Watch for the taxes...

You are being gouged.

Anyone that has spent the night in a hotel or rented a car in most cities around the United States has found out that they are being gouged by politicians looking for ways to get funds for projects without charging residents for their needs.

Here is an example of some of the various taxes you will pay and what they are paying for:
-Las Vegas: You are paying a tax to pay for an ArtsCenter that is for the local citizens.

-Salt Lake City: Room taxes going to build a new Soccer Stadium that many oppose

-Phoenix: Car Rental taxes paying for the Phoenix Cardinals Stadium and home of the Supper Bowl

-Atlanta: Rental Car tax to pay for stadium used by the Atlanta Braves AAA Club.

-Kansas City: Tourism and a new Arena

Here is some more from Auto Rental News:

-Fairbanks: City Border Expansion

-Tucson: Arena Construction

-Ohio: General Revenue Fund

-Portland: Portland Trailblazers Arena

-Pennsylvania: Covers Deficits in State Transportation Departments

-Nashville: Convention Center

-Seattle: Key Arena

-Wichita: Arts Foundation

-Reno Area: AAABaseballPark to attract a team

Many times these are called fees so it looks as though the rental agency is charging you a fee instead of being gouge by the local politicians.

Some of the cities were you will pay the highest taxes is Houston, Kansas City, and Seattle.

While there is little you can do about the taxes, you need to be aware of them so you can budget for them. Most car rental agencies will show you how much your rental will cost after taxes and it may shock you.