Question 1

Do I have to own the property I list on Shanty BB™?

Accepted Answer

You must be the lawful owner of the property or otherwise have the legal authority to offer it for rental or booking. That includes Properties, Basecamps, cabins, lodges, hunting blinds, tree stands, food plots, docks, recreational access, or any other rentable asset.

If you don't own it outright, you're responsible for confirming — before you list — that you actually have permission to rent it out.

Question 2

I lease the property. Can I still list it?

Accepted Answer

Only if your lease, rental agreement, or other governing documents expressly permit subleasing, short-term rentals, or listing the property on a third-party marketplace like Shanty BB™.

By creating a Listing while leasing, you're representing and warranting to Shanty BB™ that your paperwork allows it. If your lease doesn't allow subleasing or short-term rental, do not list the property.

Question 3

What permissions or paperwork should I have in place before creating a Listing?

Accepted Answer

As the Host, you are solely responsible for verifying that you possess all necessary ownership rights, permissions, licenses, approvals, or contractual authority before creating a Listing. Depending on your situation, that can include:
• Deed or proof of ownership
• Lease with an express short-term rental / sublease clause
• HOA, condo association, or co-op approval where required
• Municipal short-term rental permits or licenses
• Written permission from a co-owner, land trust, or landowner
• Any state, tribal, or federal permits required for hunting, fishing, or recreational access

If you're not sure whether your paperwork is enough, talk to a local attorney before you list.

Question 4

What happens if I list a property without the required legal authority?

Accepted Answer

A Host who lists a property without the required legal authority assumes full responsibility for all resulting claims, damages, losses, fines, penalties, legal expenses, refunds, chargebacks, repairs, cleanup costs, and any other expenses arising from the unauthorized Listing.

You also agree to reimburse and indemnify Shanty BB™ for all costs we incur because of an unauthorized Listing, including but not limited to:
• Refunds issued to Renters
• Credit card processing fees
• Payment processor or banking fees
• Administrative costs
• Chargeback fees
• Customer service expenses
• Property repair or cleanup costs
• Legal fees and costs where permitted by law
• Any other direct or indirect losses incurred by Shanty BB™

Shanty BB™ also reserves the right to immediately suspend or permanently remove any Listing or Host account if we reasonably believe the Host lacks the legal authority to offer the property for booking.

Question 5

Why do I need to provide a TIN, EIN, or Social Security Number?

Accepted Answer

Federal law requires U.S. payment processors to verify the identity of individuals and businesses receiving rental income through online marketplaces. That information is used to:
• Verify the identity of the payment recipient.
• Help prevent fraud and identity theft.
• Comply with IRS reporting requirements (like 1099-K forms).
• Issue required tax forms if reporting thresholds are met.
• Make sure payouts land in the right account.

Without this information, payment processors generally cannot legally release rental payouts. This requirement is not unique to Shanty BB™ — every major U.S. rental marketplace (Airbnb, VRBO, Turo, Outdoorsy, Boatsetter, RVshare, Hipcamp, etc.) follows the same rules because they all use similar U.S. payment infrastructure.

Question 6

What is a TIN?

Accepted Answer

TIN stands for Taxpayer Identification Number. Depending on how you operate, your TIN may be:
• Your Social Security Number (SSN),
• An Employer Identification Number (EIN), or
• Another IRS-issued taxpayer identification number.

Many hosts who rent regularly choose to obtain an EIN for their business rather than using their Social Security Number.

Question 7

Do I have to use my Social Security Number?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily. If you operate your rentals as a sole proprietorship, LLC, corporation, or other legal entity, you can use an Employer Identification Number (EIN) — as long as it's associated with the account receiving payments.

Always consult your accountant or tax professional about which option is appropriate for your situation.

Question 8

How do I get an EIN?

Accepted Answer

An Employer Identification Number is free from the IRS and can usually be obtained online in about 15 minutes at irs.gov/ein.

Many hosts choose an EIN because it can be used for business banking, accounting, and payment processing instead of a personal Social Security Number — which reduces the surface area for identity theft.

Question 9

Why can't Shanty BB™ simply pay me without collecting tax information?

Accepted Answer

Because U.S. payment platforms are subject to federal tax reporting regulations. Collecting required taxpayer information helps ensure:
• Accurate payment reporting.
• Compliance with IRS requirements.
• Protection against fraud.
• Secure, uninterrupted payouts.

Skipping these steps would put both the platform and hosts at risk of tax-compliance problems down the road — so we're not able to make exceptions.

Question 10

Will Shanty BB™ send me a tax form?

Accepted Answer

Our payment processor may issue the appropriate IRS reporting form (typically a 1099-K) if you exceed the applicable reporting threshold in a given tax year.

Reporting thresholds have been in flux — for the 2026 tax year, the IRS has phased in a $2,500 gross-payment threshold, with further reductions expected in future years. When reporting is required, the tax documents will be sent to the address (mail or electronic) associated with your payment account.

We recommend keeping your own records regardless of whether a form is issued.

Question 11

Can I deduct my expenses?

Accepted Answer

Many hosts can deduct legitimate business expenses related to operating a rental. Depending on your circumstances, deductible expenses may include:
• Fuel
• Maintenance and repairs
• Cleaning
• Insurance
• Equipment purchases
• Storage
• Utilities
• Advertising / listing photography
• Supplies
• Labor
• Depreciation on structures or vehicles
• Professional services (accounting, legal)

Every situation is different — talk to a qualified tax professional about what you can and cannot deduct. Keep good records; the IRS wants documentation for anything you deduct.

Question 12

Is my information secure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Shanty BB™ does not use your tax information for marketing or advertising. Sensitive data is collected only to complete identity verification and payment processing, in accordance with applicable laws and industry security standards.

Payment / tax information is processed and stored by our payment provider (Stripe) — Shanty BB™ never sees your full SSN or EIN in plain text.

Question 13

Do other rental platforms require this information?

Accepted Answer

Yes — providing taxpayer information is standard across the online rental industry. Every U.S. platform that processes payments on behalf of hosts follows similar rules:
• Airbnb
• VRBO
• Turo
• Outdoorsy
• Boatsetter
• RVshare
• Hipcamp

The onboarding forms look a little different platform-to-platform, but the underlying federal tax and payment-reporting requirements are the same.

Question 14

Why is Shanty BB™ so strict about this?

Accepted Answer

Because our goal is to build a trusted marketplace that protects both hosts and renters. Following established payment, identity, and tax rules helps:
• Reduce fraud.
• Protect hosts from bad-faith bookings.
• Protect renters from bad-faith listings.
• Ensure reliable, uninterrupted payouts.
• Keep the platform in good standing with regulators.
• Build long-term trust — which grows demand for your listings.

The onboarding takes a few extra minutes up front, but it makes the marketplace safer for everyone involved (including you).

Question 15

Still have questions?

Accepted Answer

If you're unsure which taxpayer identification number to use or how to structure your rental as a business, please speak with a licensed CPA or tax professional in your state.

For platform or onboarding questions, our support team is happy to help — reach out at support@shantybb.com.

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