Taxes & Fees: Altadena vs Santa Monica
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Altadena, CA and Santa Monica, CA?
Altadena and Santa Monica have similar restriction levels.
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 →Santa Monica, CA
Los Angeles County
Santa Monica imposes a 17% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on home-sharing rentals, effective March 2023. Hosts must also obtain a business license (Tax Rate Group III: $75 base on first $60,000, plus 0.3% above). Airbnb pays the City $2 per night booked under a settlement agreement.
View full Santa Monica rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Altadena | Santa Monica |
|---|---|---|
| TOT Rate | 12% | 17% of room charges |
| TOT Code Section | LA County Code Ch. 4.72 | - |
| Registration Fee | $914/year | - |
| Filing Deadline | Within 30 days of stay | - |
| Business License | - | $75 base + 0.3% over $60K |
| Airbnb Fee | - | $2/night to City |
| Code | - | SMMC Ch. 6.20, Ch. 6.08 |
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.
Santa Monica FAQ
What taxes do Santa Monica home-share hosts pay?
A 17% Transient Occupancy Tax on all room charges, plus a business license fee of $75 on the first $60,000 in gross receipts (0.3% on amounts above $60,000).
Does Airbnb collect TOT in Santa Monica?
Under the 2019 settlement, Airbnb pays the City $2 per night booked. Hosts should verify whether the full 17% TOT is being collected and remitted by their platform or if they need to file separately.
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