Skip to content
Taxes›South Carolina›Beaufort County›Hilton Head Island

Hilton Head Island
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

Start with the recorded local taxes and permit overview for Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Check the current requirements for your exact address.

What you need to do in Hilton Head Island

Checked against the source
  1. No action
    Short-term rentals are allowed in Hilton Head Island

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

  2. To do
    Get the Hilton Head Island short-term rental license or registration

    Fee: 2026 fee changed from flat $250 to $150 per bedroom (payment portal opened 4/6/2026). Term: Annual.

    Where to apply

  3. To do
    Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com collect the 3% Hilton Head Island occupancy tax for you

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

  4. To do
    File quarterly returns

    The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. The record says you file even when a platform collected the tax. File even when you owe nothing for the period (per the source).

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

Get a reminder before each quarterly Hilton Head Island return is due

Save your rental and its filing dates for free. Starter and Pro email you before each saved date, and when a published rule change for Hilton Head Island affects your rental.

Create a free account

What to know.

The record for Hilton Head Island lists 3% as the occupancy tax, but its recorded total of 10% (3% + 2% + 5%) does not reconcile with it and needs review. The state table lists a 7% South Carolina state accommodations tax in addition. This combines the 5% state sales tax and 2% state accommodations tax. Local taxes may apply separately. The record says platforms collect this tax but you still file a return or report with the authority. Direct bookings are yours to collect and remit. A license or registration is required. Fee: 2026 fee changed from flat $250 to $150 per bedroom (payment portal opened 4/6/2026). Term: Annual.

At a glance.

Local tax
3%
State tax
7%
Total for a direct booking
10% or more
License
Required
Local filing
You still file

Other taxes or assessments may apply. Review tax context and confirm the full amount for your rental with the authority.

SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

What the recorded taxes cover

Conflicting recorded total: 10%

The combined total has an inconsistent or unconfirmed component breakdown: 3% Total on gross rental proceeds : 1% local accommodations tax; 2% Beach Preservation Fee; 5% /month penalty. It is excluded from the estimate. The separately recorded occupancy rate is used where available; the estimate is partial and other taxes may apply. Confirm the current total with the authority.

Tax details

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

Hilton Head Island: Recorded remittance instructions

Town of HHI Revenue Services Office, 1 Town Center Court, Hilton Head Island SC 29928 (quarterly; zero returns required)

Hilton Head Island: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Quarterly.

Source for these notes: hiltonheadislandsc.gov: short term rentals

Platform tax collection guidance for Hilton Head Island

A platform marked as collecting is named or covered by the record. The record also says you still file a return or report, even for platform-collected tax. Check each channel's tax settings.

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 before you list. Fee: 2026 fee changed from flat $250 to $150 per bedroom (payment portal opened 4/6/2026). Term: Annual.

  • Collection of the 3% local tax

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

  • File your tax returns

    File quarterly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. The record says you file even when a platform collected the tax. File even when you owe nothing for the period (per the source).

  • 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
Hilton Head Island occupancy tax3%
Source
Source linked
South Carolina state accommodations tax7%
Source
Source linked
Licensing recordRequired
Source
Source linked
Official sources for the taxes and permit requirements shown above.

Hilton Head Island STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Hilton Head Island occupancy taxes?

Airbnb collects this tax. You still file the required returns, and you collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Hilton Head Island?

A license or registration is required. Fee: 2026 fee changed from flat $250 to $150 per bedroom (payment portal opened 4/6/2026). Term: Annual.

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?

File quarterly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. The record says you file even when a platform collected the tax. File even when you owe nothing for the period (per the source).