Lodging Tax in Gulf shores, Orange Beach and Foley, Alabama

Baldwin County Alabama Lodging Tax

Did you know that lodging tax plays a crucial role in your short-term rental business? It is essential to understand that as a business in the hospitality industry, you serve as an agent for the city by collecting and remitting taxes from your rental customers. However, for short-term rentals, it's important to note that if you use a management company, you must ensure they are collecting and remitting taxes on your behalf.

The Alabama Department of Revenue administers the collection of a tax that is referred to as "Baldwin County Lodging Tax" in certain areas within Baldwin County. The collections of said tax are designated for a public corporation known as The Alabama Gulf Coast Convention and Visitors Bureau.

The assessment and collection of the "Baldwin County Lodging Tax" is authorized by the Code of Alabama, 1975, Section 45-2-243.20 - 45-2-243.30. However, the Baldwin County Sales & Use Tax Department is not involved with the collection of nor does it receive any revenue from said tax. Any questions concerning the administration of the "Baldwin County Lodging Tax" should be directed to the Alabama Department of Revenue at 334-242-1490.

Lodging Tax Gulf Shores, Fort Morgan, Orange Beach, Foley, Alabama

The Lodging Tax Rate is based on the rental rate, cleaning fee, and parking passes if applicable.

Lodging Tax

Lodging tax is due on any hotel/motel room or short-term condo, house, and duplex rental as well as tourist camp/cabin in the city’s corporate limits as well as the police jurisdiction. The business acts as an agent for the city by collecting and remitting lodging tax from its Gulf Shores customers.

For short-term rentals: Please be aware that if a management company is obtained, you need to be sure that they are collecting and remitting tax on your behalf. If you leave a management company’s rental program, then you become responsible for collecting and remitting lodging taxes back to State, County, and City.

All taxes are due on or postmarked by the 20th for the month prior. A tax return is required to be filed even if there were no taxes collected or receipts earned.

The current Lodging Tax Rate is 16% (City of Orange Beach - 10%, State - 4%, Baldwin County Lodging - 2%).