Short Term Rental

Information for Morgan County Lodging Partners & Future Hosts

Whether you currently offer short-term lodging or are thinking about opening your doors to guests in the future, this page is your go-to resource for everything you need to know about offering overnight accommodations in Morgan County.

From charming cabins to historic homes and riverside retreats, short-term rentals play a big role in helping visitors experience all that Morgan County has to offer. As a lodging partner, you're not only supporting our local tourism economy, but you’re also helping create lasting memories for visitors coming to enjoy The Front Porch to the Great Outdoors.

If you’re currently hosting, or planning to, here’s what you should know:

  • A 3% lodging tax (often called a “bed tax”) applies to all overnight stays and must be collected and submitted quarterly to the Morgan County Auditor. This is a tax collected by the host from the guest. Please keep this in mind when determining your nightly rate. Hosting platforms do not collect and remit lodging tax on behalf of the short-term rentals in Morgan County.
  • Properties located in Homer Township, or the Village of McConnelsville must also collect an additional 3% local lodging tax. You’ll need to contact those offices directly for payment instructions.
    For The Village of McConnelsville visit their website: https://www.vomcc.com.
    For Homer Township Contact Cathi Jones, 740-541-8309 or homerfiscal@yahoo.com.
  • Registration is required within 30 days of beginning to rent out your property.
  • Even if you don't host any guests during a quarter, a reporting form must still be submitted to remain in good standing.

Need help getting started? Have questions about the tax or your responsibilities? The Morgan County Visitor Center is here to support you. Whether you’re an experienced host or just exploring the idea, we’re happy to help you navigate the process.

You can download the following documents right here on this page:

Thank you for being a part of what makes Morgan County a warm and welcoming destination!

Registering Your Short-Term Rental

All short-term rental operators in Morgan County are required to register with the Morgan County Auditor within 30 days of starting business.

Registration must be renewed annually by January 31st and includes a $20 annual fee. If you're registering a new rental for the first time, please contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau for your prorated fee amount.

To register, you'll need to provide basic information about your property, ownership, listing platforms, and contact details. Once your registration is complete, the Auditor will issue a Transient Occupancy Registration Certificate, which must be posted in a visible spot on your property.

This certificate confirms your compliance with the Morgan County Lodging Excise Tax Code, it’s not a permit, but it does show that you’re properly registered and ready to host.

Download the registration form and return or mail it to the Morgan County Auditor, 155 E. Main St., Room 217, McConnelsville, OH 43756 with the required fee. Checks can be made payable to the Morgan County Treasurer.

Thank you for helping make Morgan County a welcoming place to stay, we’re glad to have you as a lodging partner!

Download Form

Instructions: Download the form below and ompletein full. Tax is due by the 30th day of the month following the calendar quarter in which the tax is collected.

Make checks payable to: Morgan County Treasurer

Mail to: Morgan County Auditor, 155 E. Main St., Room 217, McConnelsville, OH 43756

Reporting Periods:

  • 1st Quarter: January, February, March (Due Apr 30)
  • 2nd Quarter: April, May, June (Due Jul 30)
  • 3rd Quarter: July, August, September (Due Oct 30)
  • 4th Quarter: October, November, December (Due Jan 30)
Download Form

Code Of Regulations