Springfield, Tennessee Short Term Rental Regulations Guide for Airbnb hosts

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.

What do Airbnb hosts actually earn in Springfield?

Springfield hosts earn a median $28,476/year with $160 ADR and 54% occupancy.

Top performers pull in $36,488+ per year.

See the full Springfield market breakdown

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

Business License (County - $15.00)
Business License (City - $15.00)
Hotel/Motel Tax Permit Application (City of Springfield)
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

Robertson County Sources

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.

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Ask the AI Advisor about Springfield

Springfield sits in Middle Tennessee as the county seat of Robertson County, home to approximately 19,000 residents. The town carries a relaxed, small-city atmosphere shaped by its agricultural heritage, particularly its long history as a tobacco-producing region. Springfield is best known for its historic downtown square and as a quiet gateway to Nashville, which lies roughly 30 miles to the south. The surrounding countryside is a patchwork of horse farms, open fields, and gently rolling terrain, giving the area a distinctly rural Tennessee feel that contrasts with the bustle of the nearby metro area.

Just north of Springfield, in the small community of Adams, the Bell Witch legend continues to draw curious visitors, about a 15-minute drive from the courthouse square. The story of the Bell family and the entity said to have haunted their farmstead in the early 19th century is one of the most celebrated ghost tales in American folklore, and the surrounding area — including the Bell Witch Cave — remains a point of interest for travelers exploring Tennessee's supernatural heritage.

A short drive further north in Adams brings visitors to Port Royal State Park, a small but historically significant Tennessee state park set on the site of a once-bustling 19th-century town built around a saltworks and river port. Today the park offers walking trails through old road traces, remains of historic foundations, picnic areas, and access to the Red River, making it a peaceful stop for those interested in regional history or a quiet stretch of outdoors.

For guests wanting a larger park experience, Bledsoe Creek State Park lies about 30 minutes east of Springfield near Gallatin, where Old Hickory Lake spreads across the landscape. The park offers camping, boating, fishing, and several miles of trails along the lakeshore, and it tends to draw visitors from across the Nashville region looking for a convenient weekend escape.

The combination of small-town character, agricultural scenery, and proximity to Nashville gives Springfield an appealing base for short-term rental travelers who want a quieter, more affordable stay while still being within easy reach of Music City's main attractions. Guests can spend their days exploring local legends, hiking in nearby state parks, or simply taking in the slower pace of Middle Tennessee farmland, before heading south for an evening on Broadway in downtown Nashville. With Nashville International Airport roughly 40 minutes away and the surrounding countryside offering its own share of historic and natural sites, Springfield provides a flexible and welcoming home base for a wide range of visitors.