this Affidavit of Residency (notary required) and their lease or warranty deed will be accepted to prove local residency. Town must be notified within 10 days when there is a change in Local Representation. Failure to update your Local Representative within 10 days will result in the suspension of your STR license or it could be revoked.
Does my short-term rental license apply to multiple properties?
No. You are only allowed to short-term rent one property per license in the Town of Mt. Crested Butte. Each STR property requires its own license.
Do I have to display my license?
Yes. The STR license must be posted on or near the front door of the property. The license posting requirement is so guests can easily find the property address if calling for emergency services and the contact phone number for your Local Representative. A PDF of your STR license can be found on your dashboard under the “My Licenses” section. The STR License Number must be posted on all online advertisements for the STR. Posting the STR license number on all online advertising is strictly enforced; failure to do so results in a $200 violation fine. Please refer to the STR Guide for further details about posting requirements.
How do I renew my Short-Term Rental License?
The application for the annual renewal application must be submitted 60 days prior to the expiration of the current license. Renewal applications are accepted from August 1st to November 2nd. If the renewal application is not submitted during the renewal period, a new STR License application and property inspection must be completed to continue short-term renting the following year. All STR licenses are issued for the calendar year, expiring on December 31st.
What does the Renewal Application entail?
Completion of the application page, submittal of the STR renewal guide, new self-compliance affidavit, payment of license and occupant fee. A property inspection is not required for annual renewal applications. All Short-Term Rental units are subject to spot check Periodic Life Safety Inspections that can be conducted at any point in time.
What happens if I do not renew my Short-Term Rental License?
If you do not renew your STR License and you continue advertising or renting the unit without a current STR License, you will be in violation and subject to a violation fine of up to $1,000 per day of violation.
Is the Town working with Airbnb to collect lodging taxes?
Yes, Airbnb collects and remits all taxes directly to the Town of Mt. Crested Butte.
Is the Town working with VRBO to collect lodging taxes?
VRBO collects and remits all taxes directly to the Town of Mt. Crested Butte unless the listing is managed by Integrated Property Management Software. When the VRBO listing is managed through Integrated Property Management Software, the taxes are remitted to the host. The host is responsible for remitting all Town lodging taxes monthly through GovOS. State and County taxes are to be remitted to the state.
Is the Town working with Booking.com or other travel websites to collect lodging taxes?
No. If you market through Booking.com or any other website, you are responsible for remitting all lodging taxes. Monthly tax remittance is required if advertising on Booking.com or other websites.
Does my Property Manager remit the Short-Term Rental Lodging Taxes for me?
If your property manager manages your online listing and reservations, they are responsible for remitting your lodging taxes. If you manage your online listings and reservations, you are responsible for remitting your lodging taxes.
Why do I have to do the Short-Term Rental Tax form when renting through Airbnb and/or VRBO (non-integrated listing) when they are remitting the taxes directly?
Gross sales must be reported to the Town at least once a year when renting a property exclusively through Airbnb and/or VRBO (non-integrated listing). This is so Town can audit Airbnb and VRBO for accurate tax collection. Airbnb and VRBO do not itemize the tax amount for each property.
How do I complete the Short-Term Rental Tax form when I rent through Airbnb and/or VRBO exclusively?
Enter gross sales on line 1, then deduct sales through Airbnb and/or VRBO (non-integrated listing) on line 5A. If there are no bookings outside of Airbnb and/or VRBO, the form will automatically zero out and you will submit it then complete a zero-sum check out.
Can I manage multiple properties with one login?
Yes! To add additional property accounts to your login, click "Manage Accounts" on your Dashboard. On the Manage Accounts page, click the “Add a Business” button. On the pop-up select the option to connect to an existing account. Enter the account number and activation code. After you enter the number and code click 'Look Up Account'. Choose a role for yourself (owner, employee, etc), then click 'Connect to Business'.
If you need the account number and activation code to connect to an existing account, please email blt.str.support@govos.com. In your email request, please include the following information: owner name, property address, and mailing address. Once we have located your account, we will respond to the email with the requested information.
Can a property have more than one user?
Yes, each property can have an unlimited number of users. Each user is required to provide the 6-digit Account Number and Activation code to be authorized to connect to an existing record.
How do I change or add a User on a Property?
The user being added to the account will need to register as a new user just as you did. To register, select the “Sign Up” option on the login page (https://mtcb.blt.govos.com/). Follow the directions to set up a new user profile. When prompted, use your account number and activation code to connect to the account.
For STR License Assistance, Contact
Heidi Sheldon
HSheldon@mtcb.colorado.gov
970-349-6632 ext. 106
For Tax Form Assistance, Contact
Finance Department
finance@mtcb.colorado.gov
970-349-6632 ext. 109
