Taxes & Fees: Mesa vs Scottsdale
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Mesa, AZ and Scottsdale, AZ?
Scottsdale has fewer restrictions than Mesa.
Mesa, AZ
Maricopa County
Mesa charges a $250 STR license fee and requires operators to collect and remit Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) on all short-term stays under 30 days. A state TPT license is also required.
View full Mesa rules →Scottsdale, AZ
Maricopa County
Scottsdale STR operators must pay a $250 annual licensing fee, collect and remit Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) to the state, county, and city, and may be subject to additional Maricopa County bed tax. The combined tax rate on STR revenue in Scottsdale is approximately 12-13%.
View full Scottsdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mesa | Scottsdale |
|---|---|---|
| License Fee | $250 | - |
| TPT Required | On stays under 30 days | - |
| Processing Time | 7 business days | - |
| Long-Term Exempt | 30+ day stays (since Jan 2025) | - |
| Annual License Fee | - | $250 per property |
| State TPT | - | 5.6% on lodging revenue |
| City TPT | - | 1.75% |
| Combined Tax Rate | - | Approximately 12-13% |
| TPT Registration | - | Required from Arizona DOR |
| Unlicensed Fine | - | $1,000 for operating without STR license |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mesa FAQ
How much does a Mesa STR license cost?
The Mesa short-term rental license costs $250. You also need a state TPT license to collect and remit transaction privilege tax on rental income.
Do Mesa STR operators pay taxes on rental income?
Yes, all rental income from stays under 30 days is subject to city Transaction Privilege Tax. Stays of 30 or more days are exempt from city TPT as of January 2025.
Scottsdale FAQ
What taxes do Scottsdale STR operators pay?
A $250 annual license fee, state TPT at 5.6%, city TPT at 1.75%, and county taxes. The combined rate is approximately 12-13% of lodging revenue.
Does Airbnb collect taxes for Scottsdale STRs?
Some platforms collect and remit certain taxes on behalf of hosts. Verify with your platform which taxes are covered and which you must remit directly through your ADOR TPT account.
What happens if I don't pay STR taxes?
ADOR can assess back taxes, 5% monthly penalties, and 1% monthly interest. Operating without a Scottsdale STR license carries a $1,000 fine.
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