Taxes & Fees: Anaheim vs Costa Mesa
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Anaheim, CA and Costa Mesa, CA?
Anaheim and Costa Mesa have similar restriction levels.
Anaheim, CA
Orange County
Anaheim imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all short-term rentals under AMC Chapter 4.05. A $250 application fee applies for the STR business license. Annual permit renewal is due by July 31.
View full Anaheim rules →Costa Mesa, CA
Orange County
Costa Mesa does not collect transient occupancy taxes from residential short-term rentals because the activity is prohibited citywide under Ordinance 2021-17. Only legally permitted lodging businesses collect TOT.
View full Costa Mesa rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Anaheim | Costa Mesa |
|---|---|---|
| TOT Rate | 10% | - |
| Application Fee | $250 | - |
| Renewal | Annually by July 31 | - |
| Code | AMC Ch. 4.05 | - |
| Residential STR Tax | - | Not applicable — STRs banned |
| Hotel/Motel TOT | - | Commercial zones only |
| STR Permits | - | None issued |
| Illegal STR Fine | - | Up to $1,000 per day |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Anaheim FAQ
What tax do Anaheim STR operators pay?
A 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on rental income collected from guests. This is separate from state and federal income taxes.
When must the STR permit be renewed?
Annually on or before July 31. The initial application fee is $250 for the business license.
Costa Mesa FAQ
Do I need to pay TOT for a short-term rental in Costa Mesa?
No, because short-term rentals are prohibited citywide. Only legally permitted hotels and motels in commercial zones collect and remit TOT.
What if I'm operating an illegal rental?
You face fines up to $1,000 per day for the illegal rental. You may also face state and federal tax consequences for unreported rental income.
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