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Taxes›South Carolina›Charleston County›Kiawah Island

Kiawah Island
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in Kiawah Island

From the linked source
  1. To confirm
    Check that short-term rentals are allowed at your address

    The record has no finding on whether Kiawah Island allows short-term rentals. Ask the planning or zoning office before you list.

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

    Term: Annual.

    Where to apply

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 3% combined local taxes yourself

    The record says booking platforms do not collect it, so you add it to every booking, platform and direct, and pay it to the authority.

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

    The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

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

Get reminders for your Kiawah Island filing dates

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What to know.

exempt if rented 14 days or less per year. The published guide for Kiawah Island lists 3% combined tax rate. Recorded components: 1% Town local accommodations tax; 2% Charleston County LAT also applies. 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. A license or registration is required. Term: Annual.

At a glance.

Combined tax
3%
State tax
7%
Total for a direct booking
10%
License
Required
Local filing
You collect and remit
SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

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

Kiawah Island: Recorded remittance instructions

License to Town of Kiawah Island; LAT to town/county; state to SCDOR

Source for these notes: kiawahisland.gov: short term rentals all you want to know

Platform tax collection guidance for Kiawah Island

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

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbPlatform collectsYou collect and remit
VrboPlatform collectsYou collect and remit
Booking.comPlatform collectsYou collect and remit
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. Term: Annual.

  • Collection of the 3% combined tax

    You collect and remit this tax using the linked filing instructions.

  • File your tax returns

    Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

  • 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
Kiawah Island combined taxes3%
Source
Source linked
Town local accommodations tax1%
Source
Source linked
Charleston County LAT also applies2%
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.

Kiawah Island STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Kiawah Island occupancy taxes?

You collect and remit this tax for Airbnb and direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Kiawah Island?

A license or registration is required. 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?

Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.