Taxes & Fees: Bellaire vs Houston
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Bellaire, TX and Houston, TX?
Bellaire and Houston have similar restriction levels.
Bellaire, TX
Harris County
Short-term rental operators in Bellaire must collect and remit the Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%) and any applicable local hotel occupancy tax. STR permit fees apply for properties in the CMU mixed-use district where STRs are allowed. Platform companies like Airbnb may collect state taxes automatically.
View full Bellaire 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 | Bellaire | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| State Hotel Tax | 6% on stays ≤30 days | - |
| County Tax | Harris County hotel tax applies | - |
| Permit Fee | Per city fee schedule | - |
| Platform Collection | Airbnb/VRBO may remit state tax | - |
| Contact | (713) 662-8222 Development Services | - |
| State HOT | - | 6% |
| City HOT | - | 7% |
| County + Sports | - | 2% + 2% |
| Total | - | Up to 17% |
| Auto-Collect | - | Airbnb & Vrbo |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellaire FAQ
What taxes do Bellaire Airbnb hosts pay?
Hosts must collect the 6% Texas state hotel occupancy tax and any applicable Harris County and local hotel taxes on stays of 30 days or fewer. Airbnb may collect the state tax automatically, but hosts should verify all local taxes are covered.
How much is the STR permit fee in Bellaire?
Permit fees are set by the city's fee schedule and cover annual fire marshal inspections and administrative costs. Contact Development Services at (713) 662-8222 for current fee amounts.
Does Airbnb handle tax collection for Bellaire hosts?
Airbnb collects and remits the Texas state hotel occupancy tax in most cases, but local and county taxes may still be the host's responsibility. Verify with the city and Texas Comptroller.
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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