Virginia county rules
Powhatan County, VA vacation rental rules and taxes
Powhatan has a small rental market. We found no short-term rental rules in the parts of its zoning ordinance we searched. Stays pay 6% sales tax plus a 5% lodging tax.
Checked against official sources November 7, 2026We searched two chapters of a copy of the county zoning ordinance in November 2026 and found no short-term rental rules. Confirm with the county before you list.
What to do
Taxes on each stay
Stays under 90 days owe 6% 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. Powhatan’s transient occupancy tax is 5%. For direct bookings, ask the Commissioner of the Revenue how to register and file.Source
Ask about zoning
Ask Powhatan County Planning whether your zone allows a short-term rental and whether you need a conditional use permit. Check your HOA rules too.
Sources
- Virginia Localities Transient Occupancy Tax Rate Chart (as of July 1, 2025) · Virginia Tax
- Virginia Airbnb market data (active listings) · AirROI
- Powhatan County Zoning Ordinance, chapters 2 and 4 (copy) · Zoneomics (copy of the Powhatan County zoning ordinance)
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 Spot something out of date?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.