What to do before renting out your short-term rental?
Your property must be permitted, and room tax collected on any transient rental, defined as any rental term less than thirty (30) days, even if you plan to rent for only a few days a year. If you begin rentals before being permitted, you could be subject to penalties and you are responsible for room tax on any rentals prior to permitting. The DCTZC considers the commencement of business to be any and all advertising, social media, business associations or word of mouth advertising for your property. If you have just recently purchased the property you will be renting, please note that your property cannot be permitted until the purchase has been registered in the Door County Land Record. If you would like to be permitted before the record has transferred, please submit a copy of the signed land deed to info@doorcountytourismzone.com.
You will need to complete the following:
- A DCTZC permit application, which can be submitted by email
- A license and inspection with the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP).
- If you have questions on the DATCP licensing process, please contact their licensing specialist: Phone: (608) 224-4923, Email: datcpdfslicensing@wi.gov
- A municipality STR application and license, if one is required
What to do once you receive your permits and Tourism Zone Permit number?
- Once the DCTZC receives your completed permit application the office will issue you your transient rental permit and send you a permit packet. The packet will have your permit number, username and password to file online (on the cover letter) and need to know information.
- Per WI ACT 59 contact the WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE to inquire if it is necessary for you to hold a WI Sellers Permit to collect Wisconsin State Sales Tax. The WI DOR will inform you how and when to remit your sales tax. Confirm with the WI DOR that you actually need this permit.
- Renew your DATCP license annually.
- Please list your Door County Tourism Zone Commission permit number in your online listing(s).
- Ensure that any marketplace provider you choose to do business with is handling their compliance with 2019 WI Act 10 with regard to local municipal room tax.
- Report your revenue and taxes on the DCTZC portal every month.
- Renew all permits/licenses every year.