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Taxes›Texas›Cameron County›Brownsville

Brownsville
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

Start with the recorded local taxes and permit overview for Brownsville, Texas. Check the current requirements for your exact address.

Rental conditions are recorded in Brownsville
owner-occupied units exempt.
Find published guidance for your Brownsville address
Check published permit and tax guidance for Brownsville.

What you need to do in Brownsville

From the linked source
  1. To do
    Meet the local rental conditions

    owner-occupied units exempt.

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

    STR ordinance adopted Nov 12 2024; permit required before listing; owner-occupied units exempt; monthly HOT remittance

    Where to apply

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 7% Brownsville occupancy tax 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 do
    File monthly returns

    The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.

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

Get a reminder before each monthly Brownsville return is due

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What to know.

owner-occupied units exempt. The published guide for Brownsville lists 7% local occupancy tax. The state table lists a 6% Texas state hotel occupancy tax in addition. Local hotel occupancy taxes may apply in addition to the state rate. A license or registration is required.

At a glance.

Local tax
7%
State tax
6%
Total for a direct booking
13%
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.

Brownsville: Recorded remittance instructions

Self-remit to city Finance Dept · monthly; City HOT rate not published on STR page - confirm with Finance Dept; new ordinance, active registration push

Brownsville: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Monthly.

Source for these notes: brownsvilletx.gov: short term rental str permit application

Platform tax collection guidance for Brownsville

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

  • Collection of the 7% local tax

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

  • File your tax returns

    File monthly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.

  • 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
Brownsville occupancy tax7%
Source
Source linked
Texas state hotel occupancy tax6%
Source
Source linked
Licensing recordRequired
Source
Source linked
Official sources for the taxes and permit requirements shown above.

Brownsville STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Brownsville occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Brownsville?

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?

File monthly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.