Resource and online tax portal created to make hosting experience seamless
Hosting a short-term rental on Lake Cumberland in Somerset-Pulaski County just became easier.
Lake Cumberland Tourism has released a resource guide to help new and existing hosts navigate the essentials of running a successful short-term rental. Executive Director Michelle Allen said the guide, coupled with the organization’s new online tax payment portal, aims to make owning and marketing a short-term rental here a seamless experience.
“Operating a rental property involves more than just creating a welcoming space for guests,” Allen said. “Understanding your legal and financial responsibilities, including registering your property and properly remitting transient taxes, is vital. This guide walks property owners through the step-by-step process to ensure compliance with local regulations, and our online tax portal makes it extremely easy to stay current on tax payments.”
Allen said communicating transient tax obligations and how they apply to short-term rentals has been a challenge for tourism professionals across Kentucky. The guidelines differ depending on where you list your property and what type it is — for example, those who utilize the popular listing platform VRBO pay their taxes differently than those who use Airbnb — so having a guide that explains the process was crucial.
The guide also offers expert tips on marketing rentals to stand out in a competitive market. From listing strategies to leveraging social media, Lake Cumberland Tourism offers suggestions for attracting travelers seeking the perfect stay.
Allen said nearly 350 short-term rentals are listed on Airbnb.com alone in Somerset-Pulaski County, proving that this is an increasingly popular way to stay on Lake Cumberland. Because tourism is the county’s No. 1 industry and generates more than $150 million in spending, it is important to set short-term rental hosts up for success.
“This is another way Lake Cumberland Tourism can help enhance the hospitality experience for the more than 4 million visitors who travel to Somerset-Pulaski County each year, as well as the hosts who are making significant investments in their properties,” Allen said. “We hope the resource guide and online tax portal make doing business as a short-term rental host a positive experience.”
Download the guide and access the online tax portal to learn more. For more information or to ask questions about hosting a short-term rental, contact Assistant Marketing Director Katie Shea at or (606) 679-6394.
