Every operator shall collect the room tax at the time rent is paid, unless an exemption under BC 12.05.025 applies. If payment is by credit card, payment is made at the time credit card information is provided, not when the tax collector ultimately received credit for the transaction. The operator holds the room tax payment in trust for the City until the taxes are remitted to the City as provided in BC 12.05.035. An operator may commingle the tax proceeds with funds of the operator, but the operator is not the owner of room tax proceeds, except that, when a return is filed, the operator becomes the owner of the administrative fee authorized to be retained under BC 12.05.035. Operators may choose to file returns and remit payment based on amounts accrued but not yet collected, and if they do so, will be entitled to a credit for any uncollectibles. The operator is liable for any tax that should have been collected from the occupant, except in cases of nonpayment of rent by the occupant. [Ord. NS-2410, 2021; Ord. NS-2253, 2015; Ord. NS-2163, 2011]