Bluffton Accommodations Tax Calculator
Estimate the tax on a short-term rental stay in Bluffton, SC (Beaufort County). Every rate below comes from an official state, county or town source and is quoted on this page. At a glance: 10%.
Verified total: 10%. Every rate below is quoted from an official source, checked Oct 27, 2026.
Airbnb hosts: Airbnb's South Carolina tax page lists the state taxes it collects but has no entry for the Town of Bluffton, so plan on collecting and remitting the Town's 3% yourself unless your Airbnb statement shows it was collected.
Results
Bluffton short-term rental tax rates
| Tax | Rate | Official source and quote |
|---|---|---|
| State sales tax (SCDOR) | 5% | SCDOR Accommodations Tax page: "5% Sales Tax" |
| State accommodations tax (SCDOR) | 2% | SCDOR Accommodations Tax page: "2% Accommodations Tax" |
| Town local accommodations tax (Town of Bluffton) | 3% | Town of Bluffton, Accommodations Tax: "the Town has imposed a Local Accommodations Tax by ordinance of 3%" |
| Total | 10% (verified) |
How the totals check out:
- SCDOR ST-575 sales and accommodations tax rate chart (Rev. 2/5/26) states 7% for State sales tax (SCDOR) plus State accommodations tax (SCDOR): "Bluffton Beaufort No Local Tax Imposed 6% 7%"
- Town of Bluffton FY2026 Master Fee Schedule states 3% for Town local accommodations tax (Town of Bluffton): "Local Accommodation Tax Fees Per Ordinance 3% of Gross Revenue for rentals 30 days or less"
Beaufort County's own local accommodations tax applies only in unincorporated Beaufort County, so it is not charged inside the Town. Beaufort County Code, local accommodations tax ordinance: "within the unincorporated areas of Beaufort County, South Carolina"
The Town's FY2026 fee schedule applies its 3% to rentals of 30 days or less; the state 7% applies to stays under 90 days. Town of Bluffton FY2026 Master Fee Schedule: "3% of Gross Revenue for rentals 30 days or less"
Cleaning fees and accommodations tax
It depends on whether the guest can decline it. Under the SCDOR Sales Tax Manual (Chapter 11, Questions 6 to 9), a mandatory cleaning fee is part of the taxable rent, even when it is listed as a separate line. An optional cleaning service the guest can choose or decline is not taxed. Tick the mandatory box in the calculator to include your cleaning fee in the taxable amount.
Source: SCDOR Sales Tax Manual, Chapter 11, Accommodations, Questions 6 to 9 (September 2025 edition).
How it works
Taxable amount = nightly rate x nights + other mandatory charges + the cleaning fee when it is mandatory. Tax = taxable amount x the sum of the rates (plus any additional local rate you enter).
FAQ
What is the short-term rental tax rate in Bluffton?
10% in total for a short-term rental in Bluffton (Beaufort County), checked Oct 27, 2026. Every component is listed on this page with a quote from its official source.
Who do I pay the tax to in Bluffton?
The 7% state part is filed with SCDOR. The Town's 3% is paid to the Town of Bluffton: monthly when the average tax is over $50 a month, quarterly at $25 to $50, and yearly under $25.
Is the cleaning fee taxable?
It depends on whether the guest can decline it. Under the SCDOR Sales Tax Manual (Chapter 11, Questions 6 to 9), a mandatory cleaning fee is part of the taxable rent, even when it is listed as a separate line. An optional cleaning service the guest can choose or decline is not taxed. Tick the mandatory box in the calculator to include your cleaning fee in the taxable amount.
Does Airbnb collect the tax in Bluffton?
Airbnb's South Carolina tax page lists the state taxes it collects but has no entry for the Town of Bluffton, so plan on collecting and remitting the Town's 3% yourself unless your Airbnb statement shows it was collected.
Is this tax advice?
No. It is an estimate from public sources. Rates and rules change, so confirm with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and the local tax office.
Sources
- SCDOR Accommodations Tax page (checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Town of Bluffton, Accommodations Tax (checked Oct 27, 2026)
- SCDOR ST-575 sales and accommodations tax rate chart (Rev. 2/5/26) (checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Town of Bluffton FY2026 Master Fee Schedule (checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Beaufort County Code, local accommodations tax ordinance (checked Oct 27, 2026)
- Airbnb Help: tax collection in South Carolina (checked Oct 27, 2026)
- SCDOR Sales Tax Manual, Chapter 11, Accommodations (cleaning fee rule, Questions 6 to 9)
Who pays where: The 7% state part is filed with SCDOR. The Town's 3% is paid to the Town of Bluffton: monthly when the average tax is over $50 a month, quarterly at $25 to $50, and yearly under $25. Town of Bluffton, Accommodations Tax: "Monthly When the estimated amount of average tax is more than $50.00 a month"
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Estimates, not tax or financial advice. Confirm rates with the South Carolina Department of Revenue and your local tax office before filing.