Over 70% of hotels on the coast risk remaining closed this summer because owners cannot pay building taxes retroactively, the calculation of which has been interpreted tendentiously by mayors in recent months.
Employer representatives stated that 5 years ago, a government decision was issued regulating that the summer season starts on May 1 and ends on September 30, thus lasting five months. Hoteliers who had their accommodation units open throughout this period benefited from a 50% reduction in building tax.
Nicolae Bucovala, president of the Mamaia Employers’ Association, which brings together hotels in the resort, stated that a modification was subsequently made to the Fiscal Code, without the hoteliers knowing or being notified, specifying that only those who operate for at least 185 days, i.e., more than six months a year, can benefit from these tax reductions.
He specified that in recent months, seaside town halls have asked hoteliers to prove they received tourists for at least six months; otherwise, they must retroactively pay the taxes they were exempted from.
Thus, town halls have begun recalculating taxes from 3-5 years ago and are summoning hotel units to pay the arrears within one month. For example, a 150-room hotel in Mamaia must pay a difference of EUR 40,000.
Dragos Raducan, vice-president of the Federation of Romanian Tourism Employers (FPTR), says it is impossible to have tourists in hotels every day during the off-season.
He estimates that due to legislative inconsistency, seaside hotels risk being blocked this summer.
According to official data, there are approximately 360 hotels in the seaside resorts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Romanian seaside hotels facing retroactive taxes?
Town halls have recalculated taxes after the Fiscal Code was modified to require a minimum of 185 days of operation for tax reductions, compared to the 5 months previously regulated.
What is the financial impact on these hotels?
The amounts are significant; for instance, a 150-room hotel in Mamaia may be summoned to pay arrears of approximately 40,000 EUR.
How many hotels are affected by this situation?
It is estimated that over 70% of the approximately 360 hotels on the Romanian coast risk not opening this summer season due to these financial demands.