LicensedRental

Accomack County, Virginia

Wachapreague, VA vacation rental requirements

Wachapreague adopted short-term rental and bed and breakfast ordinances in 2023, tied to the town business license and an inspection. We couldn’t find the ordinance text online. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the town’s 4% lodging tax, which Airbnb doesn’t send to the town.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026

Download checklist (PDF)Free. A printable version of this guide to tick off, with the official sources.

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Market
21 Airbnb listings
Town rules
Ordinance signed in 2023
With a checklist attached to the business license application and inspection requirements.Source
Taxes
5.3% sales + 4% town lodging tax

In late 2023 the town attorney questioned whether the ordinances were adopted with enough public input. Ask the town office whether they’re in force and get a copy before you list.

Your licensing checklist

In order: the state, the county, then the town.

Commonwealth of Virginia

  1. Know who pays the tax

    When a platform like Airbnb books the stay, it collects and pays the state sales tax and the local lodging tax for you. If guests pay you directly, register with Virginia Tax for sales tax and with your county or city for the transient occupancy tax.Source

    Register a business with Virginia Tax →

  2. Register with your locality if it has a registry

    Many counties and cities require short-term rental hosts to register every year. Registration is a simple filing (your name, each address, and the owner’s permission if you lease the home), but listing an unregistered rental can cost up to $500 per violation.Source

  3. Check your zoning

    Counties and cities keep their power to decide where short-term rentals are allowed and whether you need a zoning or use permit. HOA and condo rules still apply on top. Pick your area for the local rules.Source

Accomack County, Virginia

  1. Register for the county lodging tax

    If guests pay you directly, register with the Commissioner of the Revenue every year and file the county’s transient occupancy tax each quarter (due January 31, April 30, July 31, and October 31). All lodging providers also file a yearly attestation form. Airbnb collects the tax on its bookings.Source

    Accomack transient taxes →

  2. Then your town or area

    Towns set their own zoning and lodging tax, and the county sets them outside town limits. Pick your area.

Town of Wachapreague

  1. Get a business license and the STR checklist

    Apply for a Town of Wachapreague business license and ask for the short-term rental checklist and inspection requirements that go with it. Some properties may also need a special use permit.Source

  2. Taxes on each stay

    Stays under 90 days owe 5.3% sales tax, and stays under 30 days also owe the local transient occupancy tax. Airbnb collects both on its bookings. If guests pay you directly, file sales tax with Virginia Tax. Wachapreague’s lodging tax is 4%. The town’s minutes say Airbnb sends the tax it collects to the county, not the town, so ask the town how to file the town tax yourself.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.