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Alabama Statewide Rule

Alabama Statewide Lodgings Tax on Short-Term Rentals

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Alabama (2026)

Key Facts

State Tax Rate
4% or 5%
Threshold
Under 180 days
Filing Frequency
Monthly by 20th
Authority
AL Department of Revenue
Statute
Title 40, Chapter 26

Summary

Alabama imposes a statewide lodgings tax on rooms and accommodations rented for fewer than 180 continuous days, applying universally to short-term rentals across all municipalities, including Airbnb and Vrbo bookings collected by the Department of Revenue.

(a) There is levied and imposed, in addition to all other taxes of every kind now imposed by law, a privilege or license tax upon every person, firm, or corporation engaging in the business of renting or furnishing any room or rooms, lodging, or accommodations to transients in any hotel, motel, inn, tourist camp, tourist cabin, marine slip, place or space for tent camping, place or space provided for a motor home, travel trailer, self-propelled camper or house car, truck camper, or similar recreational vehicle commonly known as a R.V., or any other place in which rooms, lodgings, or accommodations are regularly furnished to transients for a consideration, in any county which is located in the geographic region comprising the Alabama mountain lakes area, those being Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan, and Winston, in an amount to be determined by the application of the rate of five percent of the charge for such room, rooms, lodgings, or accommodations, including the charge for use or rental of personal property and services furnished in such room, and the rate of four percent of the charge in every other county.

Source: Ala. Code § 40-26-1 — Transient occupancy (lodgings) tax imposed; exemptions; definitionsView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Alabama Code Title 40, Chapter 26, hosts must collect and remit a state lodgings tax of 5% in mountain lakes counties and 4% elsewhere on the gross proceeds from short-term rentals under 180 days. Short-term rental marketplaces such as Airbnb have voluntary collection agreements with the Alabama Department of Revenue. Local lodgings taxes also apply in addition to the state rate. Hosts must register for a tax account, file monthly returns, and remit payments by the 20th of the following month. The tax is universal regardless of municipality.

Violations & Penalties

Failure to collect or remit lodgings tax results in penalties up to 10% of tax due, plus interest, and possible criminal misdemeanor charges for willful evasion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Airbnb collect Alabama lodgings tax automatically?
Yes. Airbnb has a voluntary collection agreement with the Alabama Department of Revenue and collects the state lodgings tax on bookings, but hosts remain responsible for verifying compliance and local taxes.
Are stays over 180 days exempt?
Yes. Continuous stays of 180 days or more by the same occupant are exempt from the state lodgings tax under Alabama Code Section 40-26-1.

Sources

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