Short-term rental & Airbnb taxes in Gulf Shores, AL (2026)
Short-term rental guests in Gulf Shores pay roughly 16% in combined occupancy and lodging taxes. Here's the itemized breakdown, who collects each one, and what you may need to remit yourself.
Itemized tax rates
| Tax | Rate | Who collects |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama state lodging tax4% in Baldwin County (the 5% rate applies only in Alabama's Mountain Lakes counties). Airbnb states it collects and remits Alabama state lodging tax on its bookings; hosts booking direct remit via My Alabama Taxes. | 4% | varies |
| Baldwin County lodging taxConfirmed on the city's official Rental Property License Checklist and Lodging Tax page. Platform collection for the county portion is not explicitly confirmed by Airbnb's Alabama tax page; self-remitting hosts register through My Alabama Taxes. | 2% | varies |
| City of Gulf Shores lodging tax10% inside corporate limits, 5% in the police jurisdiction (total lodging tax burden: 16% city limits / 11% police jurisdiction, on gross revenue including rental, parking and cleaning fees). Airbnb's help page says it collects Gulf Shores lodging tax but still lists the outdated 7%/3.5% rate (city portion rose to 10% on 2023-09-01), so hosts should verify full remittance. Hosts not using a management company or platform that collects must self-remit monthly by the 20th via My Alabama Taxes. | 10% | varies |
What will guests pay on a Gulf Shores stay?
Enter a nightly rate to see the itemized occupancy-tax cost.
Gulf Shores occupancy tax calculator
| Gross rent | $450.00 |
| Alabama state lodging tax (4%)· collection varies | $18.00 |
| Baldwin County lodging tax (2%)· collection varies | $9.00 |
| City of Gulf Shores lodging tax (10%)· collection varies | $45.00 |
| Total tax (16%) | $72.00 |
| Guest pays | $522.00 |
Estimate only. Platform collection varies by listing site and agreement; verify rates with the taxing authorities.
Keep going
Verified July 10, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax rates and collection rules change; confirm current requirements with Gulf Shores and your booking platform.