Williamson County, Texas
Georgetown, TX vacation rental requirements
Since November 1, 2024, every short-term rental in Georgetown city limits needs a yearly city permit ($100, then $50 to renew). You give the city a 24/7 local contact, a good-neighbor brochure, and notice to neighbors within 200 feet. Stays owe 6% state plus 7% city hotel tax, which you file monthly yourself.
Checked against official sources November 8, 2026Download checklist (PDF)Free. A printable version of this guide to tick off, with the official sources.
Your licensing checklist
In order: the state, the county, then the town.
State of Texas
Know who pays the hotel tax
Airbnb collects and pays the 6% state hotel tax on its bookings. If guests pay you directly or through a site that doesn’t collect, register with the Comptroller and file the state tax yourself.Source
Register for local hotel tax
Your city (and in some places your county) charges its own hotel tax, filed with that city or county, not the state. Airbnb pays it only in the places on its list; everywhere else you register and file it yourself, even for Airbnb bookings.Source
Check your city’s rules
Many Texas cities require a short-term rental permit or registration, and some require an inspection, a local contact, or posted rules. Outside city limits there’s usually no permit, but deed restrictions and HOA rules often limit rentals. Pick your area for the local rules.Source
Williamson County, Texas
Then your city
Texas counties can’t zone, so rental rules come from the city your home is in. Outside city limits there’s usually no permit, but deed restrictions and HOA rules may limit rentals. Pick your city.Source
Hotel taxes on each stay
Stays of 29 nights or less owe the 6% state hotel tax, which Airbnb collects on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, file it with the Texas Comptroller. Outside city limits, only the state tax applies. Airbnb doesn’t collect any city hotel tax in Williamson County.Source
City of Georgetown
Check you’re in city limits
The permit applies inside Georgetown city limits, including garage apartments and backyard cottages. Use the city limits map.Source
Apply online
Apply on the city’s portal with owner, operator, and 24/7 local contact details, a good-neighbor brochure, proof you’ve notified neighbors within 200 feet, your listing links, and proof you’re paying hotel tax.Source
Renew every year
The permit ends on the last day of the month a year after it’s issued. Apply to renew at least 30 days before. A new owner must apply again.Source
Hotel taxes on each stay
Stays of 29 nights or less owe the 6% state hotel tax, which Airbnb collects on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, file it with the Texas Comptroller. Georgetown’s 7% hotel tax isn’t on Airbnb’s collection list, so register with the city and file it yourself, Airbnb bookings included. File monthly by the 20th on the same portal.Source
Fees
$100 the first year, $50 a year after
| Permit application | $100 |
|---|---|
| Annual renewal | $50 |
Sources
- Hotel Occupancy Tax FAQs: Airbnb · Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts
- Occupancy tax collection and remittance by Airbnb in Texas · Airbnb
- County zoning authority (Local Government Code ch. 231) · Texas Legislature
- Short-Term Rental Permit (Ask Georgetown) · City of Georgetown
- Georgetown City Council approves short-term rental ordinance (September 12, 2024) · Community Impact
- Texas Airbnb market data (active listings) · AirROI
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.