Boyne USA, Inc. v. DOR

06/29/2021
DA 20-0319
Case Number: DA 20-0319
IN THE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF MONTANA
2021 MT 155BOYNE USA, INC.,
Petitioner, Appellee and Cross-Appellant,
v.
DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE OF THE STATE OF MONTANA,
Respondent and Appellant.
APPEAL FROM: District Court of the Fifth Judicial District,
In and For the County of Madison, Cause No. DV-29-2019-48
Honorable Luke Berger, Presiding Judge
COUNSEL OF RECORD:
For Appellant:
Brendan R. Beatty, Teresa G. Whitney, Special Assistant Attorneys
General, Montana Department of Revenue, Helena, Montana
For Appellee:
Michael Green, Dale Schowengerdt, D. Wiley Barker, Crowley Fleck
PLLP, Helena, Montana
Submitted on Briefs: March 24, 2021
Decided: June 29, 2021
Filed:
cir-641.—if
__________________________________________
Clerk
Justice Jim Rice delivered the Opinion of the Court.
¶1 The Department of Revenue of the State of Montana (Department) appeals summary
judgment entered by the Fifth Judicial District Court, holding that the “Resort Service Fee”
Boyne USA, Inc. (Boyne) charges guests is not subject to Montana’s Lodging Facilities
Use Tax (Use Tax) and forfeited guest deposits collected by Boyne are not subject to either
the Montana’s Use Tax or Sales Tax (Sales Tax). Boyne cross-appeals the District Court’s
determination that Boyne’s Resort Service Fee is subject to the Sales Tax.
¶2 We state the issues as follows:
1. Did the District Court err by holding that Boyne’s Resort Services Fee is not subject
to the Lodging Facilities Use Tax, §§ 15-65-101 through 136, MCA?
2. Did the District Court err by holding that the Resort Services Fee is subject to the
Sales Tax, §§ 15-68-101 through 15-68-820, MCA?
3. Did the District Court err by holding that forfeited guest deposits are not subject to
the Lodging Facilities Use Tax or the Sales Tax?
We affirm the District Court.
FACTUAL AND PROCEDURAL BACKGROUND
¶3 The facts of the summary judgment record are as follows. Boyne owns and operates
Big Sky Resort in Big Sky, Montana. Big Sky Resort offers lodging accommodations,
upon which sales Boyne collects both the Use Tax and Sales Tax. At booking, as stated
on its guest receipts, Boyne assesses guests the Resort Services Fee, a “7% [charge] on
accommodations,” which is separately labeled as “Fees/Gratuities.” Boyne provides guests
with various amenities at the resort in exchange for the fee, such as “Kids Club” children’s
activities, ski patrol dog demonstrations, movies, access to tennis courts, complimentary
2
summer boat rentals, summer ski lift rides, and shuttle transportation. The Montana Tax
Appeal Board found that the proceeds from the fee supplement Boyne’s “private financing
to fund the design and improvement to the resort infrastructure, facilities and services.”
Boyne deposits funds collected for the Resort Services Fee into its general fund.
¶4 Boyne requires payment of a non-refundable deposit 30 days prior to arrival in an
amount of up to the total estimated charge for the guest’s visit, including both the room
accommodation charges and amenity fees. At booking, Boyne informs guests that “taxes
and resort fees” will be assessed upon “Lodging Only,” specifically, 4% of the
accommodation charge for the Use Tax and 3% for the Sales Tax.1 If a guest cancels their
reservation within thirty days of check-in, Boyne does not refund the deposit,2 nor remits
any of the amounts assessed for taxes to the Department.
¶5 In 2017, the Department audited Boyne for a five-year period between 2011 and
2016. The determination from the audit was that Boyne owed the State of Montana
$685,505.68 for “Lodging Facility Use Taxes, Sales Taxes, interest and penalties for the
entirety of the audit period.”3 Specifically, the audit concluded that Boyne’s Resort Service
1
Boyne’s 7% Fee is premised upon a 4% charge for the Use Tax and a 3% charge for the Sales
Tax. Under statute, both taxes are 4%. See § 15-65-111(1), MCA, and § 15-68-102(1), MCA,
respectively.
2
Boyne partially refunds deposits for cancellations made prior to the thirty-day window.
3
The Department administers the Use Tax and Sales Tax collectively as the “Lodging Tax.” See
Admin. R. M. 42.14.101(5) (2011) (defining “Lodging facility sales and use tax” to mean the “4
percent lodging facility use tax, as it applies to Title 15, chapter 65, MCA, and the 3 percent sales
tax, as it applies to Title 15, chapter 68, MCA”).
3
Fee and the collected, but forfeited deposits, were subject to taxation. Upon receipt of the
audit determination, Boyne requested an informal review with the Department, after which
the Department adopted the audit’s findings and conclusions. On January 18, 2018, Boyne
paid the taxes under protest to arrest the accrual of penalties and interest. The parties
stipulated that the Department’s determination was the final agency decision, and Boyne
appealed to the Montana Tax Appeal Board (MTAB).4 The parties each filed motions for
summary judgment and argued those motions on April 23, 2019.
¶6 On June 12, 2019, MTAB issued “Summary Judgment Findings of Fact,
Conclusions of Law, Order and Opportunity for Judicial Review.” MTAB ruled Boyne
was obligated to pay both the Use Tax and Sales Tax on its Resort Service Fee, because
the Fee, a mandatory charge to guests, is “integral” to use of the room, making it an
“accommodation charge” under the statutes, and subject to both taxes. However, MTAB
ruled Boyne does not owe a tax obligation under either the Use Tax or Sales Tax on
forfeited guest deposits.
¶7 Boyne petitioned the District Court for judicial review, and both parties moved for
summary judgment. The District Court reversed MTAB’s determination that Boyne’s
Resort Service Fee is subject to the Use Tax because the fee is assessed for non-lodging
purposes. The District Court affirmed MTAB’s determination that the Resort Service Fee
4
The Montana Tax Appeal Board is the new name for what was formerly the State Tax Appeal
Board, known conveniently for decades as “STAB.” See K & J Invs., LLC v. Flathead Cty. Bd. of
Cty. Comm’rs, 2020 MT 277, ¶ 11, 402 Mont. 33, 476 P.3d 20.
4
is subject to the Sales Tax and also affirmed its ruling that forfeited deposits are not subject
to either tax.
¶8 The Department appeals, challenging the District Court’s holding that the Resort
Service Fee is not subject to the Use Tax, and that forfeited deposits are not subject to
taxation. Boyne cross-appeals, challenging the District Court’s holding that its Resort
Service Fee is subject to the Sales Tax.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
¶9 “Taxes shall be levied by general laws for public purposes.” Mont. Const. art. VIII,
§ 1. The Montana Legislature prescribes taxation on individuals and businesses to raise
revenue for the “objects and purposes for which governments are instituted and organized,
viz.: the guarantee and protection of individual rights, and the security and enjoyment of
private property.” Hope Mining Co. v. Kennon, 3 Mont. 35, 37 (1877).
¶10 “We review STAB’s decision in the same manner as the District Court.” Ruby
Mountain Trust v. Department of Revenue of the State of Mont., 2000 MT 166, ¶ 13, 300
Mont. 297, 3 P.3d 654 (citing § 2-4-704, MCA). Our review is confined to the record.
Section 2-4-704(1), MCA. “The court may not substitute its judgment for that of the
agency as to the weight of the evidence on questions of fact.” Section 2-4-704(2), MCA.
“The court may reverse or modify the decision if substantial rights of the appellant have
been prejudiced.” Section 2-4-704(2), MCA.5
5
Substantial rights are prejudiced by “administrative findings, inferences, conclusions, or
decisions” that are:
5
¶11 “We review summary judgment orders de novo.” Montana Dep’t of Revenue v.
Priceline.com, Inc., 2015 MT 241, ¶ 6, 380 Mont. 352, 354 P.3d 631 (citing Bailey v. State
Farm Mut. Auto. Ins. Co., 2013 MT 119, ¶ 18, 370 Mont. 73, 300 P.3d 1149). “The
judgment sought should be rendered if the pleadings, the discovery and disclosure materials
on file, and any affidavits show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and
that the movant is entitled to judgment as a matter of law.” M. R. Civ. P. 56(c)(3).
¶12 “The interpretation of a statute is a question of law that we review for correctness.”
Priceline, ¶ 6 (citing City of Missoula v. Iosefo, 2014 MT 209, ¶ 8, 376 Mont. 161, 330
P.3d 1180).
In the construction of a statute, the office of the judge is simply to ascertain
and declare what is in terms or in substance contained therein, not to insert
what has been omitted or to omit what has been inserted. Where there are
several provisions or particulars, such a construction is, if possible, to be
adopted as will give effect to all.
Section 1-2-101, MCA. “[S]tatutory language must be construed according to its plain
meaning and, if the language is clear and unambiguous, no further interpretation is
required.” Priceline, ¶ 6 (citing Infinity Ins. Co. v. Dodson, 2000 MT 287, ¶ 46, 302 Mont.
209, 14 P.3d 487); see also Ominex Can., Ltd. v. State of Mont., Dep’t of Revenue, 2008
in violation of constitutional or statutory provisions; in excess of the statutory
authority of the agency; made upon unlawful procedure; affected by other error of
law; clearly erroneous in view of the reliable, probative, and substantial evidence
on the whole record; arbitrary or capricious or characterized by abuse of discretion
or clearly unwarranted exercise of discretion; or findings of fact, upon issues
essential to the decision, were not made although requested.
Section 2-4-704(2)(a), MCA (subsection markers omitted).
6
MT 403, ¶ 21, 347 Mont. 176, 201 P.3d 3 (citing Western Energy Co. v. State of Mont.,
Dep’t of Revenue, 1999 MT 289, ¶ 11, 297 Mont. 55, 990 P.2d 767) (stating that legislative
intent is gleaned from the statute’s plain meaning). “[T]ax statutes are to be strictly
construed against the taxing authority and in favor of the taxpayer.” Omimex, ¶ 21 (citing
Western Energy, ¶ 10).
DISCUSSION
¶13 1. Did the District Court err by holding that Boyne’s Resort Services Fee is not
subject to the Lodging Facilities Use Tax, §§ 15-65-101 through 136, MCA?
¶14 The District Court concluded that, under the plain language of the statutes, the
“Resort Service Fee is not an accommodation charge and is thus not subject to the Facility
Use Tax” because the tax is explicitly imposed only upon “charges pertaining to
accommodations for sleeping and resting at the resort.” Further, it reasoned that nothing
in the statutes requires a “fee to be voluntary or non-integral in order to fall outside the
definition of accommodation charge.” The Department argues Boyne’s Resort Services
Fee is taxable because the fee’s mandatory, non-waivable structure is an “integral part of
the accommodations charge” for use of the resort, basing this argument upon its reading of
§ 15-65-111, MCA, along with Admin. R. M. 42.14.202(3) (2010). In response, Boyne
argues the Resort Services Fee is not taxable because it is not a charge for lodging, thus
not an accommodation charge as defined by statute, and is expressly excluded from
taxation.
¶15 Montana’s Use Tax is found in Title 15, Chapter 65, MCA. The Use Tax largely
funds Montana’s tourism industry, § 15-65-121(2), MCA, by taxing the “user of a facility
7
on the amount that an ‘owner or operator’ of the ‘facility’ charges for a room.” Priceline,
¶ 16 (emphasis added). The statute provides, “[t]here is imposed on the user of a facility a
tax at a rate equal to 4% of the accommodation charge collected by the facility.” Section
15-65-111(1), MCA. A “facility” is any “building containing individual sleeping rooms or
suites, providing overnight lodging facilities for periods of less than 30 days to the general
public for compensation.” Section 15-65-101(4)(a), MCA (emphasis added). The
“accommodation charge” to which the Use Tax is applied is the amount charged to a guest
“for use of the facility for lodging.” Section 15-65-101(1), MCA (emphasis added).
Explicitly exempted from the statutory definition of “accommodation charge” are “charges
for meals, transportation, entertainment, or any other similar charges,” § 15-65-101(1),
MCA, and “charges for rooms used for purposes other than lodging.” Section 15-65-
111(2), MCA. Thus, under the foregoing statutes, the Legislature has assessed a 4% Use
Tax on a “user of a facility” who uses the facility “for lodging,” while excluding from the
tax other charges, including “meals, transportation, entertainment, or any other similar
charges” and “charges for rooms used for purposes other than lodging.” As Boyne notes,
the tax is commonly referred to as the “Bed Tax.”
¶16 Under the plain meaning of the Use Tax statutes, Boyne’s Resort Service Fee is not
subject to the Use Tax because it is not an “accommodation charge” for using Boyne’s
lodging facilities. The Resort Service Fee is squarely excluded from definition of
“accommodation charge” in § 15-65-101(1), MCA, because the Fee is a charge for
non-lodging purposes. The Department argues the Legislature intended “accommodation
8
charge” to mean “the fee charged by the owner or operator of a [resort] for use of the
[resort],” (brackets in original), and thus must include Boyne’s assessment of the Resort
Service Fee for amenities, but this interpretation extends the application of the
accommodation charge to purposes other than lodging. In other words, while lodging is a
“use of the resort,” not all “uses of the resort” are lodging.
¶17 The Department has attempted to further define the statutory exclusion from the
accommodation charge by adopting a rule that provides, “[l]odging facility sales and use
taxes do not apply to separately stated charges which are not an integral part of the use or
occupancy of the room.” Admin. R. M. 42.14.202(3) (2010) (emphasis added). However,
administrative rules must be “consistent and not in conflict with the statute; and reasonably
necessary to effectuate the purpose of the statute.” Section 2-4-305(6), MCA (subsections
omitted). As we have explained:
The courts have uniformly held that administrative regulations are “out of
harmony” with legislative guidelines if they (1) “engraft additional and
contradictory requirements on the statute”; [Swart ex rel. State v. Casne, 172
Mont. 302, 308, 564 P.2d 983, 986 (1977)] or (2) if they engraft additional,
noncontradictory requirements on the statute which were not envisioned by
the legislature; [Arizona State Bd. of Funeral Dir. v. Perlman, 108 Ariz. 33,
492 P.2d 694 (1972)].
Clark Fork Coalition v. Tubbs, 2016 MT 229, ¶ 25, 384 Mont. 503, 380 P.3d 771 (citing
Board of Barbers of the Dep’t of Prof’l & Occupational Licensing of the State of Mont. v.
Big Sky Coll. Of Barber-Styling, Inc., 192 Mont. 159, 161, 626 P.2d 1269, 1270 (1981)).
¶18 In accordance with its rule, the Department determined that Boyne’s Fee “is subject
to the Use Tax because it is a mandatory, non-waivable fee that is integral to the use of the
9
accommodations and, therefore, satisfies the definition of accommodation charge.”
However, the Department’s rule requires this Court to read into the statutory definition of
“accommodations charge” the extra requirement that exempted charges be “an integral
part” of the use or occupancy of a room. Admin. R. M. 42.14.202(3) (2010). We decline
to do so because the rule engrafts an additional, noncontradictory requirement “not
envisioned by the legislature.” Tubbs, ¶ 25. As stated in § 15-65-101(1), MCA, and as the
District Court noted, the exclusions from the accommodation charge do not require that
they be “integral” to the use of a room.
¶19 We conclude the District Court did not err by holding that Boyne’s Resort Services
Fee is not subject to the Use Tax.
¶20 2. Did the District Court err by holding that the Resort Services Fee is subject to
the Sales Tax, §§ 15-68-101 through 15-68-820, MCA?
¶21 On cross-appeal, Boyne argues the District Court erred by holding the Resort
Service Fee is subject to the Sales Tax. The District Court concluded that the Fee “is not
a waivable charge and constitutes the total amount of consideration for which Boyne’s
services are sold.” Boyne argues that because the statute defines “Sales price” as “appl[ing]
to the measure subject [i.e., accommodations]” to the sales tax, the Fee cannot be taxed
because it is not, itself, an accommodation to which the Sales Price can be applied. Boyne
also contends the Fee is excluded from the Sales Tax by § 15-68-101(14)(a)(iii), (b), MCA,
which excludes from the definition of “Sales price” charges for “any services necessary to
complete the sale,” arguing the Fee is necessary to complete the sale because it is a
mandatory fee assessed on all purchasers for amenities.
10
¶22 Montana’s Sales Tax is found in Title 15, Chapter 68, MCA.6 The Sales Tax funds
transportation services for seniors and persons with disabilities, historical grants and
programs, capitol development project, lodging expenditures for state agencies, tourism,
commerce, and state-tribal economic development. Section 15-68-820, MCA. The
Legislature imposed the Sales Tax on sales or use “of the following property or services:
(a) 4% on accommodations and campgrounds.” Section 15-68-102(1)(a), (3)(a)(i), MCA.7
“[T]he Sales Tax taxes the purchaser on the sales price of an accommodation or rental
vehicle, which specifically includes the value of services.” Priceline, ¶ 16 (emphasis
added). “The sales tax must be applied to the sales price.” Section 15-68-102(2), MCA.
The Sales Price “applies to the measure subject to sales tax,” § 15-68-101(14)(a), MCA;
here, the “measure” is the accommodations. The Sales Price is “the total amount or
consideration, including cash, credit, property, and services,” for which the subject
property or services are sold. Section 15-68-101(14)(a), MCA. Exclusions from the Sales
Price include, for purposes here, “charges by the seller for any services necessary to
complete the sale” if they are “separately stated” on the invoice or billing “given to the
purchaser.” Section 15-68-101(14)(a)(iii), (14)(b), MCA. Thus, the Legislature has
6
Although the Department administers the Use and Sales Tax collectively, “the Lodging Facility
Use Tax and the Sales Tax are inconsistent and incompatible. . . . Accordingly, the statutes need
not be construed in pari materia [literally meaning in the same manner].” Priceline, ¶ 16.
7
While the Use Tax defines only “accommodation charge” but not “accommodations,” the Sales
Tax does: a “building or structure containing individual sleeping rooms or suites that provides
overnight lodging facilities for periods of less than 30 days to the general public for compensation,”
that includes a facility represented as a resort, § 15-68-101(1)(a)-(b), MCA, while excluding
specific facilities and other accommodation situations, § 15-68-101(c), MCA.
11
imposed the Sales Tax on the purchase (sale or use) of accommodations, calculated by
assessing 4% of the “total amount or consideration” paid for services, less applicable
statutory deductions.
¶23 There is no dispute here that Boyne offers accommodations for sale, and that
Boyne’s guests purchase the accommodations. Boyne’s argument that the Resort Service
Fee cannot be taxed because it is not itself an “accommodation” necessarily fails. The
Sales Tax applies to the Sales Price paid by the guest for the use or purchase of the
accommodations, which includes payment of the Resort Service Fee. See § 15-68-
101(14)(a), MCA (stating that the Sales Price “applies to the measure subject to the sales
tax and means the total amount or consideration. . . . for which personal property or services
are sold, leased, rented or valued in money.”).
¶24 Nor is Boyne’s Resort Service Fee statutorily exempted from the Sales price, and
thus the Sales Tax, as a “charge[] by the seller for any services necessary to complete the
sale.” Section 15-68-101(14)(a)(iii), (b), MCA. Boyne’s argument is that a guest’s
payment of the Fee for receipt of the resort amenities is “essential to the completeness” of
the transaction and is thus “necessary to complete the sale” for purposes of the statutory
exclusion. The Fee is mandatory for the transaction, and to be sure, the amenities
purchased by the guest by way of the Fee are no doubt an essential marketing component
of the transaction; one typically does not visit a resort to spend the entirety of the visit in a
“sleeping room.” Section 15-68-101(14)(a), MCA. However, the statutory exemption
contemplates only necessary ancillary costs of the transaction, such as the examples it
12
provides: “delivery and installation charges.” Section 15-65-101(4)(a)(iii)-(v), MCA. The
Fee for amenities is not merely necessary for the transaction; it is the transaction, along
with the room, and mandatorily so, even though it is listed separately. Thus, the Fee does
not qualify as an exclusion from the Sales Price and Sales Tax.
¶25 3. Did the District Court err by holding that forfeited guest deposits are not subject
to the Use Tax or the Sales Tax?
¶26 The Department argues that Boyne “impermissibly retained Use Taxes and Sales
Taxes that it collected as part of the reservation deposit when a guest cancels or fails to
show up for the reservation.”
¶27 The Sales Tax is “imposed on sales” of property or services. Section 15-68-102(1).
A “sale” for purposes of the Sales Tax is defined as “the transfer of property for
consideration or the performance of a service for consideration.” Section 15-68-101(13),
MCA (emphasis added). A “service” means “an activity that is engaged in for another
person for consideration and that is distinguished from the sale or lease of property.”8
Section 15-68-101(17)(a), MCA. Thus, here, a “sale” is subject to the Sales Tax when the
“performance of a service for consideration” has occurred. Section 15-68-101(13), MCA.
¶28 While partial consideration is given by the guest when paying a deposit at booking,
the actual performance does not occur until the guest has received the service at the facility.
8
Since use of Boyne’s facilities cannot be considered a “transfer of possession or control of
tangible personal property” as defined by the Sales Tax definition of “lease,” see § 15-68-
101(6)(a), MCA, purchasing accommodations more aptly qualify as a service “engaged in [with
Boyne] for consideration.” See also Priceline, ¶ 16 (stating that “the Sales Tax taxes the purchaser
on the sales price of an accommodation . . . which specifically includes the value of services”).
13
At that time, the “sale” occurs for purposes of the Sales Tax, because no “sale” occurs until
a guest uses the facility, a deposit is not subjected to the Sales Tax until that point, and
forfeited deposits are not taxable. See § 15-68-102(3)(a), MCA.
¶29 Similarly, the Use Tax applies only to an “accommodation charge,” which is defined
as the “use of the facility for lodging.” Section 15-65-101(1), MCA. A guest who forfeits
his or her deposit never uses Boyne’s facility for lodging. In the absence of such use, there
is nothing to tax under the statute, and, therefore, deposits that are forfeited are not subject
to the Use Tax or payable to the Department.
¶30 Notwithstanding this application of the statutes, the undisputed record shows that
Boyne’s calculation of and charge for the 20% deposit includes the combined lodging
taxes, which are not refunded to the customer when the reservation is cancelled, even
though the taxes are never incurred or paid. The Department submitted evidence showing
that when a guest makes a reservation, Boyne includes both the resort fees and applicable
state taxes to determine the guest’s estimated total charge. It charges the guest 20% of that
estimated charge to secure the reservation. As Joel Baker, Department Auditor, testified,
“this deposit, which was fully chargeable at 30 days out, included taxes and resort fees.”
If the guest cancels her reservation 30 days or less from the time she is due to arrive, the
entire deposit is forfeited to Boyne, including the 4% Use Tax and 3% Sales Tax charges
imposed to calculate the estimated charge. In other words, Boyne pockets the portion of
the unrefunded deposit that it initially attributed to taxes. It is also clear that, if a guest
stays at the resort, the deposit is applied to the guest’s tax obligations.
14
¶31 Boyne did not submit contrary evidence, but offers on appeal that the deposit is
simply a percentage of an estimate of the guest’s anticipated charges, not the actual
payment of any taxes. This argument does not hold up on the record because a forfeited
deposit includes a charge for taxes that is not merely an estimate, but rather, a charge fixed
by percentage of the statutory lodging taxes and assessed based upon 20% of the room
charge. In other words, as Boyne calculates the deposit, it indisputably comprises both
20% of the guest’s estimated lodging cost and 20% of the taxes applicable to that cost.9
¶32 The Department argues Boyne should be ordered to remit to the Department the tax
charges it assessed and retained for cancelled reservation deposits or, alternatively, to
refund the tax portion of the deposit to guests who forfeited the deposit. Given the
conclusions we have reached above regarding application of the statutes, the Department
is not entitled to receive these amounts and Boyne is not required to remit them. Nor are
we able to consider, within this proceeding, what refund or relief is available for guests
whose forfeited deposits included an assessment for taxes that were not remitted to the
Department.
¶33 Affirmed.
/S/ JIM RICE
9
Boyne suggests that the Court should not rely on the records it provided to the Department
because they were examples from a 2016 mock reservation, after the audit period at issue. Boyne
did not argue to the Department, however, that the examples it provided differed from how the
reservation system worked during the time in question.
15
We concur:
/S/ LAURIE McKINNON
/S/ BETH BAKER
/S/ DIRK M. SANDEFUR
Justice James Jeremiah Shea, concurring and dissenting.
¶34 I concur with the Court’s resolution of issues two and three. I dissent from the
Court’s resolution of issue one.
¶35 The undisputed facts are these: Boyne increased the price for renting a room at its
lodging facilities by 7%. Boyne deposits the entire 107% room charge into a single
account. Although Boyne labels this additional 7% charge to the room a “Resort Services
Fee,” there is a term of art in the hospitality industry that is more commonly used to
describe a 7% increase to the price of a hotel room—it’s called a “price increase.”
¶36 The Court holds that a 7% price increase on every room is not, in fact, a
price increase but a nontaxable “Resort Services Fee” because, well, that is what Boyne
calls it. Boyne argues that the Resort Services Fee is not taxable because it is not a charge
for lodging, but a charge for a guest’s use of various amenities. Except the charge is
determined by, and assessed solely on, the price of the room. The charge correlates in no
way to the provision of any amenities. Although Boyne provides a list of the various
amenities it contends the guest is purchasing with the increased room charge—Kids Club,
movies, etc.—that contention does not survive even passing scrutiny. If Guest A rents a
nicer room than Guest B, Guest A will naturally pay a correspondingly higher price for the
16
room rental. Accepting Boyne’s representation that the extra 7% charge on the room rate
is actually a charge for unrelated amenities necessarily means that Boyne is charging
Guest A a higher fee for these amenities than it is charging Guest B. So do Guest A’s kids
get more time in the ball pit at the Kids Club? Does Guest A get more butter on his or her
popcorn at the movies? Of course not, because the 7% “Resort Services Fee” has nothing
to do with the provision of any amenities—it is entirely and exclusively an increase on the
room charge.
¶37 What Boyne has done here is no different than an employer giving an
across-the-board 7% pay-raise to every employee and attempting to avoid the payroll and
income tax by designating the raises as a per diem. If Boyne had increased its room prices
by 7% and deposited the entire increased room charge into one account—exactly as it has
done in this case—but it did not make up a separate name for the price increase, there
would be no question that the additional 7% was taxable.
¶38 Since this Opinion now allows a lodging facility to avoid imposition of the Use Tax
by unilaterally designating part of a room charge as something other than what it is, there
is nothing to stop a company such as Boyne from simply designating future price increases
as increases to the Resort Services Fee rather than increases to the room charge. It may
not be long before Boyne may boast some of the lowest-priced hotel rooms in Montana—
you just pay an arm and a leg for the amenities.
/S/ JAMES JEREMIAH SHEA
17
Chief Justice Mike McGrath and Justice Ingrid Gustafson join in the Concurrence and
Dissent of Justice Shea.
/S/ MIKE McGRATH
/S/ INGRID GUSTAFSON
Justice Ingrid Gustafson concurring in part, dissenting in part.
¶39 I concur with Justice Shea’s dissent with regard to issue one. I concur with the
majority with regard to issue two. With regard to issue three, I dissent from the conclusion
that forfeited guest deposits are not subject to the Use Tax or Sales Tax. As discussed in
the majority opinion, Boyne requires payment of a non-refundable deposit 30 days prior to
the guest completing his/her stay. At booking, Boyne informs guests the taxing and resort
fees are assessed. If a guest cancels his/her reservation within thirty days of check-in,
Boyne does not refund the deposit, nor remit any taxes collected to the Department.
¶40 I would conclude that the non-refundable deposit collected by Boyne is an
accommodation charge which includes performance of booking services and is subject to
Use and Sales taxes. When a guest books a room, s/he pays a non-refundable amount for
the use of the room. When a guest books a room there is a presumption the guest will
physically stay in the room but the guest nevertheless “uses” the room even if s/he never
physically occupies it. For example, if a guest fails to cancel, but does not check-in and
does not physically occupy the room, the guest still pays the full amount of the
accommodation charge. Under this circumstance, Boyne remits Use and Sales taxes to the
Department despite the guest not physically staying in or occupying the room. Similarly,
18
although the guest does not physically stay in the room when s/he cancels within 30 days
of the scheduled physical occupation of the room, s/he pays for use of the room which
includes the value of the booking services—holding, maintaining, and guaranteeing
availability of the room. These booking services are included in the accommodation
charge, Priceline, ¶ 16, and are thus subject to the Use Tax. The Sales Tax taxes the
purchaser on the sales price of an accommodation, which here is the amount of the non-
refundable deposit, and thus, subject to the Sales Tax as well.
/S/ INGRID GUSTAFSON
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