Billing issues for travelers
It's natural to wonder why obtaining an invoice on Airbnb represents a delicate aspect that requires special attention. In fact, the billing process within the platform works in a specific way: Airbnb only provides a single invoice that includes VAT, the latter being linked to the service charge. On the other hand, it is possible to obtain a receipt via the platform. What's more, if a traveler requests an all-inclusive rent invoice, it's the host's responsibility to provide it. The amount of the rent corresponds to the total price of the stay, excluding Airbnb service charges.
The receipt
When a traveler books your property and you confirm the reservation, a receipt is automatically sent to you. You can download it directly from the platform and print it out.
Usually in PDF form, you can find this receipt in your Airbnb account. It gives precise details of the elements linked to the reservation:
- Owner's full name
- Traveler's first and last names
- The address of the rental property
- Dates of stay
- The total price of the stay, including Airbnb fees and service charges
- The payment method chosen by the traveller
This receipt is intended exclusively for the host. As soon as the reservation has been confirmed, the traveler automatically receives an invoice summarizing :
- Details of booking fees
- Information on deposits and additional charges
- Accommodation address
- Time of arrival on site
- Key recovery instructions
- Rental rules
- Airbnb contact details
However, it is important to note that this receipt does not yet constitute a legally valid official invoice for the tenant. In fact, according to its definition, the receipt cannot be considered an expense report. It only serves to recognize the total expenses incurred for a product or service.
VAT invoicing (invoicing associated with service charges)
The invoice issued by Airbnb is linked to service charges. When a traveler books an accommodation on Airbnb, in addition to the cost of the stay, service charges are also levied by the platform. These fees represent Airbnb's commissions. Like the automatic invoice, the VAT invoice is also provided by Airbnb. You can download it from your account. It is important to note that once generated, it is impossible to modify this VAT invoice.
You should also bear in mind that this invoice, although official, cannot be used to justify the rent. It is of crucial importance for your VAT declarations to the tax authorities, and can be used in your dealings with them.
Rent invoice, all taxes included, with or without VAT
As we mentioned earlier, the only valid invoice to justify your rent is the rent invoice including VAT. Surprisingly, however, it's precisely this invoice that Airbnb can't provide. Travelers frequently ask for it in order to legitimize their reservation on a legal level. As a host, this invoice is also essential for your accounting and tax returns.
Here's the problem: how do you act when the most essential invoice is not issued by the platform? The solution lies in creating it yourself.
Why can't Airbnb issue a rent invoice?
To understand this situation, it's essential to grasp the basis of the Airbnb system. In reality, this platform is an online accommodation service that facilitates contact between private individuals, i.e. owners and travelers. Its role is limited to putting people in touch with each other, which explains why Airbnb cannot provide a rent invoice. In fact, the rent itself passes through the platform and is then paid into the host's bank account. As a result, the platform is only entitled to invoice the associated costs, namely the Airbnb service fees, which are subject to invoicing including VAT. It is up to the host, not the traveler, to draw up the invoice, as it is the host who collects the rent and who, where applicable, must pay the VAT to the tax authorities.
What information must appear on the Airbnb rent invoice?
When you draw up the Airbnb rental invoice, it's essential to provide a precise breakdown of the various costs associated with the booking. Your invoice must include the following items:
1. A statement at the top of the invoice such as "Seasonal rental invoice" or "Holiday rental invoice".
2. Invoice issue date.
3. Invoice number, following the chronological sequence provided by your billing system.
4. Full contact details and information for both host and guest.
5. The owner's SIRENT or SIRET number, as well as the RCS (Registre du Commerce et des Sociétés) registration number, if applicable, if the rental is a professional activity.
6. The total number of guests staying in the accommodation for the duration of the stay.
7. VAT information.
8. Precise address of accommodation.
9. Dates of stay, including arrival and departure dates.
10. Total number of nights.
11. The total amount of the rental.
12. The detailed price with a breakdown of charges, including VAT even if it is 0%, as well as tourist tax, even if it is collected by Airbnb.
13. The method of payment used.
14. The signature of both parties involved (owner and tenant).
This information is crucial to ensure the transparency and compliance of the Airbnb rental invoice.
How do I get the service charge invoice on the Airbnb platform as a host?
If you are a host and would like to recover the service charge invoice for confirmed reservations, follow these steps:
1. Go to the official Airbnb website (Airbnb.fr).
2. Go to the "Listings" section.
3. Click on "My reservations".
4. To view the complete booking history, select "View all booking history".
5. Select "View invoices with VAT" to view service charge invoices.
6. Click on "Host Invoice" to obtain the desired invoice.
By following these steps, you'll be able to easily access the service charge invoice linked to your bookings as a host on the Airbnb platform.
How do I get the Airbnb service charge invoice?
Travelers also have the option of recovering the service charge invoice with VAT on the Airbnb platform. Here are the steps to follow:
1. Access the Airbnb.fr website.
2. Click on the "My trips" section.
3. Select "View Invoices" from the list of trips.
4. Choose the "Travel Invoice" option.
By following these steps, travelers will be able to easily obtain the detailed invoice for service charges with VAT on the Airbnb platform.
How do I create an Airbnb invoice as a host?
As mentioned above, Airbnb does not automatically provide the rent invoice including VAT. When a tenant requests one, it's up to the owner to legally generate it. Here's how to issue an invoice, follow this example.
You'll need to draw up an invoice that includes the amount of rent, any cleaning charges, any additional charges agreed via the resolution center, as well as the mandatory information listed above. In addition, a few optional mentions can be added to the Airbnb TTC invoice, such as:
- The amount of the security deposit, deposit, etc.
- All optional services offered: breakfast, equipment loan, cleaning services, packed lunches, etc.
- The price of household linen if not included in the price of the night.
To make things easier for hosts, Zervant offers an invoice template that can be given to travelers. Thanks to the site's invoicing tool, many hosts can more easily manage invoice numbers, mandatory and optional items on the rent-inclusive invoice, as well as other details. What's more, for greater accessibility, the site also offers dematerialized invoices. If your tenant agrees to receive an electronic document, the invoice in PDF format is available on the site.
How do I add several names to my Airbnb invoice?
For the service charge invoice, all names must be entered prior to payment. Once the reservation has been confirmed, it is no longer possible to add new names.
For the invoice linked to the amount of the stay (excluding service charges), our billing tool allows the addition of several names.
