What is a Hotel Guest Tax?

A Hotel Guest Tax, also called a lodging tax, is a fee added to the cost of short‑term lodging. In Tulsa, this tax applies to hotels, motels, inns and short‑term rental properties (such as Airbnb or Vrbo) that have five or more rooms, even if the rooms are located in separate buildings.

What will be on the ballot?

Voters will decide whether to increase the Hotel Guest Tax from 5% to 9.9% on short-term overnight stays in hotels, motels, inns, and short-term rental properties such as Airbnb or Vrbo.

When will we have the opportunity to vote?

City of Tulsa voters will have the opportunity to vote on the Hotel Guest Tax increase proposal on the November 3, 2026, ballot.

If the proposed Hotel Guest Tax increase passes, will my taxes go up?

No. This tax increase will not affect your personal taxes unless you book a hotel stay within the City of Tulsa.

Who pays the Hotel Guest Tax?

Visitors staying overnight in Tulsa primarily pay the tax. Tulsa residents also pay the tax if they stay in a hotel, motel, inn, or other short‑term rental property for fewer than 30 consecutive days within the City of Tulsa.

What does the Hotel Guest Tax go toward?

The tax provides dedicated funding to maintain, operate, promote, and market tourism- and economic‑focused City facilities, including the BOK Center, the Arvest Business Convention Center, and the Tulsa Performing Arts Center. It also helps support economic development initiatives, including recruiting world-class events throughout the city.

What is Tulsa’s current Hotel Guest Tax rate and how does it compare to other cities?

Tulsa’s current Hotel Guest Tax rate is 5%, substantially lower than other cities in Oklahoma, including Oklahoma City (9.25%), Midwest City (9.25%) and Norman (10%).

How much does Tulsa's current Hotel Guest Tax rate generate compared to other cities?

Tulsa's current Hotel Guest Tax rate generates approximately $10 million annually. Other similarly situated communities have Hotel Guest Tax rates that generate substantially more in revenue, such as Oklahoma City ($36.7MM), Memphis ($14.6MM) and Albuquerque ($18.4MM). This increased revenue allows these communities to invest more in tourism on a dollar-per-room basis.

How much additional funding would the Hotel Guest Tax generate if it increased?

Tulsa's current Hotel Guest Tax rate generates approximately $10 million annually. It is projected to generate an additional $20.6 million annually.

Does the Hotel Guest Tax apply to services, food, drinks or parking?

It does not apply to the cost of ancillary services or charges, including but not limited to food and beverages, parking fees, equipment fees, early check-in or late check-out fees, or damage recoupment.

Who is exempt from the Hotel GuestTax?

Permanent residents, typically defined as someone staying in the same hotel for 30 or more consecutive days during the current or previous calendar year. The United States government, the State of Oklahoma, and municipalities or political subdivisions of the state (due to tax-exempt status). 100 percent permanently disabled veterans, as certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.-

When would the new tax rate become effective?

The new tax rate would take effect on January 1, 2027, if approved by voters.

How can I learn more?

You can learn more at tulsacouncil.org/hotel, or by contacting the Tulsa City Council Office at info@tulsacouncil.org or 918-596-1990.

Grupo de trabajo sobre vivienda, personas sin hogar y salud mental

Si tiene preguntas o comentarios, envíe un correo electrónico housing@cityoftulsa.org

CURRENT RATE - 5%
In 2026, this
generated $10.4 MM

PROPOSED RATE - 9.9%
Estimated to
generate $20.6 MM

PUBLIC VOTE
Election will take place on November 3, 2026

EFFECTIVE
January 1, 2027, if
approved by voters

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

9 de abril de 2024: recomendaciones de Camino al hogar

Como parte del trabajo acumulativo que se está realizando para abordar la falta de vivienda en la intersección de la vivienda y la salud mental, el Grupo de Trabajo del Alcalde y el Consejo sobre Vivienda, Personas sin Vivienda y Salud Mental (3H) ha publicado sus Recomendaciones sobre el Camino hacia el Hogar, que incluyen cuatro objetivos y 33 acciones para atender las necesidades de la comunidad.

9 de abril de 2024: recomendaciones de Camino al hogar

Como parte del trabajo acumulativo que se está realizando para abordar la falta de vivienda en la intersección de la vivienda y la salud mental, el Grupo de Trabajo del Alcalde y el Consejo sobre Vivienda, Personas sin Vivienda y Salud Mental (3H) ha publicado sus Recomendaciones sobre el Camino hacia el Hogar, que incluyen cuatro objetivos y 33 acciones para atender las necesidades de la comunidad.

PHASE 1

January 1, 2027

Focus on Facility

Upgrades to Save Dollars and Maintain Tourism Investment

PHASE 2

January 1, 2031

Shift More Funds to

Marketing and Tourism and Continue Facility Payments

PHASE 3

After Bonds are Paid

Maximize Marketing after Facility Improvements are Complete

Background

A Hotel Guest Tax, also known as a lodging tax, is a fee added to the cost of short-term lodging. In Tulsa, it applies to hotels, motels, inns and other short-term rental (e.g., Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.) properties with five or more rooms, even if those rooms are spread across multiple buildings.

Recent efforts on the hotel tax began in January 2025, when economic development was established as a Mayor/Council budget priority. City leaders discussed the need to explore long-term funding strategies to support tourism and further establish Tulsa as a destination without additional costs to local taxpayers.

The City Council formally took up this discussion in January 2026. See Relevant Meetings below to watch discussions and view presentations.

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

La información de las reuniones se actualizará a medida que se produzcan.

Grupo de trabajo sobre vivienda, personas sin hogar y salud mental

Si tiene preguntas o comentarios, envíe un correo electrónico housing@cityoftulsa.org

CURRENT RATE - 5%

In 2026, this

generated $10.4 MM

PROPOSED RATE - 9.9%

Estimated to

generate $20.6 MM

PUBLIC VOTE

November 3, 2026

EFFECTIVE

January 1, 2027, if approved by voters

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

La información de las reuniones se actualizará a medida que se produzcan.

This meeting included a discussion with representatives from Tulsa Public Facilities Authority (TPFA), Oak View Group, and the City of Tulsa regarding the feasibility of revenue bonds secured by Hotel Guest Tax to support BOK and Arvest Convention Center capital needs. This was a follow‐up discussion from the January 20, 2026, Special Meeting and Facilities Tour. Click here to view the supporting documentation. View the discussion here.

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

9 de abril de 2024: recomendaciones de Camino al hogar

Como parte del trabajo acumulativo que se está realizando para abordar la falta de vivienda en la intersección de la vivienda y la salud mental, el Grupo de Trabajo del Alcalde y el Consejo sobre Vivienda, Personas sin Vivienda y Salud Mental (3H) ha publicado sus Recomendaciones sobre el Camino hacia el Hogar, que incluyen cuatro objetivos y 33 acciones para atender las necesidades de la comunidad.

District 5 City Councilor Karen Gilbert stands at a podium in giving a presentation to an audience

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

9 de abril de 2024: recomendaciones de Camino al hogar

Como parte del trabajo acumulativo que se está realizando para abordar la falta de vivienda en la intersección de la vivienda y la salud mental, el Grupo de Trabajo del Alcalde y el Consejo sobre Vivienda, Personas sin Vivienda y Salud Mental (3H) ha publicado sus Recomendaciones sobre el Camino hacia el Hogar, que incluyen cuatro objetivos y 33 acciones para atender las necesidades de la comunidad.

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

Una nueva microtienda de comestibles ayudará a alimentar a las comunidades desatendidas

La concejal del Distrito 3, Crista Patrick, estuvo acompañada por representantes del Ministerio Metropolitano de Tulsa para la...

11 abr 2024

Nuevo programa de concejales para empoderar a los habitantes de Tulsa con soluciones de impuestos a la propiedad

Las concejalas de la ciudad de Tulsa, Vanessa Hall-Harper, Jeannie Cue y Crista Patrick, se unieron hoy a la Corporación de Desarrollo...

22 feb 2024

Guía del Coyote Urbano

Los coyotes han sido residentes del área de Tulsa desde principios del siglo XX, cuando la fragmentación de los bosques y el exterminio...

19 feb 2024

Grupo de trabajo sobre vivienda, personas sin hogar y salud mental

CURRENT RATE - 5% In 2026, this generated $10.4 MM

PROPOSED RATE - 9.9% Estimated to generate $20.6 MM

PUBLIC VOTE Election will take place on November 3, 2026

EFFECTIVE January 1, 2027, if approved by voters

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

What is a Hotel Guest Tax?

What will be on the ballot?

When will we have the opportunity to vote?

If the proposed Hotel Guest Tax increase passes, will my taxes go up?

Who pays the Hotel Guest Tax?

What does the Hotel Guest Tax go toward?

What is Tulsa’s current Hotel Guest Tax rate and how does it compare to other cities?

How much does Tulsa's current Hotel Guest Tax rate generate compared to other cities?

How much additional funding would the Hotel Guest Tax generate if it increased?

Does the Hotel Guest Tax apply to services, food, drinks or parking?

Who is exempt from the Hotel GuestTax?

When would the new tax rate become effective?

How can I learn more?

Grupo de trabajo sobre vivienda, personas sin hogar y salud mental

CURRENT RATE - 5%

PROPOSED RATE - 9.9%

PUBLIC VOTE

EFFECTIVE

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

July 15, 2026 - Hotel Guest Tax Election Discussion

April 1, 2026 - Hotel Guest Tax Town Hall Summary

March 30, 2026 - Hotel Guest Tax Town Hall

March 4, 2026 - Hotel Guest Tax Proposal Summary

February 25, 2026 - Follow Up Visit Tulsa Tourism Presentation

February 11, 2026 - Bond Feasibility Discussion

January 28, 2026 - Visit Tulsa's Tourism Presentation

January 20, 2026 - BOK & Arvest Facilities Tour and Presentation

January 14, 2026 - Process Overview

November 7, 2025 - Long-Term Tourism Funding Strategies Discussion

November 5, 2025 - Initial Hotel/Motel Tax Proposal & Tourism Funding Discussion

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

Una nueva microtienda de comestibles ayudará a alimentar a las comunidades desatendidas

Nuevo programa de concejales para empoderar a los habitantes de Tulsa con soluciones de impuestos a la propiedad

Guía del Coyote Urbano

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

Reuniones del grupo de trabajo

CURRENT RATE - 5%
In 2026, this
generated $10.4 MM

PROPOSED RATE - 9.9%
Estimated to
generate $20.6 MM

PUBLIC VOTE
Election will take place on November 3, 2026

EFFECTIVE
January 1, 2027, if
approved by voters