Mary Abernathy

Step-by-Step Navigation Process for Completing Your Short-Term Rental Host License

Important: Your account number and access code are located at the bottom of your registration letter.

1. Log in to the Platform
   • Enter your login credentials to access your account.
2. Navigate to the “Business Center”
   • Once logged in, click the “Business Center” tab located at the top right of your screen.
3. Enter the “Business Center” Section
   • Click on the “Business Center” tab to access your account dashboard.
4. Locate the “Open Tasks” Section
   • Within the Business Center, scroll to the section labeled “Open Tasks.”
5. Select the “Short-Term Rental Host License” Task
   • Look for the task titled “Short-Term Rental Host License.”
6. Open the Checklist
   • Click the blue hyperlink labeled “Read Short-Term Rental Host License Checklist (new)” next to the task.
7. Review the Checklist
   • A popup or new window will appear with the checklist. Note: This step is for informational purposes only—no action is required on this screen.
8. Locate and Click the “Submit” Button
   • At the bottom right of the checklist window, click the orange “Submit” button to proceed. Please disregard any warning about not being able to return—this step is required to move forward.
9. Begin the Licensing Process
   • After clicking “Submit,” the system will guide you step-by-step through the licensing process. Each task must be completed fully before advancing to the next.
10. Completion and Submission
    • Once all tasks are completed, our office will be notified that your account is ready for review. Ensure all uploaded documents are in PDF format (not DOC or JPEG).
    • If any issues are found, you will receive an email with instructions for resolution. Your account will not be approved until the issue is corrected.
11. License Approval and Payment
    • Once your license is approved, you will receive an email notification.
    • Log back into your account, where you will see a new open task titled “Pending Payment.”
    • Submit your payment through the platform.
12. Printing and Displaying Your License
    • After payment is received, you will be able to download and print your license. A printed copy of the license must be displayed at the Short-Term Rental property.

Based on the requirements outlined in Gilmer County Ordinance Chapter 45, Article I, the “house rules” that must be posted inside the short-term rental and uploaded with the application should include the following elements:

Gilmer County Short-Term Rental House Rules

To ensure a safe and respectful stay, please review and follow the house rules below. These rules are in compliance with Gilmer County Ordinance Chapter 45.

1. Emergency & Safety Information
   • In case of emergency, dial 911.
   • Property Address: [Insert Full 911 Address]
   • Location of nearest hospital: [Insert]
   • Fire escape routes and floor plan are posted.
   • Fire extinguishers are located on each level of the home.
   • Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed as required.
2. Contact Information
   • Responsible Party: [Insert Name & 24/7 Phone Number]
   • This individual is available 24/7 and will respond within 4 hours to any complaint.
3. Quiet Hours
   • Sunday – Friday: 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM
   • Friday – Sunday: 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM Please respect neighbors and keep noise to a minimum during these times.
4. Parking
   • Parking is only allowed in the driveway and/or garage.
   • Do not park on the road, in grassy areas, or along easements.
5. Trash & Refuse
   • Trash collection: (Insert Pickup Days)
   • All trash must be secured in containers and not left in public view or along the roadway.
6. Prohibited Conduct
   • No disorderly conduct, excessive noise, or public disturbances.
   • No trespassing on neighboring properties.
   • No discharge of firearms, lighting of fireworks, or uncontained fires.
   • No parties or events unless specifically authorized.
7. Occupancy
   • Maximum Occupancy: [Insert Number of Guests]
   • Do not exceed the posted occupancy at any time.
8. Internet & Communication
   • (State whether WiFi is available or if there is a landline for emergency use)
9. Leave No Trace
   • Please clean up after yourself.
   • Do not leave trash, cigarette butts, or personal belongings outdoors.
10. High Fire Danger / Burn Ban
    • Burn bans may be in effect. Violations may result in fines. Check signage or local alerts before starting any fire.
11. Other Rules
    • Check-out time: (Insert Time)
    • No smoking inside the home.
    • Pets: (Allowed / Not Allowed – Specify details)
    • Do not tamper with smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, or safety signage.

Thank you for being a respectful guest and helping us maintain a safe, quiet, and enjoyable environment for everyone.

If you own a Short-Term Rental (STR) in Gilmer County but did not receive your registration letter, please follow the steps below to begin the registration process:
Steps to Follow:

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to https://gilmercounty-ga.gov/short-term-rental
2. Access the STR Forms:
   • Click on the “Short Term Rental” tab at the top of the page.
   • Under that tab, select “STR Forms.”
3. Complete the STR Information Sheet:
   • Download and fill out the STR Information Sheet available in the forms section.
4. Submit the Completed Form: Email the completed form to: strentals@gilmercounty-ga.gov
5. What Happens Next:
   • Upon receipt of your form, our office will enter your information into the system. You will then be sent your official registration letter, which includes your account number and access code to begin the STR registration process.

Need Help?
If you have any questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us directly: 706-635-4361. We’re here to help ensure your STR registration is completed smoothly and on time.

In Georgia, businesses that sell goods or services subject to state sales tax must register for a Georgia state tax identification number, also known as a sales and use tax ID number or state taxpayer identification number. This number is issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue.

1. Obtain a federal Employer Identification Number (EIN): Before applying for a Georgia state tax ID, most businesses will need an EIN from the IRS.
2. Register with the Georgia Tax Center (GTC): Navigate to the Georgia Tax Center website.
3. Initiate business registration: Click on “Register Your New Georgia Business.”
4. Provide business details: Input your business type, federal EIN, business name, contact information, and owner details.
5. Specify sales tax start date: Indicate when your business anticipates beginning to collect sales tax.
6. Include your NAICS code: Enter your North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code.
7. Select Sales and Use Tax account: When prompted, select the Sales and Use Tax account and indicate the percentage of your revenue in applicable categories.
8. Submit and await confirmation: Complete the online application and you will receive a confirmation number. The Georgia Department of Revenue will notify you by email once the registration is complete and provide your Georgia sales tax ID number.

The purpose of the Authorized Agent Form is to officially designate a representative who is permitted to act on behalf of the Short-Term Rental (STR) property owner.

Specifically, this form allows the property owner to:

1. Appoint an agent to manage the STR property, including submitting documents, handling compliance requirements, and communicating with Gilmer County officials.
2. Ensure accountability by clearly identifying who is responsible for day-to-day operations if the owner is not local or directly involved.
3. Provide contact information for the agent, ensuring the County can reach someone quickly in the event of issues, complaints, or inspections.
4. Maintain compliance with the STR ordinance, which may require a local contact who can respond to matters in a timely manner.

By completing and submitting this form, the owner authorizes the listed individual to represent their interests in all Short Term Rental related matters.

The purpose of the STR Ordinance Attestation Form is to confirm that the property owner has:

1. Read and understood the Gilmer County Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance;
2. Agreed to comply with all rules, regulations, and requirements outlined in the ordinance;
3. Completed all required actions, such as notifying neighbors, conducting inspections, and submitting accurate information;
4. Acknowledged responsibility for maintaining compliance with county regulations as an STR operator.

By signing the attestation form, the owner is legally affirming that they are aware of and will follow the ordinance, helping to ensure community safety, accountability, and transparency in Short Term Rental operations.

Monthly Reporting Deadline

Completed tax reporting forms and any applicable payments are due by the 20th of each month, covering rental activity for the previous month.

Submission Instructions

Please remit the completed form and payment using one of the following methods – 

Electronically:
https://gilmercountyga.munirevs.com

Mail:
Gilmer County Board of Commissioners
822 Industrial Blvd, Suite 200
Ellijay, GA 30540

Email:
strentals@gilmercounty-ga.gov
Required Attachments

Your submission must include a copy of your Georgia Sales Tax Report for the same reporting period, clearly showing county-level breakdowns.

Important Notes

• Returns must be filed and paid on or before the 20th of each month to avoid late penalties and interest.
• Failure to include the state tax report may result in penalties of up to $100, along with 12% annual interest on any unpaid amount.

Please ensure your submissions are timely and complete. If you have any questions, feel free to contact our office at the email address listed above.

Please be advised that large booking platforms such as VRBO, Airbnb, and HomeAway do not currently utilize the GovOS reporting system. As a result, it is the responsibility of each property owner to log into their GovOS account every month and report all revenue received from Short Term Rental activity, regardless of the platform used.

If a platform (such as Airbnb) has collected and remitted the occupancy taxes on your behalf, you are still required to report the revenue for that period. When entering your monthly report, you will log the total revenue earned, but you will enter $0.00 for the amount due in taxes, noting that they have been paid by the platform.

Consistent monthly reporting helps ensure compliance with local tax ordinances and keeps your Short Term Rental license in good standing.