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Plymouth County, MA Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)

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

Key Facts

State excise
5.7% (MGL c.64G §3)
Local excise
Up to 6%, c.64G §3A
31-day stays
Not taxed
Collection
Airbnb, Vrbo remit

Summary

Short-term rentals owe the 5.7% Massachusetts state excise plus a local excise of up to 6% adopted under MGL c.64G §3A. Plymouth, Marshfield, and Wareham levy the full local rate; Airbnb and Vrbo collect it.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Plymouth County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

A city or town that accepts this section may impose a local excise upon the transfer of occupancy of a room in a bed and breakfast establishment, hotel, lodging house, short-term rental or motel located within that city or town by an operator at a rate of not more than 6 per cent of the total amount of rent for each such occupancy

Source: Massachusetts General LawsView official code

Full Breakdown

Even without ordinance power, Plymouth County towns tax rentals through state law. The Massachusetts room-occupancy excise applies at 5.7% under MGL c.64G §3, and MGL c.64G §3A lets a town add a local excise of up to 6% on the same rent. Plymouth, Marshfield, Scituate, and Wareham adopt the local excise; a town qualifying as a seasonal community can add a further impact fee. Stays of 31 days or longer fall outside the tax. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both excises for bookings on their platforms.

Violations & Fines

A host who fails to collect or remit owes back excise plus penalties and interest assessed by the Massachusetts DOR. Direct bookings require the host to file returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What tax do I owe on a Plymouth County rental?
The 5.7% state excise plus your town's local excise of up to 6% under MGL c.64G §3A. Plymouth, Marshfield, and Wareham charge the full local rate.
Does Airbnb collect the tax for me?
Yes. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit both the state and local excise on platform bookings. Direct bookings leave you to file with the Massachusetts DOR.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Plymouth County

All Plymouth County rules

How Plymouth County compares: Cities with the Highest Short-Term Rental Taxes·Compare Plymouth County to another location·View the Massachusetts short-term rentals overview

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