Tourist Tax: How It Works

Taxe de séjour : Mode d'emploi

What is the purpose of the tourist tax ?

To enhance the quality of hospitality, offer new services, and make visitors' stays even more enjoyable, we rely on a valuable resource: the tourist tax.
This tax is collected by your host on behalf of the Communauté de Communes du Thouarsais.

IMPORTANT: You do not pay this tax yourself.
It is paid by your guests, in return for the services and facilities provided across the territory.

The revenue is fully reinvested in tourism-related improvements, including reception, infrastructure, and public amenities throughout the Thouarsais area.

 

Who collects the tourist tax ?

The tourist tax applies to all types of paid accommodation, whether managed professionally or privately—even if it's your main residence.

You must charge the current rate at the time of the stay, not the date of booking or payment. The tax must be collected before the guest’s departure, even if payment for accommodation is delayed.

 

Responsibilities of the host

As a host, you are required to :

• Display the tourist tax rates clearly (they must also appear on your guests’ invoices)
• Collect the tourist tax from each eligible guest
• Keep a record of overnight stays, number of exempted persons, and the amount collected (note: you must not record personal identity information of your guests)
• Remit the collected tax to the local authority by the due dates

 

 

How to collect and declare the tax

Collection periods & payment deadlines :

The tax is collected throughout the year and must be itemized on each invoice. The funds are held by you until they are remitted at the end of each period.

Collection Period	Deadline for Remittance
January 1 to May 31	June 20
June 1 to September 30	October 20
October 1 to December 31	January 20 (following year)

Payment methods :

• Bank card
• Cheque (to the order of Trésor Public)
• Cash (in person at La Maison du Thouarsais - Tourist Office, 32 Place Saint Médard, 79100 Thouars)

 

How to declare the tax

Declarations are made via an online platform : https://thouarsais.taxesejour.fr

Each host receives a personal account with a username and password, provided upon registration of your accommodation by the Maison du Thouarsais – Tourist Office.

You must declare your overnight stays monthly.
Reminder emails are sent automatically, with a follow-up notice around the 15th of the following month in case of non-declaration.

 

Who is required to pay the tax ?

The tax applies to every adult guest (18+) staying at least one night in a paid accommodation (hotel, guesthouse, rental, etc.), whether for leisure or business.

 

Exemptions (with proof) :

• Minors (under 18)
• Seasonal workers under employment contracts within the territory
• Persons housed under emergency or temporary rehousing arrangements

 

Online booking platforms and tourist tax

Since 2019, digital platforms such as Gîtes de France, Airbnb, Abritel, Booking, etc., are legally required to collect and remit the tourist tax directly to the local authorities.

If you use such platforms, you may authorize them to collect the tax on your behalf.
If not, you remain responsible for collecting and remitting the tax yourself.

To find out whether your platform collects the tax for you, contact their customer service directly.

Downloadable guides and information sheets available upon request.