Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Washington County, AR Short-Term Rentals: Taxes & Fees (2026)

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

Key Facts

State sales tax
6.5%
State tourism tax
2% (§ 26-63-401)
Fayetteville HMR
2% (1% A&P, 1% parks)
Platforms
Collect state and HMR tax

Summary

A short-term stay in Washington County owes Arkansas's 6.5% state sales tax, a 2% state tourism tax, and local sales taxes, plus a city advertising-and-promotion or hotel tax. Fayetteville adds a 2% HMR tax.

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

levy a tax not to exceed three percent (3%) upon the gross receipts or gross proceeds ... renting, leasing, or otherwise furnishing hotel, motel, house, cabin, bed and breakfast, campground, condominium, or other similar rental accommodations

Full Breakdown

Rentals under 30 days in Washington County carry Arkansas's 6.5% state sales tax, the 2% state tourism tax under Ark. Code 26-63-401, and Washington County and city sales taxes on top. Cities may also levy an advertising-and-promotion tax under Ark. Code 26-75-602: Fayetteville charges a 2% hotel-motel-restaurant tax, split one percent to advertising and promotion and one percent to city parks, while Springdale levies its own lodging tax, pushing combined rates near 11 to 12%. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit the state taxes and Fayetteville's HMR tax under voluntary agreements; direct-booking hosts must register and file themselves.

Violations & Fines

Failing to collect or remit lodging taxes brings back taxes plus penalties and interest from the Arkansas DFA and the city. Direct-booking hosts must register and file returns themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

What taxes apply to my Washington County rental?
Arkansas's 6.5% state sales tax, a 2% state tourism tax, county and city sales taxes, and a city A&P or hotel tax such as Fayetteville's 2% HMR. Combined near 11 to 12%.
Does Airbnb collect the tax for me?
Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit Arkansas state taxes and Fayetteville's 2% HMR tax under voluntary agreements. Direct bookings require you to register with the state and city and file yourself.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Washington County

All Washington County rules

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

Get notified when Taxes & Fees in Washington County, AR changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Taxes & Fees in Cities Across Washington County