Searcy, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Short-Term Rental?
A Short-Term Rental, also known as a vacation rental, is the rental of a legally-licensed dwelling unit for periods of less than 30 consecutive days per occurrence. A Short-Term Rental License 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 Searcy.
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 license is in violation of the City of Searcy’s ordinances and subject to enforcement processes.
What is the Lodging Tax?
Lodging Tax – 3%
Food Service Tax – 1%
When is the Lodging Tax due?
Lodging Tax payments are due monthly no later than the last day of the month following the end of the prior month. If there was no rental activity for the entire month, you are still required to submit the completed Lodging Tax form.
How is penalty and interest calculated on late payments?
PENALTIES: Delinquent one month, the penalty is the min of 5% of the tax due (35% max).
INTEREST: 10% of taxes due per annum
Do I also need to obtain a separate business license?
No. The STR Business License is all you need to begin advertising your rental and remitting taxes.
What is the cost of an STR License?
There is no cost for an STR License.
Does my short-term rental license apply to multiple properties?
No. You are only allowed to short-term rent one dwelling unit per license in the City of Searcy. An owner is permitted a maximum of one “whole home” rental and one “partial home” rental but each STR requires its own license and annual fee.
Do I have to display my license?
Yes. The STR License, visitor emergency information, must all be posted in a conspicuous place within the short-term rental unit at all times. Your STR License 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.
Is the City working with Vrbo?
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes!
Can I pay by e-check?
I need to close my account. What do I do?
Account closure requests are processed by the local jurisdiction upon request from the account holder. The GovOS support team is not authorized to directly close your account.
To close your account, please contact Ashton with the City of Searcy at Ashton@blansettcpa.com.
Please include the following in your email to the City:
I need to amend a tax return. What do I do?
Tax form amendment requests are processed by the local jurisdiction upon request from the account holder. The GovOS support team is not authorized to amend returns.
Please email Ashton with the City of Searcy at Ashton@blansettcpa.com requesting to file an amended return.
In the email please include:
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.
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 GovOS 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 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 the following major credit cards: Visa, Mastercard and Discover.
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 for that jurisdiction. They will click on the "Go" button under "New Users". 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 (Searcy) and your account number in all emails or voicemails. This will help us assist you as promptly as possible. Thanks!
