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Taxes›North Carolina›Forsyth County›Winston-Salem

Winston-Salem
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

Start with the recorded local taxes and permit overview for Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Check the current requirements for your exact address.

What you need to do in Winston-Salem

Checked against the source
  1. No action
    Short-term rentals are allowed in Winston-Salem

    The record lists no ban. Zoning and HOA rules for your address still apply.

  2. To do
    Get the Winston-Salem short-term rental license or registration

    The record does not state the fee or term. The licensing office lists both.

  3. To do
    Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com collect the 6% Forsyth County occupancy tax for you

    That is per the record. On direct bookings, you collect and remit it yourself.

  4. To confirm
    Find out how often you file and when returns are due

    The record gives no filing schedule, though a note says returns are due by the 20th. Confirm the schedule with the tax office.

Verify each step with the authority before you file or apply. Source

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What to know.

The published guide for Winston-Salem lists 6% county occupancy tax. The state table lists a 4.75% North Carolina state sales tax in addition. Local sales and occupancy taxes may apply in addition to the state base rate. A license or registration is required.

At a glance.

County tax
6%
State tax
4.75%
Total for a direct booking
10.75%
License
Required
Local filing
Platform collects
SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

Exemptions, penalties, filing information, and effective dates from the linked sources.

Winston-Salem: Recorded remittance instructions

No city remittance; 6% to Forsyth County; facilitators remit

Source: cityofws.org

Forsyth County: Recorded exemptions

Occupancy taxes piggyback the state accommodations sales-tax base: exempt are accommodations rented to the same person for 90 or more days, private residences rented fewer than 15 days per year, and accommodations included in a school or camp tuition/fee; counties impose no unique local exemptions (G.S. 105-164.4F; UNC School of Government occupancy-tax guidance).

Source: ncacc.org: september 2025 monthly fact sheet occupancy taxe

Forsyth County: Recorded penalties and interest

Under the uniform provisions (G.S. 153A-155): monthly returns to the county finance officer by the 20th; failure to file is 5% per month up to 25%, failure to pay is 10% (G.S. 105-236, per UNC School of Government guidance) (G.S. 153A-155(d)-(e)). Pre-uniform session-law counties use the standard boilerplate: $10/day failure-to-file penalty plus 5% of the tax per month after 30 days; willful evasion is a misdemeanor (e.g., S.L. 1987-472).

Forsyth County: County tax applicability

The county tax is shown separately from municipal tax.

Platform tax collection guidance for Winston-Salem

Collection is shown separately for each booking channel. Direct-booking taxes are paid by the host.

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbPlatform collectsPlatform collects
VrboPlatform collectsPlatform collects
Booking.comPlatform collectsPlatform collects
DirectYou collect and remitYou collect and remit

Platform collects means the platform pays that tax. You collect and remit means you pay it. Collection details unavailable identifies a missing answer for that channel. Filing duties are listed separately.

Your next steps

  • Get the required license or registration

    Apply for the required license or registration with the licensing office before you list.

  • Collection of the 6% county tax

    Platforms collect this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

  • File your tax returns

    Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule, though a note says returns are due by the 20th. Confirm the schedule with the tax office.

  • Check the state tax requirements

    Use the linked state tax instructions to register and file.

Sources & confidence

How we collect and check this information · Report a problem with this page

FigureValueSourceStatus
Forsyth County occupancy tax6%
Source
Source linked
North Carolina state sales tax4.75%
Source
Source linked
North Carolina filing and tax guidanceSee guidance
Source
Source linked
Licensing recordRequired
Source
Source linked
Official sources for the taxes and permit requirements shown above.

Winston-Salem STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Winston-Salem occupancy taxes?

Airbnb collects this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Winston-Salem?

A license or registration is required.

What happens if I don't file?

Penalties and interest depend on the tax and authority. Check the applicable rules and contact the authority about any missed filings or payments.

How often do I file?

Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule, though a note says returns are due by the 20th. Confirm the schedule with the tax office.