Skip to content
English
Log in
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

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

Travelnest is only responsible for charging VAT (20%) on its service fee. VAT is not charged on the total booking amount, as Travelnest 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 not VAT registered

If you are not VAT registered, which is common due to the VAT threshold, 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

We understand this can be confusing for guests who are used to hotels issuing VAT invoices. However, if VAT was not charged, a VAT invoice cannot legally be issued.

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.