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Guest Invoice Requests

Guide on guest invoice requests, VAT responsibility, and who can issue invoices for bookings

When a guest asks for an invoice

Guests, particularly business travellers, may ask for an invoice after their stay. This article explains who can issue an invoice, why Travelnest cannot provide one to guests, and how you should respond, including VAT considerations.

Why Travelnest cannot issue an invoice to guests

Travelnest acts as a third-party agent between the host (seller) and the guest (buyer). An invoice is a legal document that must be issued by the seller of the service.

Because Travelnest is not the seller of the stay, we are not legally permitted to issue an invoice directly to the guest. The contract for the accommodation is between the host and the guest, not Travelnest and the guest.

Why hosts receive a weekly Travelnest invoice

Each Wednesday, hosts receive a Travelnest invoice showing:

  • The total booking amount

  • Travelnest’s service fee

  • VAT charged on the service fee only

This document is classed as an invoice, not a receipt for the guest, because Travelnest is invoicing the host for its services as an agent. The full booking value is not income for Travelnest—only the service fee is.

VAT explained for guest bookings

VAT (at the current standard rate) is charged only on Travelnest's service fee, not on the total booking amount, because Travelnest acts as an agent and does not sell the stay itself.

This is also why booking platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com do not charge VAT on the full booking value. Like Travelnest, they act as intermediaries and only apply VAT to their commission.

If you are VAT registered

If you are VAT registered, you may be able to issue the guest a receipt or invoice directly as the seller of the accommodation. You should:

  • Check with your accountant or tax adviser whether you are required to issue a VAT invoice for the stay
  • Issue the document directly to the guest, not via Travelnest
  • Ensure the invoice reflects the accommodation service you provided, not Travelnest's service fee

If you are unsure whether you need to charge VAT on short-term lets, we recommend seeking independent tax advice, as this depends on your individual circumstances.

If you are not VAT registered

If you are not VAT registered (below the VAT threshold), no VAT was charged on the booking and you cannot provide a VAT invoice. You should explain to the guest that:

  • No VAT was charged on the booking

  • A VAT invoice cannot be provided

As VAT was not applied, there is no VAT for the guest to reclaim.

If the guest insists on a VAT invoice

If VAT was not charged, a VAT invoice cannot legally be issued. Guests used to hotels issuing VAT invoices may find this unfamiliar, but the same principle applies here.

If there were a legal requirement for Travelnest to charge and deduct VAT on the full booking amount, VAT invoices would be provided. This does not apply in this case.

What to tell your guest

You can let the guest know that:

  • Travelnest acts as an agent and cannot issue invoices to guests

  • You are not VAT registered (if applicable)

  • No VAT was charged on the stay, so no VAT invoice is available

If you have further questions about guest invoice requests or VAT, please contact our Host Support team for clarification.