Sugar Land, TX Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)
Key Facts
- State Hotel Tax
- 6% (Texas Comptroller)
- Local Hotel Tax
- Additional city rate applies
- Registration
- TX Comptroller permit required
- Filing
- Quarterly returns
Summary
Any lodging business operating in Texas, including short-term rentals, must collect and remit the 6% state hotel occupancy tax to the Texas Comptroller. Sugar Land also levies a local hotel occupancy tax. STR operators must register with the Texas Comptroller and obtain a hotel occupancy tax permit.
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 (for example, April 20 for first quarter activity). Penalties and Interest Penalties A $50 penalty is assessed on each report filed after the due date. If tax is paid 1-30 days after the due date, a 5 percent penalty is assessed. If tax is paid over 30 days after the due date, a 10 percent penalty is assessed. Interest Past due taxes are charged interest beginning 61 days after the due date.
Full Breakdown
Texas Tax Code Chapter 156 requires all lodging businesses, including short-term rentals, to collect and remit a 6% state hotel occupancy tax on room charges for stays of less than 30 consecutive days. Sugar Land, as a home-rule city, levies an additional local hotel occupancy tax under Texas Tax Code Chapter 351. STR operators must register with the Texas Comptroller's office and obtain a hotel occupancy tax permit before beginning operations. Tax returns must be filed quarterly. Failure to collect and remit the tax can result in penalties, interest, and criminal prosecution. The CUP application process for an STR in Sugar Land would also include applicable city permit fees. Platforms like Airbnb and VRBO collect and remit the state tax in Texas, but operators remain responsible for local tax compliance.
Violations & Fines
Failure to collect hotel occupancy tax: penalties of 5% of tax due (1-30 days late) to 10% (31+ days late), plus interest. Criminal penalties under Texas Tax Code may apply for willful noncompliance. STR zoning violations carry separate fines up to $2,000/day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to collect hotel tax for a Sugar Land rental?
Does Airbnb collect taxes for Sugar Land hosts?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Sugar Land
How Sugar Land compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·Texas rules heatmap·Compare Sugar Land to another location·View the Texas short-term rentals overview
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