Law Tech Spotlight Examines Tax Exposure Claims Against LuxUrban Hotels Inc., Citing OTA Payment and Tax Collection Laws

Core Insights - The analysis by Law Tech Spotlight concludes that claims against LuxUrban Hotels regarding large-scale tax liabilities in New York are likely inaccurate and legally precluded under state and city law [1][3]. Findings and Legal Basis - From 2020 to 2025, LuxUrban Hotels generated approximately $248 million in gross room revenue across 11 U.S. states and cities, with audited net room revenue totaling $149 million, of which only $56 million (22.6%) came from New York operations [2]. - Under New York State Tax Law, entities defined as "room remarketers" or "resellers," including OTAs, are responsible for collecting and remitting occupancy and sales taxes, not the hotel operators [3]. OTA Payment Structure - Between 2022 and 2025, 92–97% of LuxUrban's customers booked through OTAs, meaning LuxUrban did not handle customer payments or collect taxes, as OTAs charged guests and remitted taxes [4][5]. - The OTA payment structure defines the merchant-customer relationship and tax responsibility, indicating that LuxUrban did not control or process payments for the majority of its bookings [5][6]. Legal Implications - False claims regarding unpaid taxes may expose responsible parties to defamation and commercial disparagement under New York law, with potential recoverable damages for LuxUrban reaching tens of millions of dollars [7][8]. - The spokesperson for the LawTech Review emphasized that allegations against LuxUrban regarding tax remittance are unfounded and ignore statutory authority and the financial technology involved in hospitality commerce [9].