Taxes & Fees: Scottsdale vs Surprise
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Scottsdale, AZ and Surprise, AZ?
Scottsdale and Surprise have similar restriction levels.
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 →Surprise, AZ
Maricopa County
Short-term rental operators in Surprise must collect and remit Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) on rental income. The combined state, county, and city tax rate applies. Platforms like Airbnb may collect state taxes automatically, but operators must independently hold a TPT license.
View full Surprise rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Scottsdale | Surprise |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| Tax Rate | - | ~12-13% combined (state+county+city) |
| TPT License | - | Required from Arizona DOR |
| Platform Collection | - | Partial — verify city portion |
| Arizona DOR | - | (602) 255-3381 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Surprise FAQ
What taxes do I owe on my Surprise vacation rental?
You owe Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) at a combined rate of approximately 12-13%, covering state, county, and city portions.
Does Airbnb handle my taxes?
Airbnb collects some Arizona taxes automatically, but you should verify the city portion is covered. You still need an independent TPT license from Arizona DOR.
How do I get a TPT license?
Apply through the Arizona Department of Revenue at azdor.gov or call (602) 255-3381. The license is required before you begin renting.
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