INSIDE VIEW
SAMANTHA ENSLIN-PAYNE: It's getting harder to take the taxman for a ride
Airbnb hosts can no longer hide cash under the mattress
The gig economy is providing much-needed income for cash-strapped South Africans - whether you are an Uber driver, an Airbnb host or have a side hustle to cover your expenses. But for those operating through the platforms of multinationals, the days of earning under the taxman's radar are fast coming to an end. Last month, the government announced plans to regulate Airbnb, and it has generated much outrage. The proposed regulations may limit the number of nights per year that accommodation can be rented. It's not unprecedented. In London, homes on Airbnb can only be listed for 90 days a year, while in Barcelona, Airbnb had to remove hundreds of listings that did not have licences. Other cities, such as San Francisco and Berlin, have also tackled the issue with regulations, not always with success. In Paris, which is one of the largest Airbnb markets, city officials have been concerned about the purchasing of second apartments with the express aim of using them for short-term rentals...
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