Taxes & Fees: Lunenburg vs Worcester
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Lunenburg, MA and Worcester, MA?
Lunenburg has fewer restrictions than Worcester.
Lunenburg, MA
Worcester County
State room occupancy excise of 5.7% applies to all STRs under MGL c. 64G. An additional 6% community impact fee may apply for professionally managed or non-owner-occupied STRs. Local option taxes may be added by individual municipalities.
View full Lunenburg rules →Worcester, MA
Worcester County
Worcester STR operators must collect the Massachusetts room excise tax of 5.7%, plus a local option tax up to 6%, and a community impact fee up to 3% on professionally managed units. Total tax can reach 14.7%.
View full Worcester rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lunenburg | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| State Excise | 5.7% room occupancy (MGL c. 64G) | 5.7% |
| Community Impact Fee | Up to 6% for non-owner-occupied | - |
| County Code | None — county abolished 1998 | - |
| Local Option | Individual municipalities may add | Up to 6% |
| Impact Fee | - | Up to 3% (non-owner) |
| Max Total | - | 14.7% |
| Filing | - | Form STR-1 quarterly |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lunenburg FAQ
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in Worcester County?
State room occupancy excise of 5.7% applies to all STRs under MGL c. 64G. An additional 6% community impact fee may apply for professionally managed or non-owner-occupied STRs. Local option taxes may be added by individual municipalities.
How much is the short-term rental license fee in Worcester County?
State Excise: 5.7% room occupancy (MGL c. 64G). Community Impact Fee: Up to 6% for non-owner-occupied. County Code: None — county abolished 1998. Local Option: Individual municipalities may add.
Worcester FAQ
What taxes do Airbnb hosts pay in Worcester?
Hosts must collect state room excise (5.7%), local option tax (up to 6%), and potentially a community impact fee (up to 3%). Airbnb may collect some taxes automatically.
Does Airbnb automatically collect Massachusetts lodging taxes?
Platforms like Airbnb collect and remit taxes in Massachusetts, but operators remain responsible for ensuring full compliance and filing Form STR-1 quarterly with DOR.
What is the maximum total STR tax rate in Worcester?
The combined rate can reach 14.7% for professionally managed (non-owner-occupied) properties, combining state excise, local option, and the community impact fee.
Compare other topics
See how Lunenburg and Worcester compare on other ordinance categories.
Want to add a third city?
Use our full comparison tool to compare up to three cities.
Open Comparison Tool