Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Tennessee Statewide Rule

Tennessee Short-Term Rental Sales and Occupancy Tax Rules

Heavy RestrictionsApplies statewide across Tennessee (2026)

Key Facts

State Sales Tax
7%
Local Sales Tax
Up to 2.75%
Marketplace Collection
Required by law
Statute
TCA 67-6-202
Last verified: September 5, 2026Source: Justia Law

Summary

Tennessee imposes statewide sales tax on short-term rental stays and authorizes local hotel-motel occupancy taxes, with marketplace facilitators required to collect on behalf of hosts.

(a) A short-term rental unit marketplace shall register with the department for the collection and remittance of all the following taxes with respect to the consideration charged for the occupancy of a short-term rental unit: (1) The privilege tax imposed pursuant to title 7, chapter 4, part 1; (2) The privilege tax imposed pursuant to title 7, chapter 4, part 2; (3) The privilege tax imposed pursuant to title 67, chapter 4, part 14; and (4) Any privilege tax on the occupancy of a room provided by any hotel, motel, or similar establishment to a transient for a consideration, where the tax is imposed pursuant to a private act.

Full Breakdown

Tennessee applies its 7% state sales tax plus local option sales tax to short-term rental charges under TCA 67-6-202 and TCA 67-4-1425. Marketplace facilitators like Airbnb and Vrbo must collect and remit these taxes for hosts under TCA 67-6-501 et seq. Local governments may impose hotel-motel occupancy taxes (typically 2-7%) authorized under TCA 67-4-1401. Hosts renting outside marketplace platforms must register with the Department of Revenue and remit taxes directly. Failure to collect or remit results in personal liability for the unpaid tax.

Violations & Penalties

Failing to collect or remit sales tax can result in assessments, penalties up to 25%, and interest under TCA 67-1-801.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Airbnb collect Tennessee taxes for me?
Yes. Under marketplace facilitator law, Airbnb and similar platforms must collect and remit state sales tax and most local occupancy taxes on bookings made through their platforms.
Do I owe taxes if I rent directly?
Yes. Direct bookings outside platforms require you to register with the Tennessee Department of Revenue and collect the full state and local tax yourself.

Sources

See something wrong?

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 If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.