Download TDF Form- Report and Remit via our online Self-Service Portal .
The Tourism and Development Fee, a 3% percent fee to be imposed on hotels, motels and other accommodations in the City is to be dedicated to the purpose of increasing the attraction of and improving the services provided to tourists.
Frequently Asked Questions
A) Who is responsible for collecting and remitting the Tourism and Development Fee?
The business that is affected by this fee is liable for the collection and remittance on a monthly basis to the City of Columbia.
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B) What if I did not receive my Tourism Development coupons in the mail?
We no longer print and mail coupons. You may utilize our Self-Service Portal to report and remit. You may also print the Local Tax Remittance form located here and send to our office with your payment to the PO Box below.
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C) How will the fee be remitted?
Fees will be remitted to the City of Columbia on a monthly basis, payable by the 20th day of the following month. Each remittance should be accompanied by a completed and signed Tourism Development Reporting Form, TDF96, and a copy of a SC Sales, Use, Accommodations and Local Option Tax Return Form, ST 388. Please do not remit this fee to the state of South Carolina. This fee is not a local option sales tax.
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D) What if my payment is late?
A 5% penalty per month in addition to the Tourism Development Fee must accompany all delinquent remittances. The penalty for violation can accrue up to a maximum of 100% on the original monthly fee. Additionally, violators may be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, subject to a $1087.50 fine and/or imprisonment for up to thirty (30) days for disregard of this Ordinance.
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E) When did the Tourism and Development Fee become effective?
The effective date of the Ordinance is July 1, 1996.
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F) Are there are exclusions to the ordinance?
Yes. Meeting and conference room rentals are excluded as well as lodging rentals to the same person or persons for a continuous 30 days.
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Have a short-term rental? LINK to City of Columbia information.
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 7997, Columbia, SC 29202
Physical Address: 1339 Main Street (1st Floor), Columbia, SC 29201
Phone: 803-545-3345 | Fax: 803-988-8025
Office Hours: Mon-Fri – 8:30 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Please Note: Coming soon, the Business License Division will be moving to 1401 Main St., 1st Floor.
TDF FAQ
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