Taxes & Fees: Bellingham vs Brookline
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Bellingham, MA and Brookline, MA?
Bellingham and Brookline have similar restriction levels.
Bellingham, MA
Norfolk County
Massachusetts imposes a 5.7% state room occupancy excise on all STRs (MGL c. 64G). Norfolk County municipalities may add a local option excise up to 6%. Many platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) collect and remit these taxes automatically.
View full Bellingham rules →Brookline, MA
Norfolk County
Brookline hosts collect and remit a 6% local occupancy tax plus the 5.7% Massachusetts state room occupancy excise under MGL c. 64G. State DOR registration and $1 million liability insurance are required.
View full Brookline rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bellingham | Brookline |
|---|---|---|
| State Excise | 5.7% (MGL c. 64G) | - |
| Local Option | Up to 6% (set by each municipality) | - |
| Community Impact Fee | Up to 3% for operators with 6+ units | - |
| Platform Collection | Airbnb/Vrbo collect & remit automatically | - |
| Self-Remit | Off-platform hosts: MassTaxConnect | - |
| State Tax | - | 5.7% (MGL c. 64G) |
| Local Tax | - | 6% local option excise |
| Insurance | - | $1M per occurrence (state law) |
| Certificate Fee | - | $275 (Town of Brookline) |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bellingham FAQ
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in Norfolk County?
Massachusetts imposes a 5.7% state room occupancy excise on all STRs (MGL c. 64G). Norfolk County municipalities may add a local option excise up to 6%. Many platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) collect and remit these taxes automatically.
How much is the short-term rental license fee in Norfolk County?
State Excise: 5.7% (MGL c. 64G). Local Option: Up to 6% (set by each municipality). Community Impact Fee: Up to 3% for operators with 6+ units. Platform Collection: Airbnb/Vrbo collect & remit automatically.
Brookline FAQ
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in Brookline?
Brookline hosts collect and remit a 6% local occupancy tax plus the 5.7% Massachusetts state room occupancy excise under MGL c. 64G. State DOR registration and $1 million liability insurance are required.
How much is the short-term rental license fee in Brookline?
State Tax: 5.7% (MGL c. 64G). Local Tax: 6% local option excise. Insurance: $1M per occurrence (state law). Certificate Fee: $275 (Town of Brookline).
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