LicensedRental

Virginia county rules

Rappahannock County, VA vacation rental rules and taxes

Rappahannock County requires short-term rental operators to register every year with the Commissioner of the Revenue by January 31, with a $500 fine for each violation. Tourist homes go through a county land use review. Stays pay 5.3% sales tax plus the county’s 4% transient tax.

Checked against official sources November 7, 2026
Market
Sperryville 36 listings
County registry
Every year by January 31
Or within 30 days of starting. $500 per violation if you don’t.Source
Zoning
Tourist homes reviewed case by case
The Planning Commission approved two and denied one in early 2025.Source
Taxes
5.3% sales + 4% transient tax

We don’t have a page yet for the Town of Washington. Ask the town about its rules.

What to do

  1. Register with the Commissioner of the Revenue

    Register every short-term rental each year by January 31, or within 30 days of starting. Owners who list through a licensed real estate agent are exempt. A property can be barred from listing after more than three violations.Source

  2. Ask about zoning

    Rappahannock reviews tourist homes one by one, and some are denied. Ask county zoning which approval your property needs before you list.Source

  3. 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. For direct bookings, file the county’s 4% transient tax with the Commissioner of the Revenue. You keep 3% of what you collect if you file and pay on time.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 Spot something out of date?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.