ALLEN, TEXAS
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Short-Term Rental?
A Short-Term Rental is a dwelling that is (a) used or designed to be used as place where a person may reside, including a single-family dwelling, garage apartment, guest house or a unit in a multi-unit building, including an apartment, condominium, cooperative or timeshare; and (b) rented wholly or partly for a fee and for a period of less than thirty (30) consecutive days. The term “Short-Term Rental” does not include a premises that is used for a nonresidential purpose, including an educational, health care, retail, restaurant, banquet space or event center purpose or another similar use, or a bed-and-breakfast or hotel as defined in the Allen Land Development Code.
A Short-Term Rental Permit is required prior to advertising and renting your property.
Who needs to apply for a Short-Term Rental License?
Any owner renting a property for a period of 30 consecutive days or less is required to apply for a Short-Term Rental Permit. It is the owner(s)’ responsibility to know and comply with all ordinances, resolutions and regulations that apply to short term rentals within the City of Allen.
What if I do not obtain a Short-Term Rental License?
Renting or advertising your home for rent on a short-term basis without a permit is in violation of the City of Allen Code of Ordinances and subject to enforcement processes as provided for in the City of Allen Code of Ordinances and Section 6 of the regulating Short-Term Rental Ordinance (Ord. No. 3908.5-22).
What is the Hotel Occupancy Tax?
This is a 7% tax on your gross short-term rents not already remitted by an intermediary. Hotels, motels, and all Short-Term Rental properties are required to pay this tax. Gross short-term rent includes all consideration received for occupancy including all non-optional fees (other than taxes) such as booking/reservation fees; cleaning fees; pet charges; fees for extra vehicles, people or beds; etc.; and any amounts received from Lodging intermediaries.
When is the Hotel Occupancy Tax due?
Tax payments are due monthly no later than the 20th day of the month following the last day of the prior calendar month. If there was no rental activity for the entire month, you are still required to submit the completed Hotel Occupancy Tax form.
How is penalty and interest calculated on late payments?
PENALTIES: A penalty of five percent (5%) of the tax due is imposed on payments that are between one (1) and thirty (30) days late. A penalty of ten percent (10%) of the tax due is imposed on payments that are between thirty-one (31) and ninety (90) days late. A penalty of fifteen percent (15%) is imposed on payments that are more than ninety (90) days late.
INTEREST: Annual interest of twelve percent (12%) is imposed on taxes not paid by the due date. Interest will begin to accrue from the first day after the date the tax is due until the tax is paid.
What is the cost of an STR Registration?
The initial application fee for annual registration is $350. The renewal application fee for annual registration is $250.
Does my short-term rental license apply to multiple properties?
No. Each Short-Term Rental Permit only applies to one property. Separate permits are required for each property..
Do I have to display my license?
Yes. The Short-Term Rental Permit shall be posted at a conspicuous location inside the front entrance(s) to the Short-Term Rental. Your STR Registration PDF can be found in the Business Center by clicking your account name under "Manage Your Account(s)".
Is the City working with Airbnb?
No. Airbnb does not collect or remit Hotel Occupancy Tax to the City of Allen on behalf of property owners and/or authorized agents.
Is the City working with Vrbo?
No. Vrbo does not collect or remit Hotel Occupancy Tax to the City of Allen on behalf of property owners and/or authorized agents.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes. The City of Allen assesses a 2.9% plus .30 per transaction convenience fee on all credit card-based transactions.
Can I pay by e-check?
Yes. You can select your e-check during checkout. In doing so, you authorize your bank to send the payment electronically to the City of Allen. The City does not pull the money from your account, ever. The City of Allen will assess a per transaction convenience fee on all e-check transactions.
I need to close my account. What do I do?
Please email Permits@allentx.gov Please include the closure date and the reason you are closing the account.
How do I amend a return?
Please email Finance@allentx.gov letting us know you need to file an amended return. In the email please include:
1) Your six-digit registration/account number, and owner name
2) Period/Month you need to amend
3) If you overpaid or underpaid your original form
4) Brief explanation as to why the form needs to be amended
Once we receive this email we will review your account and send you further instructions.
What types of assistance can GovOS provide to me?
GovOS can assist you with all your system and account questions. Whether you have a question about your account or technical questions about how to do something in GovOS, please reach out to our support team. We can always reach out to the City on your behalf if we need their assistance with one of your questions. You can reach GovOS at blt.str.support@govos.com and by phone at (888) 751-1911.
Where are my tax forms? My Action Center is empty.
Your tax forms will be available on the 1st day of the month following the last day of the tax period. For example, January tax forms will be available in your Action Center February 1st. If you do not see the forms you expected, simply contact GovOS support for assistance.
Can I manage multiple properties with one login?
Yes - to do so, click Add accounts from your user login under Manage Your Account(s). You will need your 6 digit Account Number and the GovOS Activation Code to connect to an existing property record.
Can a property have more than one user?
Yes, each property can have an unlimited number of users. Each user is required to provide the 6 digit Account Number and the Activation Code to be authorized to connect to an existing property record.
I did not receive, or I misplaced the letter with my activation code. What do I do?
Contact GovOS at blt.str.support@govos.com or by phone at (888) 751-1911 for assistance. You will need to confirm account details to be verified for the account. To protect the security on property accounts, you will need written (e-mail) permission from a registered owner or officer of the property for us to provide you with a new activation code.
Can I file a Zero File tax return through GovOS?
To file a zero file tax form, select your tax form from your Action Center. Then, complete the required information on the remittance, including Gross Rents and any deductions. You will be prompted to confirm your desire to complete the return as a Zero File return.
What payment types are accepted by the City through GovOS?
The City accepts ACH Debit, or e-check as well as all major credit cards except American Express:
Can I schedule a payment in GovOS?
For your security, GovOS does not store any payment information in the system. You will need to enter your desired payment information each time you check out.
How do I change the User on a Property?
All users need to register, just as you did, by going to the home page https://cityofallen.munirevs.com/log-in/. They will click on the "Register Here!" button. They will also need the 6 digit account number and Activation Code for the property.
I forgot my password. What do I do?
From the Log In page, click the “Forgot your password” link and follow the instructions that will be e-mailed to the User’s registered e-mail address.
Do I have to login to GovOS to see my alerts and reminders?
No. All alerts are e-mailed to your authenticated e-mail address. When you login to the system, you will also see any open alerts that need to be addressed in your Action Center.
For Assistance, Contact GovOS Support
blt.str.support@govos.com
(888) 751-1911
When contacting support, be sure to include the jurisdiction (Allen, Texas) and your account number in all emails or voicemails. This will help us assist you as promptly as possible. Thanks!
