In Bed with Airbnb? It pays to get your taxes right!

All income from short-term letting is taxable, regardless of whether it is earned through Airbnb or another online platform. Revenue will generally classify income from Airbnb as trading income.

How do I pay tax on my Airbnb income?

You will need to register with Revenue Online Services ROS and file a Form 11 tax return each year. You will be able to claim some expenses, like host and Airbnb bills, to help reduce your tax bill. You can read more about filing a tax return in our article about rental income here

Can I claim Rent-a-Room Relief for my short-term rental?

Rent-a-Room Relief does not apply to short-term or Airbnb rentals. The relief only applies where a tenant stays for 28 consecutive days or more. This means that you need to declare for tax any extra income earned through Airbnb regardless of how much you earn.

Will Revenue find out that I make money on Airbnb?

Airbnb regularly provide Revenue with their database of hosts and the income that they have earned for each year. Revenue will not turn a blind eye to this income so it is always in your best interest to file your returns, stay compliant and avoid penalties. 

Do I need to register for VAT as an Airbnb Host?

Where an Airbnb host generates income of €42,500 or more per annum they must register for and charge VAT at the appropriate rate. Short term accommodation is generally subject to VAT at a reduced rate currently 9%. Learn more about VAT in Ireland here.

Do I need to register?

Landlords need to register each of their tenancies with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) ever year. At the moment if you do Airbnb there is no need to register with the RTB. 

However, from December 2026 Airbnb hosts will need to register with Fáilte Ireland. Fáilte Ireland will open their short-term letting (STL) online register on 01 December 2026 and all hosts will have until 31 December 2026 to register. Once registered you will get a unique registration number that you must show on all Airbnb listings and ads. You will need reregister every year.

Last updated: 20th October 2026