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Taxes›Texas›Galveston County›Kemah

Kemah
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in Kemah

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

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

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

    Fee: $450 permit fee (up to $150 credit w/ sound monitoring device). Term: Annual. Rule: Ordinance 1198.

    Where to apply

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 7% Kemah 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 your returns

    Filing frequency varies by tax liability. 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

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What to know.

The published guide for Kemah 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. Fee: $450 permit fee (up to $150 credit w/ sound monitoring device). Term: Annual.

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.

Kemah: Recorded remittance instructions

Direct to city · Quarterly (Ch.90 Art.III; monthly or quarterly per assigned schedule); Boardwalk tourist market; active STR enforcement

Kemah: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency varies by tax liability.

Source for these notes: kemahtx.gov: short term rentals owner

Platform tax collection guidance for Kemah

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. Fee: $450 permit fee (up to $150 credit w/ sound monitoring device). Term: Annual.

  • Collection of the 7% local tax

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

  • File your tax returns

    File your returns. Filing frequency varies by tax liability. 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
Kemah 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.

Kemah STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Kemah occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Kemah?

A license or registration is required. Fee: $450 permit fee (up to $150 credit w/ sound monitoring device). 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 your returns. Filing frequency varies by tax liability. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.