The Fiji Revenue and Customs Service says they want to see individuals operating Airbnb properties become compliant.

Airbnb is an online marketplace for arranging or offering lodging, primarily homestays, and tourist experiences.

FRCS Chief Executive Visvanath Das stressed that there is an issue of noncompliance with some of these businesses.

He says the FRCS feels there’s a gap between hotel operators and Airbnb owners.

“The hotel association has an issue with the Airbnb but you know it does have a contributing effect in the Fijian Economy, so, all in all, I think our approach, and our thinking is that we want these people to come into the net.”

Das maintains that they are not targeting small businesses, instead there is a need for businesses to ensure they are fair in their dealings.

“Smaller businesses give them space to grow but I think we also need to sort of give a little bit of tab that when they have grown from Micro to Medium they need to start paying the fair share of taxes.”

He says tax officers will check that any business operated in the country is legally operating and they are on hand to assist businesses with their compliance issues.