Short-term rental & Airbnb taxes in Galveston, TX (2026)
Short-term rental guests in Galveston pay roughly 15% 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Texas state hotel occupancy tax6% of the listing price including cleaning fees for reservations 29 nights and shorter. Airbnb and Vrbo collect and remit under voluntary agreements with the Texas Comptroller; hosts taking direct bookings must register with the Comptroller and remit themselves. | 6% | varies |
| City of Galveston hotel occupancy tax (HOT)9% of taxable gross receipts (nightly rate, cleaning fee, pet fee, etc.). Since a city ordinance approved in August 2021, platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) that collect state HOT must also collect and remit the city HOT; Ordinance 25-060 Sec. 19-120 codifies this but states payment ultimately remains the owner/operator's responsibility. Owners must still file HOT reports by the 20th of the following month — including zero reports — or quarterly if taxes do not exceed $500/month or $1,500/quarter. Collection administered by the City of Galveston since Oct 1, 2025 (previously the Park Board of Trustees). Combined state + city rate is 15%; no separate county HOT was identified within city limits. | 9% | varies |
What will guests pay on a Galveston stay?
Enter a nightly rate to see the itemized occupancy-tax cost.
Galveston occupancy tax calculator
| Gross rent | $450.00 |
| Texas state hotel occupancy tax (6%)· collection varies | $27.00 |
| City of Galveston hotel occupancy tax (HOT) (9%)· collection varies | $40.50 |
| Total tax (15%) | $67.50 |
| Guest pays | $517.50 |
Estimate only. Platform collection varies by listing site and agreement; verify rates with the taxing authorities.
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Verified July 10, 2026. Informational only — not legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax rates and collection rules change; confirm current requirements with Galveston and your booking platform.