Montenegro is tightening control over digital platforms, including Booking and Airbnb, as well as cryptocurrency income. New amendments to the Tax Administration Law, open for public consultation until November 19, provide that all digital platform operators — Booking, Airbnb, and crypto-related services — will have to register in Montenegro.
In addition,property owners and private individualswho rent out accommodation through online platforms or receive income from cryptocurrencies,will be required to declare their assets and income.
Tax transparency and automatic data exchange with the EU
The aim of the reform is to increase the transparency of the tax system, reduce tax evasion, and bring legislationinto line with European Union directives. After Montenegro joins the EU, the country will begin the automatic exchange of information about digital platform users and crypto-asset holders with the tax authorities of member states.
The authorities emphasize that the mobility of capital, services, and goods has significantly complicated tax collection and created new opportunities for evasion. In this regard, Montenegro intends to actively participate in international initiatives, including the Global Forum on Tax Transparency and Automatic Exchange of Information.
Registration of Booking, Airbnb, and other platform operators
According to the draft law, all companies operating digital platforms for property rentals, transport bookings, or the provision of other services will be required to register in Montenegro if they are not registered in one of the EU countries.
Such operators will have to:
- collect and store data on platform users and their transactions;
- provide tax authorities with information on commission amounts, taxes withheld, and the number of transactions; store all data for at least five years.