Somerville vs Waltham
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Somerville, MA and Waltham, MA?
Somerville and Waltham have similar restriction levels.
Somerville, MA
Middlesex County
Somerville STRs owe combined 11.7% room occupancy tax (5.7% state plus 6% local) under MGL c.64G, plus a 3% Community Impact Fee on pro-managed units and an annual registration fee.
View full Somerville rules →Waltham, MA
Middlesex County
Waltham short-term rentals are subject to the 5.7 percent Massachusetts state room occupancy excise plus the 6 percent local option under MGL c.64G, totaling 11.7 percent per booking.
View full Waltham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Somerville | Waltham |
|---|---|---|
| State Tax | 5.7% MGL c.64G | - |
| Local Tax | 6% Somerville | - |
| Impact Fee | 3% pro-managed units | - |
| Filing | MassTaxConnect monthly | - |
| Contact | Somerville 311 or (617) 625-6600 | - |
| State Excise | - | 5.7 percent |
| Waltham Local | - | 6 percent |
| Total Rate | - | 11.7 percent |
| Remittance | - | Monthly via MassTaxConnect |
| Community Impact | - | Up to 3 percent if 2+ units |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Somerville FAQ
Does Airbnb handle Somerville taxes for me?
Airbnb collects and remits state and local room occupancy tax for most MA listings, but you remain legally responsible. Confirm remittance on MassTaxConnect each month.
When does the Community Impact Fee apply?
It applies to operators running two or more STR units in Somerville (professionally managed). Single owner-occupied units are generally exempt.
Waltham FAQ
What is the total tax rate on my Waltham STR?
Guests pay 11.7 percent (5.7 state plus 6 local), collected by the platform or host and remitted to MA DOR.
Does Airbnb collect the tax for me?
Yes, Airbnb and similar platforms collect and remit the state and local excise on registered Massachusetts hosts.
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