Meals & Lodging Taxes

Meals Tax Return

Current Meals tax rate, 6% effective July 1, 2019!

EFFECTIVE JULY 1st , 2022  MEALS TAX RATE  IS  6.5%

To pay meals tax : Fill out the Charlottesville Meals Tax Form to get started.

Every business in the City of Charlottesville is required to levy a 6% tax on all prepared edible refreshments, nourishments, and liquids to include alcoholic beverages. New businesses are to complete the Meals Tax Registration Form (PDF) and send it to the Commissioner of Revenue’s Office. Meals Tax is to be remitted with the Meals Tax Return Form (PDF) on or before the 20th of the following month.

Additional Documents

  1. What is considered a “restaurant”?
  2. What is considered a “meal” that is subject to the Meals Tax?
  3. How is meals tax filed and assessed? When is Meals Tax due?
  4. Can I file and pay online?
  5. What is the Seller’s Discount?
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Transient Occupancy Tax Return

Transient occupancy tax rate, 8% effective July 1, 2019!

To pay transient occupancy tax:  Fill out the Charlottesville Transient Occupancy Tax Form to get started.

Every lodging establishment in the City of Charlottesville offering lodging for compensation (for a period of no more than 30 consecutive days), shall impose an 8% tax on the total amount paid for lodging.  Those using online rental platforms like Airbnb must report gross rental receipts, not the payout from the platform!

New Businesses

New businesses are to complete the Transient Occupancy Tax Registration (PDF) and send it to the Commissioner of Revenue’s Office. The tax is remitted monthly with the Transient Occupancy Tax Return Form on or before the 20th of the following month.  Businesses must file a return every month even if they have no receipts to report!

  1. How is transient occupancy tax filed and assessed?
  2. Can I file and pay online?
  3. What constitutes an exempt rental? What documentation should I provide to corroborate exempt rentals?
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For More Information

For further information regarding Meals Tax, please call 434-970-3170 or email the Business License Tax Office.