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Configure and Synchronize Tourist Taxes to the Portals

Sandra Álvarez avatar
Written by Sandra Álvarez
Updated this week

Configure and synchronize taxes on your booking portals

When managing accommodations across different channels, tax configuration can become a puzzle. The tax module of Channel PRO helps you keep everything under control: it synchronizes tourist taxes and other booking taxes with most portals. This way, you avoid discrepancies between platforms, save time, and build trust with your guests.

Portal compatibility

The way taxes are synchronized depends on both the calculation type and the connected portal.

Portals with full compatibility

  • VRBO, Homes & Villas by Marriott, Google, and most portals connected via API.
    These receive and display the amounts configured in Channel PRO directly.

Portals with partial compatibility

  • Booking.com and Expedia:

    • Some taxes are synchronized only if the property was created from Channel PRO.

    • In other cases, you must configure them manually in the extranet.

  • Airbnb:

    • Does not support the synchronization of most calculations.

    • Taxes must be configured directly on the platform.

👉 Pay attention to details: on Booking.com, if your connection is partial (Content API), taxes are only synchronized if they were active when the property was created. If added later, you will need to configure them in the Booking.com extranet.

Types of tax calculations and their compatibility

Below is a summary of how the main calculation methods are synchronized:

  • Fixed amount per booking or per night: compatible with most portals, except that on Booking.com and Expedia you may need to configure it manually.

  • Fixed amount per person: only the price per adult (not children) is synchronized on compatible portals.

  • Percentage of the rental amount or total booking: generally compatible, though with limitations on Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb.

  • Complex calculations (per occupant/night, percentage on other taxes, VAT excluded, etc.): usually require manual configuration on Booking.com, Expedia, and Airbnb.

👉 Common errors:

  • Configuring the tax differently in the extranet and in Channel PRO.

  • Assuming all portals will display the tax as seen in Channel PRO (some only receive the information as text).

Advanced configuration

  • Multiple taxes: you can configure up to 2 separate taxes; if you add more, some portals will group or ignore them.

  • Pet fees or extras: not all portals support synchronization; always check the extranet.

  • Time of charge: except on fully compatible portals, the tax is usually recorded at check-in, not at booking.

Quick checklist

Before finalizing your configuration, check:

  • Do the taxes in Channel PRO match those in the portal's extranet?

  • Is the selected calculation compatible with the channel?

  • Have you tested how it appears to the guest in the booking preview?

  • On Booking.com, did you add the taxes before creating the property?

Step by step: configure taxes in Channel PRO

  1. Access the "Tax Configuration" menu.

  2. Choose the calculation type (fixed amount, percentage, per person, etc.).

  3. Define the values according to your needs.

  4. Save the configuration.

  5. Check each connected portal to see if the information is reflected correctly or if manual adjustments are needed.

Best practices

  • Always maintain the same configuration in Channel PRO and in your portals' extranets.

  • Periodically review the tax section in each channel, especially after updates to their policies.

  • If you manage properties in France or countries with complex taxes, verify each calculation on the final portal, not just in Channel PRO.

Additional resources

  • Configure dynamic rates in Channel PRO

  • How to connect Booking.com to Channel PRO

  • Manage taxes in VRBO

Frequently asked questions

What happens if I configure a tax in Channel PRO but the portal does not support it?
The guest will not see it automatically reflected; you will need to configure it in the portal's extranet.

Why don't my taxes appear on Booking.com?
If your property was created before activating the taxes, you will need to add them manually in the extranet.

Does Airbnb synchronize the taxes configured in Channel PRO?
No. Airbnb does not support most calculations. You must manage them directly on the platform.

How many taxes can I have active?
Up to 2 are synchronized correctly. If you add more, they may be grouped or not displayed on some portals.

Does the guest always see the taxes itemized?
It depends on the portal: some show the total amount with taxes included, others only an informational text.

SIMPLIFIED TABLE VERSION

Tax Type / Portal

Expedia

Airbnb

Vrbo

Marriott Homes & Villas

Google

Fixed amount per booking

❌ Extranet

❌ Extranet

Fixed amount per night

❌ Extranet

❌ Extranet

Amount per person

⚠️ Adults only

❌ Extranet

❌ Extranet

Percentage on booking

⚠️ Only when creating property

❌ Extranet

❌ Extranet

Multiple taxes (more than 2)

⚠️ Limited

❌ Extranet

❌ Extranet

✅ (max. 15)

👉 Legend:
✅ Compatible
⚠️ Partially compatible (limitations)
❌ Not compatible (configured in the extranet)

Seasonal Compatibility

Configuration

Expedia

Airbnb

Vrbo

Marriott/Google

One season (all year)

⚠️ Only when creating property

❌ Extranet

❌ Extranet

Multiple seasons

⚠️ Only sends the highest

❌ Extranet

❌ Extranet

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