Taxes & Fees: Boston vs Chelsea
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Boston, MA and Chelsea, MA?
Chelsea has fewer restrictions than Boston.
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Boston STR operators pay state room occupancy excise of 5.7% plus a local tax of 6.5%, the highest local rate allowed in Massachusetts, totaling 12.2% in taxes.
View full Boston rules →Chelsea, MA
Suffolk County
STRs in Chelsea are subject to the Massachusetts state room occupancy excise tax (5.7%) plus Chelsea's local option tax. DOR registration fee is $50/year. STR platforms collect and remit taxes.
View full Chelsea rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Boston | Chelsea |
|---|---|---|
| State Tax | 5.7% | 5.7% room occupancy excise (MGL c. 64G) |
| Local Tax | 6.5% (Boston max) | - |
| Combined Rate | 12.2% | - |
| Insurance Req | $1M liability per stay | - |
| Local Option | - | Chelsea may impose up to 6% |
| DOR Fee | - | $50/year registration |
| Insurance | - | $1M liability required per stay |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Boston FAQ
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in Boston?
Boston STR operators pay state room occupancy excise of 5.7% plus a local tax of 6.5%, the highest local rate allowed in Massachusetts, totaling 12.2% in taxes.
How much is the short-term rental license fee in Boston?
State Tax: 5.7%. Local Tax: 6.5% (Boston max). Combined Rate: 12.2%. Insurance Req: $1M liability per stay.
Chelsea FAQ
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in Chelsea?
STRs in Chelsea are subject to the Massachusetts state room occupancy excise tax (5.7%) plus Chelsea's local option tax. DOR registration fee is $50/year. STR platforms collect and remit taxes.
How much is the short-term rental license fee in Chelsea?
State Tax: 5.7% room occupancy excise (MGL c. 64G). Local Option: Chelsea may impose up to 6%. DOR Fee: $50/year registration. Insurance: $1M liability required per stay.
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