- Businesses filing in South Padre Island and the City of Harlingen will proceed to submit county tax through their joint city-county tax returns with Avenu for the December filing period. Avenu was unable to remove the county tax in time for this transition. Businesses should proceed to also file a tax return on Localgov for self-reporting purposes, but will not be required to submit a payment for the December filing period. These business owners will start regular filings through Localgov for the January 2025 filing period, where both the return and payment will be submitted.
- Your First Payments: After creating your new account, you will be adding your new saved payment methods when you submit your first tax filing and payment. Please note that your business banking account may require pre-authorization for online ACH debits. Below is your CCD number to give your bank for debit authorizations prior to your first ACH payment.
- NEW CCD # for Cameron County: 011404516
Online Tax Filings & Payments
To make your local taxes and payments easier, Cameron County, Texas, has partnered with Localgov. This service facilitates secure and convenient online tax filings and payments. Now you can submit, pay, and manage your tax filings from the comfort of your home or business, save time, and avoid late fees.
New Localgov Login Page: https://tax.localgov.org/
Starting January 7, 2025, the following Cameron County, Texas form will be available to submit on Localgov:
- Venue Tax Form
Localgov offers taxpayers in our community significant advantages, such as:
- Automatic calculation of taxes and fees owed.
- Secure processing that keeps your data safe.
- Multiple payment options, including ACH/EFT drafts, credit and debit card payments.
- Payments can be made when you have time—not only during government hours.
- No need for paper forms, envelopes, checks, or stamps.
- Help is available when you need it.
Short-Term Rental (STR) Complaint Hotline
If you need to report a complaint or unauthorized short-term rental in your neighborhood, please call the Localgov STR Complaint Hotline at (877) 558-3266 or email str@localgov.org. Localgov handles complaints, tracks communications, and ensures the issue is addressed promptly in coordination with Cameron County, Texas.
Helpful Resources to Get Started:
- Set up your online account here: https://tax.localgov.org/login. It takes just a few minutes to get started, set up payments, and get current with your taxes. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Localgov Customer Service at (877) 842-3037 or service@localgov.org.
- Schedule a training with Localgov Customer Service and we’ll walk you through how to submit your first filing: https://www.localgov.org/training
- Bookmark the Localgov Help Center: localgov.org/knowledge
- Need help submitting your forms on Localgov? Click on the links below to access some helpful resources.
How to File Your Taxes on Localgov
First, add your business into your Localgov portal:
- Sign into your Localgov account: https://tax.localgov.org/
- Go to the “My Businesses” page.
- Click the button “Add a Business.”
- Search for Cameron County, Texas.
- Search for your business by address or business name.
- Select your business and click the button “Add Business.”
- You will be redirected back to the Businesses list page.
- To view your business details and required forms, click the magnifying glass icon next to your business name.
Next, proceed to submit your tax filing on Localgov:
- Sign into your Localgov account: https://tax.localgov.org/
- Go to the “Submit Forms” page.
- Search for Cameron County, Texas.
- Select the tax form you are required to file. If you select the wrong form, you will receive an error message.
- Fill out all required fields. The form on Localgov will automatically calculate the tax due for the Cameron County.
Venue Tax Requirements
Overview
Cameron County imposes a tax on short-term rental accommodations, including hotels, motels, and similar properties. The Venue Tax applies to rentals lasting less than 30 days and must be collected by property operators and remitted monthly.
Exemptions
Certain transactions are not subject to the Venue Tax, including:
- Government Stays: Rentals for official U.S. or Texas government purposes.
- Long-Term Rentals: Occupancies exceeding 30 consecutive days without interruptions in payment.
- Educational Use: Rentals directly tied to programs or activities of educational institutions.
Tax Rate
- General: 2% of the rental price per night.
- South Padre Island: 0.5% for rentals within the city limits.
Filing Deadline
- Due Date: Monthly filings are required by the 20th of the following month.
- If the 20th falls on a weekend or holiday, filings are due the next business day.
Penalties and Interest
- Late Filing Penalty: 5% of unpaid taxes for filings delayed more than 30 days.
- Interest: Delinquent taxes accrue interest at 10% annually.
Zero Dollar Filing
All businesses must file monthly returns, even if no taxable rentals occurred.
Support & Resources
If you need technical support while registering on Localgov, please reach out to Localgov Customer Service at service@localgov.org or call (877) 842-3037.