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Harris County, TX Hotels & Lodging: Transient Occupancy Tax (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

State HOT
6 percent under Ch. 156
County HOT
7 percent under Ch. 352
Houston city HOT
About 7 percent more
Filing frequency
Monthly by 20th
Records retention
Four years minimum

Summary

Harris County hotels collect a 6 percent state HOT, 7 percent county HOT, and any city HOT, totaling about 17 percent in Houston. Operators register with the Texas Comptroller, file monthly returns, and remit county HOT to the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector under Tax Code Chapter 352.

City-specific rules exist: Houston has its own transient occupancy tax rules that differ from Harris County's county-level regulations. If you live in Houston, check the city-specific page instead.

Hotel Occupancy Tax. Who is responsible for this tax? Hotel owners, operators or managers must collect state hotel occupancy tax from their guests who rent a room or space in a hotel costing $15 or more each day. The tax applies not only to hotels and motels, but also to bed and breakfasts, condominiums, apartments and houses. Local hotel taxes apply to sleeping rooms costing $2 or more each day. With the numerous sporting and entertainment events around the state, many homeowners rent their homes or rooms in their house to people attending these events. Persons leasing their houses must collect hotel occupancy tax from their customers in the same way a hotel or motel collects the tax from its guests. Property management companies, online travel companies and other third-party rental companies may also be responsible for collecting the tax. Rates: The state hotel occupancy tax rate is 6 percent (.06) of the cost of a room. Cities and certain counties and special purpose districts are authorized to impose an additional local hotel tax that the local taxing authority collects. Due Date: Monthly: 20th day of the month following the end of each calendar month (for example, April 20 for March activity). Quarterly (if qualified): 20th day of the month following end of the calendar quarter. [...] Tax Laws: Chapter 156, Tax Code (State); Chapter 351, Tax Code (Municipal); Chapter 352, Tax Code (County); Chapter 334, Local Government Code (Sports & Community Venues).

Source: Texas ComptrollerView official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: the cited page had not changed since it was quoted.

Full Breakdown

Hotel and motel operators in unincorporated Harris County must register with the Texas Comptroller for the 6 percent state HOT under Tax Code Chapter 156, plus separately file with Harris County for the 7 percent county HOT under Tax Code Chapter 352. Inside Houston, city HOT adds another 7 percent plus a convention center fee, totaling roughly 17 percent on the room charge. Returns are due monthly by the 20th of the following month. Operators must keep registration cards, daily room reports, and folios for four years for Comptroller and county audits. Short-term rentals, bed and breakfasts, and corporate housing under 30 days are also subject to HOT.

Violations & Fines

Failure to register or remit triggers 5 percent late penalty after 30 days, additional 5 percent after 60 days, plus interest. The Comptroller can revoke the certificate and the County Attorney files HOT recovery suits.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does a Harris County hotel register for occupancy tax?
Register first with the Texas Comptroller for state HOT through their online Webfile system. Then register the property with the Harris County Tax Assessor-Collector for the 7 percent county HOT, and with any incorporating city for city HOT collection.
What stays are exempt from Harris County hotel tax?
Stays of 30 consecutive days at the same property are exempt under Texas Tax Code 156.101 and 352.007. Federal employees on official travel and certain diplomats are also exempt with proper exemption certificates kept on file by the operator.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Harris County

All Harris County rules

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