Yes, short-term rentals are explicitly allowed in Springfield, TN. The city has established specific tax collection mechanisms and permit requirements for properties renting through both marketplace platforms (Airbnb, VRBO) and independent channels.

Overview

Springfield, Tennessee, the county seat of Robertson County, permits short-term rentals within city limits. The regulatory framework focuses primarily on tax collection rather than restrictive zoning or licensing requirements. Investors can operate STRs by ensuring compliance with local and state tax obligations, with collection mechanisms varying based on whether properties are listed on marketplace platforms or operated independently.

Starting a Short-Term Rental Business in Springfield, TN

Step 1: Business License Requirements

• Apply for a business license through the Robertson County Clerk's office ($15.00 fee)
• Apply for a business license through the City of Springfield ($15.00 fee)
• Both licenses are required regardless of operation method

Step 2: Property Setup and Compliance

• Ensure property meets all local building and safety codes
• Consider property insurance that covers short-term rental operations
• Set up accounting systems to track revenue and expenses for tax purposes

Step 3: Tax Registration and Setup

• Register with Tennessee Department of Revenue for sales tax
• Establish monthly reporting procedures for occupancy taxes
• Set up Quintana reporting systems if using marketplace platforms

Required Documents, Permits, Licenses, and Guidelines

Essential Documents

1. Business License (County - $15.00)
2. Business License (City - $15.00)
3. Hotel/Motel Tax Permit Application (City of Springfield)
4. Monthly Occupancy Tax Report (for independent operations)

Supporting Documentation

• Property ownership documentation or lease agreement
• General liability insurance certificate
• Sales tax registration with Tennessee Department of Revenue
• Bank account information for tax remittance

Reference Documents

• Ordinance 21-23 - Enacting Hotel/Motel Tax
• City of Springfield Hotel/Motel Monthly Tax Report
• Short-Term Rental Tax Guide (County Clerk)

Specific Regulations by Jurisdiction

City of Springfield Regulations

Occupancy Tax Requirements

• Marketplace Rentals: Occupancy taxes are collected and remitted by the marketplace platform (Airbnb, VRBO, etc.) through the State of Tennessee
• Independent Rentals: Property owners must file monthly occupancy tax reports and remit payment directly to the City of Springfield
• Tax Rate: 7% of gross monthly rental receipts

Reporting Deadlines

• Monthly reports due by the 20th day of the month following the collection month
• Late filings incur 8.75% annual interest and 1% penalty
• Even marketplace-rented properties must file $0 reports monthly if no independent rentals

Permit Application Process

• Complete City of Springfield Hotel/Motel Tax Permit Application
• Submit required documentation to City Hall
• No specific zoning restrictions mentioned for STR operations within city limits

Robertson County Requirements

Business Tax Obligations

• Threshold: Business tax applies to gross receipts exceeding $100,000 annually
• Collection: Paid yearly to State of Tennessee
• Rate: Varies by business classification

Sales Tax Requirements

• Collection: Local and state sales taxes apply to STR rentals
• Remittance: Paid quarterly to Tennessee Department of Revenue
• Rate: Standard Tennessee sales tax rates apply

Occupancy Tax Administration

• Combined Rate: 7% total occupancy tax (split between city and county)
• Collection: Administered through County Clerk's office
• Reporting: Monthly returns required with supporting documentation

State of Tennessee Requirements

Sales Tax Registration

• Required for all STR operations regardless of rental method
• Quarterly filing and payment obligations
• Potential nexus considerations for out-of-state owners

Business Tax Registration

• Annual filing requirement for businesses exceeding $100,000 in gross receipts
• Classification-based tax structure
• Failure to register can result in penalties and interest

Enforcement and Compliance

Monthly Reporting Requirements

• Due Date: 20th of each month
• Documentation Required:
  • Completed occupancy tax return
  • Tennessee sales tax report OR marketplace income report
  • 30-Day Occupant Spreadsheet (if applicable)
  • Payment for any taxes due

30-Day Occupant Exception

• Guests staying 30+ continuous days are exempt from occupancy tax after the 30th day
• Requires monthly 30-Day Occupant Spreadsheet for properties with such tenants
• Must maintain detailed records of tenant durations

Audit and Compliance

• Robertson County Clerk's Office conducts periodic audits
• Audits may be unannounced
• Failure to comply can result in back taxes, penalties, and legal action

Contact Information

City of Springfield

Primary Contact

• Address: 405 N Main Street, Springfield, TN 37172
• Phone: (615) 382-2200
• Website: springfieldtn.gov
• Department: Licenses & Permits

Specific Contacts

• Hotel/Motel Tax Questions: Contact City Hall at (615) 382-2200
• Permit Applications: Available through city's online portal

Robertson County

County Clerk's Office

• Address: 511 S Brown St, Springfield, TN 37172
• Phone: (615) 384-5895
• Primary Contact: County Clerk's Office for occupancy tax questions
• Website: robertsoncountytn.gov

Specialized Contacts

• Occupancy Tax Administration: County Clerk's Office
• Business License Applications: County Clerk's Office
• Tax Calculations and Interest: Contact County Clerk's Office at (615) 384-5895

State of Tennessee

Department of Revenue

• Website: tn.gov/revenue
• Business Tax: Business tax registration and compliance
• Sales Tax: Sales tax registration and quarterly filing

Key Deadlines and Important Dates

Monthly Obligations

• 20th of each month: Occupancy tax reports and payments due
• Monthly: File $0 reports even for marketplace-only operations
• Monthly: Maintain 30-Day Occupant records if applicable

Quarterly Obligations

• 20th of month following quarter: Sales tax returns and payments due
• First quarter: January-March (due April 20)
• Second quarter: April-June (due July 20)
• Third quarter: July-September (due October 20)
• Fourth quarter: October-December (due January 20)

Annual Obligations

• Business Tax: Annual filing for businesses exceeding $100,000 gross receipts
• License Renewals: Annual business license renewals
• Record Keeping: Maintain comprehensive records for audit purposes

Source Links

City of Springfield Sources

• Hotel/Motel Permit & Tax Information
• Ordinance 21-23 (Hotel/Motel Tax)
• Hotel/Motel Tax Permit Application
• Hotel/Motel Monthly Tax Report

Robertson County Sources

• Hotel/Occupancy Tax Information
• Occupancy Tax Return Form
• Occupancy Tax Return (fillable)
• 30-Day Occupant Spreadsheet
• Short-Term Rental Tax Guide 2023

Supporting Documentation

• Springfield Municipal Code

This comprehensive guide provides STR investors with the essential information needed to legally operate short-term rentals in Springfield, TN, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations at the city, county, and state levels.