Early returns are in for the Island’s first short-term rental tax, and while they show a marked increase, they haven’t quite matched up with lofty predictions.

The recent passage of a tax on short-term rentals has kindled confusion among homeowners and realtors who fear it could eventually impact the Island’s robust seasonal economy.

Two weeks after the short-term rental tax was signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker, elected officials and town hall administrators on the Vineyard were busy sorting through the details and fielding phone calls from confused homeowners.

With an end-of-the-year stroke of the pen, Gov. Charlie Baker signed legislation last Friday extending state and local occupancy taxes now paid by hotels to short-term rentals such as those offered through Airbnb.

Legislation passed this week by Massachusetts lawmakers would extend state and local occupancy taxes to short-term rental properties.