SPG reward redemption incurrs tax???
Mar 25, 2014, 8:40 pm
#1
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Join Date: May 2012
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SPG reward redemption incurrs tax???
This is a bit new to me. I've done redemptions from SPG, Hilton and Fairmont. I just booked a SPG reward for a stay, and they said I would owe around $50.00 in local and state taxes. I never heard or experienced this before. Was the operator incorrect? I've been booking redemptions for years, this would be the first time I will have to pay tax on a reward stay.
Mar 25, 2014, 8:51 pm
#2
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Mar 25, 2014, 9:10 pm
#3
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That's great, but it wasn't cash and points. Just cash.
Mar 25, 2014, 9:17 pm
#4
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Mar 25, 2014, 9:33 pm
#5
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All three of the provided links address points-only awards. In particular, see http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/20999043-post21.html.
Mar 25, 2014, 9:48 pm
#6
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Could the $50 really be resort fees?
Mar 25, 2014, 10:12 pm
#7
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My bad. Long day/night. Just SPG points, no cash. Do not think it was a resort fee. She stated it was for local and state sales tax. Thought it was weird.
Mar 25, 2014, 10:32 pm
#8
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It might help if you disclose the property and location. It's possible that there could be some weird local "taxes" that are occupancy fees independent of room rates that might be charged for award stays, but IME normal percentage taxes and service charges are not charged on SPG award stays, although IIRC resort fees are.
What does your confirmation say?
Have you tried to call Starwood again and ask another agent for clarification?
What does your confirmation say?
Have you tried to call Starwood again and ask another agent for clarification?
Mar 25, 2014, 10:35 pm
#9
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It would help to know where this occurred.
Mar 25, 2014, 10:42 pm
#10
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Mar 25, 2014, 11:06 pm
#11
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It would be for the Le Meridien in Philadelphia, PA.
Mar 25, 2014, 11:25 pm
#12
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Have stayed here on points. Pretty sure there were no taxes/fees of any sort. Used a suite night award to get the "Family Suite" (nice 2-bedroom suite with view of the clock tower). Also stayed here on cash and points and I think I did pay tax on the cash portion.
I'd bet a fair amount that you just got a mistaken agent. In fact I'm pretty sure I've had an agent tell me in the past that I would be responsible for taxes and fees but I didn't pay it any mind.
I'd bet a fair amount that you just got a mistaken agent. In fact I'm pretty sure I've had an agent tell me in the past that I would be responsible for taxes and fees but I didn't pay it any mind.
Mar 25, 2014, 11:52 pm
#13
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Posts: 605
Have stayed here on points. Pretty sure there were no taxes/fees of any sort. Used a suite night award to get the "Family Suite" (nice 2-bedroom suite with view of the clock tower). Also stayed here on cash and points and I think I did pay tax on the cash portion.
I'd bet a fair amount that you just got a mistaken agent. In fact I'm pretty sure I've had an agent tell me in the past that I would be responsible for taxes and fees but I didn't pay it any mind.
I'd bet a fair amount that you just got a mistaken agent. In fact I'm pretty sure I've had an agent tell me in the past that I would be responsible for taxes and fees but I didn't pay it any mind.
Mar 26, 2014, 2:07 am
#14
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With nearly 600 nights.. this has happened to me. Mostly before the awards stays counted to status.
I'd always accept it at check out, let it post to my account, complain to spg and see it removed with some compensation points.
Generally a win if you play it right.
I'd always accept it at check out, let it post to my account, complain to spg and see it removed with some compensation points.
Generally a win if you play it right.
Mar 26, 2014, 7:32 am
#15
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