Taxes & Fees: Baytown vs Houston
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Baytown, TX and Houston, TX?
Baytown and Houston have similar restriction levels.
Baytown, TX
Harris County
Short-term rental operators in Baytown must collect and remit hotel occupancy taxes. The City of Baytown levies a 7% local hotel occupancy tax in addition to the 6% Texas state hotel occupancy tax, for a combined 13% on short-term lodging. Operators must register with the Texas Comptroller and the City of Baytown Finance Department.
View full Baytown rules →Houston, TX
Harris County
Houston STR operators owe a combined 17% hotel occupancy tax: 6% state, 7% city, 2% Harris County, and 2% Harris County-Houston Sports Authority. Major platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo auto-collect both state and city portions.
View full Houston rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Baytown | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Local Tax Rate | 7% city hotel occupancy tax | - |
| State Tax Rate | 6% Texas hotel occupancy tax | - |
| Combined Rate | 13% total | - |
| Threshold | Rentals of 30 days or fewer | - |
| Contact | (281) 420-6568 Baytown Finance | - |
| State HOT | - | 6% |
| City HOT | - | 7% |
| County + Sports | - | 2% + 2% |
| Total | - | Up to 17% |
| Auto-Collect | - | Airbnb & Vrbo |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Baytown FAQ
What taxes do Baytown Airbnb hosts have to pay?
Baytown STR hosts must collect a 7% local hotel occupancy tax and a 6% state hotel occupancy tax (13% total) on stays of 30 days or fewer. Register with both the Texas Comptroller and Baytown Finance Department.
Does Airbnb collect taxes automatically for Baytown rentals?
Airbnb may collect and remit the 6% state hotel occupancy tax in Texas. However, you should verify with Baytown Finance at (281) 420-6568 whether the local 7% tax is also being remitted or if you must handle it separately.
How often do I remit hotel occupancy tax in Baytown?
Hotel occupancy taxes are generally remitted quarterly. Register with the City of Baytown Finance Department at (281) 420-6568 for local tax filing schedules and forms.
Houston FAQ
Does Airbnb collect Houston hotel tax?
Yes. Airbnb and Vrbo auto-collect both the 6% state and 7% city hotel occupancy tax on behalf of Houston hosts. County taxes may require separate filing.
What is the total tax rate for Houston STRs?
Up to 17% total: 6% state, 7% city, 2% Harris County, and 2% Harris County-Houston Sports Authority.
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