Taxes & Fees: Altadena vs Carson
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Altadena, CA and Carson, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Altadena.
Altadena, CA
Los Angeles County
STR hosts in Altadena must collect and remit a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) under LA County Code Chapter 4.72, plus pay the $914 annual registration fee under Section 7.96.040.
View full Altadena rules →Carson, CA
Los Angeles County
Carson has no STR-specific ordinance in its Municipal Code (eCode360 portal, current through January 6, 2026). However, California Revenue & Taxation Code §7280 authorizes any city to levy a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on lodging of 30 days or fewer, and Carson imposes a business license tax on persons engaged in business in the city (Carson Municipal Code Article VI — Business Licenses, accessed via eCode360 CA4377). Any rental of fewer than 30 days is a 'transient' occupancy excluded from residential tenancy protections (Cal. Civ. Code §1940(b)).
View full Carson rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Carson |
|---|---|---|
| TOT Rate | 12% | - |
| TOT Code Section | LA County Code Ch. 4.72 | - |
| Registration Fee | $914/year | - |
| Filing Deadline | Within 30 days of stay | - |
| STR-specific ordinance | - | None in Carson Municipal Code (eCode360 CA4377, current Jan 6, 2026) |
| Business license | - | Required for any person engaged in business in the city (CMC Article VI) |
| TOT authority | - | Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280 — cities may tax stays of 30 days or fewer |
| Transient definition | - | Stay of 30 days or less (Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280; Cal. Civ. Code §1940(b)) |
| Contact | - | Carson Finance Department (310) 830-7600 for license and TOT registration |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Altadena FAQ
What's the Altadena bed tax?
LA County charges a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax under Chapter 4.72 on STR stays of 30 days or less.
Who pays the TOT?
The Host is ultimately responsible per Section 7.96.070.E even if Airbnb or another platform does not collect it for you.
Carson FAQ
Does Carson have a short-term rental ordinance?
No. The Carson Municipal Code (eCode360, current through January 6, 2026) does not contain a dedicated STR ordinance. Hosts must rely on general business-license, zoning, and California state law (Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280; Cal. Civ. Code §1940(b)).
Do I need to collect Transient Occupancy Tax?
Cal. Rev. & Tax. Code §7280 authorizes cities to levy TOT on stays of 30 days or fewer. Contact the Carson Finance Department at (310) 830-7600 to confirm whether TOT applies to residential STRs and the current rate.
Do I need a Carson business license?
Yes. Carson Municipal Code Article VI requires a business license for any person engaged in business in the city, including operating a short-term rental.
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