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File and pay your Hotel Occupancy Tax (HOT) and register your property.

Banner for Hotel occupancy Tax 01-05-2024

Select the image above to navigate to the https://tax.localgov.org/

 

Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration & Remittance Requirements

Effective January 5, 2024, Fort Worth taxpayers are required to use Localgov to register properties and submit Hotel Occupancy Tax filings and payments. Short-term rentals are required to submit an annual Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration form, while hotels only need to submit the registration form once. 

General Registration Requirements

All lodging establishments must secure a valid and active Hotel Occupancy Tax Registration from the City. This registration is mandatory before you advertise or begin operations. Complete the registration process via Localgov, adhering to all city ordinances and guidelines. Ensure your property is fully registered with the city before submitting Hotel Occupancy Taxes through Localgov.

Hotel Registration

  • Hotels need to submit a one-time registration application to the city via Localgov.
  • Once obtained, the Hotel registration remains valid indefinitely unless there is a change in ownership or revoked by the City.
  • No annual renewal is required.
  • There is no registration fee for hotel registrations.

Short-Term Rental (STR) Registration

  • STRs must submit a registration application to the city annually to maintain a valid registration.
  • Registration and renewals can be conveniently completed online via Localgov.
  • The fee for the first-time application is $150, with an annual renewal fee of $100.
  • STRs are required to upload a PDF of their Zoning Confirmation showing a “success” message as part of their registration application on Localgov.

Hotel Occupancy Tax Remittance Procedures

  • Tax Rates, Interest, and Penalties: The hotel occupancy tax rate is 9% of the consideration paid by the occupant for a room or space costing $2 or more per day. Late penalties of 15% of the total tax owed will be assessed if the tax is not remitted, and/or the required report is not filed by the 25th day of the month following the monthly collection/reporting period. Delinquent taxes will accrue interest at a rate of 10% per annum for each month the taxes remain unpaid.
  • Monthly Filing Deadline: Hotel Occupancy Tax filing and payment must be submitted on Localgov by the 25th day of the month following the monthly collection/reporting period. If the 25th day falls on a non-business day, the next business day becomes the new deadline.
  • Zero Dollar Filing Requirement: Tax filings are required to be submitted on Localgov for every filing period even if there is a $0 tax return.

Support & Resources

  • Ordinance: In February 2023, the City Council approved a registration ordinance for short-term rentals in Fort Worth.
  • Enforcement: The Code Compliance Department is responsible for investigating complaints and issuing warnings or citations for STR violations.
  • State HOT Requirements: Please note that the State of Texas has similar requirements relating to HOT. For more information, please visit their website at: https://comptroller.texas.gov/taxes/hotel/
  • Localgov Customer Service: If you require technical support while filing on Localgov, please reach out to Localgov Customer Service at service@localgov.org  or call (877) 842-3037. 

 

 

Why Localgov?

  • Convenience: File HOT forms online, anytime, anywhere.
  • Accuracy: Precise auto-calculation of your tax liability and assessments.
  • Safety: Secure processing to safeguard your information.
  • Online Payments: Option of ACH payment method.
  • 24/7 Access: No need to adhere to traditional office hours.
  • Support: Assistance whenever you need it.
  • Unified Accounts: All HOTEL/STR accounts under one login.