Taxes & Fees: Ayer vs Somerville
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Ayer, MA and Somerville, MA?
Ayer and Somerville have similar restriction levels.
Ayer, MA
Middlesex County
Middlesex County short-term rentals under 32 days must collect the 5.7% Massachusetts state room occupancy excise plus local option taxes up to 6%, community impact fees, and convention center surcharges.
View full Ayer rules →Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville STRs owe combined 11.7% room occupancy tax (5.7% state plus 6% local) under MGL c.64G, plus a 3% Community Impact Fee on pro-managed units and an annual registration fee.
View full Somerville rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Ayer | Somerville |
|---|---|---|
| State excise | 5.7% | - |
| Local option | Up to 6% | - |
| Community Impact Fee | Up to 3% | - |
| Convention Center | 2.75% (Cambridge) | - |
| Total (Cambridge) | Up to 17.45% | - |
| State Tax | - | 5.7% MGL c.64G |
| Local Tax | - | 6% Somerville |
| Impact Fee | - | 3% pro-managed units |
| Filing | - | MassTaxConnect monthly |
| Contact | - | Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Ayer FAQ
What taxes apply to my Middlesex County STR?
All stays under 32 days owe 5.7% state excise plus up to 6% local tax, plus a possible 3% Community Impact Fee and 2.75% convention center fee in Cambridge.
Who remits the STR taxes?
The operator or intermediary (like Airbnb) files monthly with the MA Department of Revenue via MassTaxConnect. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit on behalf of hosts in most cases.
Somerville FAQ
Does Airbnb handle Somerville taxes for me?
Airbnb collects and remits state and local room occupancy tax for most MA listings, but you remain legally responsible. Confirm remittance on MassTaxConnect each month.
When does the Community Impact Fee apply?
It applies to operators running two or more STR units in Somerville (professionally managed). Single owner-occupied units are generally exempt.
Compare other topics
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