LicensedRental

Georgia county rules

Augusta-Richmond County, GA vacation rental rules and taxes

Augusta has more than 1,100 Airbnb listings and its biggest week is the Masters. The city has no short-term rental permit today, but an October 2026 draft zoning rewrite would require permits and limit new rentals to farm, medical, and downtown areas.

Checked against official sources November 6, 2026
Market
About 1,140 Airbnb listings
Augusta 1,138, Hephzibah 23 (AirROI).Source
Current rules
No permit found
Planning said in 2023 the codes don’t regulate short-term rentals of private homes.Source
Draft zoning (Oct. 2026)
Permit; limited zones
Would allow STRs only in agricultural, medical, and three downtown areas. Not adopted.Source
Taxes
9% sales + 6% hotel-motel + $5/night
Airbnb collects the Augusta hotel tax on its bookings.Source

News reports on the draft cite an 8% hotel-motel tax, while the DCA report lists 6%. Ask Augusta which rate applies to short-term rentals.

Renting your home for 14 days or less a year can keep the income off your federal return, but under the draft you would still owe the city’s hotel tax unless the promised exception is added.

What to do

  1. Watch the zoning rewrite

    The October 14, 2026 draft would require a zoning compliance permit, registration, and the hotel tax, with 2 adults per bedroom, 6 unrelated people, and 1 parking space per bedroom. The city attorney said the city plans an exception for homes rented fewer than 15 days a year; a final draft was due in November 2026.Source

  2. Taxes on each stay

    Stays here owe 9% sales tax, the local hotel-motel tax, and the $5-a-night state fee. Airbnb collects all three on its bookings. For direct bookings, file sales tax (and the $5 fee, if you need a local license) with the Georgia Tax Center. Augusta’s 6% hotel-motel tax (rate on file with DCA) is filed with Augusta-Richmond County for direct bookings.Source

  3. Ask about a business license

    In 2023 the planning director said owners with two or more rental properties already need a business license. Ask the Planning and Development Department what applies to your home.Source

Sources

A plain-language summary to help you prepare, not legal advice. Rules and fees change; confirm with the office before you apply. Spot something out of date? Email hello@licensedrental.com.