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Behind on lodging tax? A calm catch-up plan

Last checked Oct 26, 2026 from official sources. Not tax advice.

It happens to careful people. Our founder found out late that Airbnb wasn't paying his county's tax and caught up in October 2026. Here's the approach.

1. Find out what applied. List each tax for your address and the date you started renting.
2. Pull your data. Download Airbnb/Vrbo earnings CSVs for every month since you started. Note nightly rent, cleaning fees, refunds and stays over 30 nights.
3. Register if you haven't. Most counties need a certificate or registration before you can file.
4. Compute each period. Taxable rent × rate. Many counties include cleaning fees in rent.
5. Use the late forms. Expect a penalty (often around 10%) and interest. Jim learned this the hard way in Clackamas: the penalties and interest really hurt.
6. Get a CPA for big backlogs. For more than a few months, or if you've received a notice, an independent CPA can advise on amounts and any voluntary disclosure options. We're not a CPA firm.
7. Set up the future. Calendar every deadline, including zero months, so it never builds up again.

General information, not tax or legal advice.

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Questions owners ask

Should I get a CPA?

For more than a few months of back returns, or if you've received a notice, an independent CPA can advise on amounts and voluntary disclosure.

Will there be penalties?

Usually: often around 10% plus interest. Filing sooner keeps them from growing.

How it works

1. Free checkTell us the address. We list every lodging tax, permit and deadline, and which ones Airbnb or Vrbo already pay.
2. Authorize onceSign one payment authorization for your own bank account and the county’s agent form. How it stays secure.
3. We file and payEvery return, including $0 months, filed and paid from your account to the county, with each confirmation in your file.