Hilton Head Island Accommodations Tax Calculator
Estimate the tax on a short-term rental stay in Hilton Head Island, 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 says it collects the 5% state sales tax and 2% state accommodations tax, plus a Hilton Head Island Local Accommodations Tax of 2% and a Beach Preservation Fee of 1%. Airbnb labels the split the other way round from the Town (the Town lists 1% accommodations tax and 2% beach preservation fee), but the Town total is 3% either way. On direct bookings you collect and remit all of it yourself.
Results
Hilton Head Island 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 accommodations tax (Town of Hilton Head Island) | 1% | Town of Hilton Head Island, Accommodations Tax and Beach Preservation Fees: "One percent allocated to Accommodations Tax" |
| Town beach preservation fee (Town of Hilton Head Island) | 2% | Town of Hilton Head Island, Accommodations Tax and Beach Preservation Fees: "Two Percent allocated to Beach Preservation Fee" |
| 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): "Hilton Head Island Beaufort No Local Tax Imposed 6% 7%"
- Town of Hilton Head Island, Accommodations Tax and Beach Preservation Fees states 3% for Town accommodations tax (Town of Hilton Head Island) plus Town beach preservation fee (Town of Hilton Head Island): "A tax equal to three percent of the total gross sales price received for the rental"
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"
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 Hilton Head Island?
10% in total for a short-term rental in Hilton Head Island (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 Hilton Head Island?
The 7% state part is filed with SCDOR. The Town's 3% is paid to the Town's Revenue Services Office, quarterly: by April 20, July 20, October 20 and January 20.
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 Hilton Head Island?
Airbnb's South Carolina tax page says it collects the 5% state sales tax and 2% state accommodations tax, plus a Hilton Head Island Local Accommodations Tax of 2% and a Beach Preservation Fee of 1%. Airbnb labels the split the other way round from the Town (the Town lists 1% accommodations tax and 2% beach preservation fee), but the Town total is 3% either way. On direct bookings you collect and remit all of it yourself.
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 Hilton Head Island, Accommodations Tax and Beach Preservation Fees (checked Oct 27, 2026)
- SCDOR ST-575 sales and accommodations tax rate chart (Rev. 2/5/26) (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's Revenue Services Office, quarterly: by April 20, July 20, October 20 and January 20. Town of Hilton Head Island, Accommodations Tax and Beach Preservation Fees: "Tax payments for are due quarterly"
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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.