Taxes & Fees: Bonsall vs San Marcos
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Bonsall, CA and San Marcos, CA?
Bonsall has fewer restrictions than San Marcos.
Bonsall, CA
San Diego County
San Diego County imposes an 8% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on short-term rentals of 30 days or fewer in unincorporated areas. Operators must register with the County Treasurer-Tax Collector and remit TOT quarterly.
View full Bonsall rules →San Marcos, CA
San Diego County
San Marcos imposes a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on all short-term rentals of 30 days or fewer. Hosts must register with the city, obtain a TOT certificate, and collect and remit the tax. The TOT certificate number must be displayed on all rental advertisements.
View full San Marcos rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bonsall | San Marcos |
|---|---|---|
| TOT Rate | 8% of rent charged | 10% |
| Applies To | Stays of 30 days or fewer | Rentals ≤30 days |
| Filing | Quarterly to Treasurer-Tax Collector | - |
| Registration | Required with County TTC | TOT certificate required |
| Platforms | May collect TOT on behalf of hosts | - |
| Display Requirement | - | Certificate # on all ads |
| Filing Frequency | - | Monthly or quarterly |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bonsall FAQ
What is the TOT rate in unincorporated San Diego County?
The Transient Occupancy Tax rate is 8% of the rent charged for stays of 30 consecutive days or fewer in unincorporated areas of San Diego County.
Does Airbnb collect the TOT for me?
Some platforms may collect and remit TOT on behalf of hosts. However, you remain responsible for ensuring compliance. Check with the County Treasurer-Tax Collector to confirm your obligations.
How do I register to collect TOT?
Register with the San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office. You'll receive an account number and must file quarterly returns remitting the collected tax.
San Marcos FAQ
What is the Transient Occupancy Tax rate in San Marcos CA?
San Marcos charges a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax on all short-term rentals of 30 consecutive days or fewer. Hosts must register with the city and obtain a TOT certificate before collecting rental income.
Does Airbnb collect the TOT for San Marcos hosts?
Some platforms may auto-collect and remit TOT. However, hosts are ultimately responsible for ensuring the correct tax is collected and remitted. Contact the Finance Department at (760) 744-1050 to confirm your obligations.
Do I need to display my TOT number on my Airbnb listing in San Marcos?
Yes. San Marcos requires that your TOT certificate number be displayed on all advertisements and listings for your short-term rental property.
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