Taxes & Fees: Carson vs Los Angeles
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Carson, CA and Los Angeles, CA?
Carson has fewer restrictions than Los Angeles.
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 →Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles imposes a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on STR stays of 30 nights or less. Hosts must collect and remit unless the platform remits on their behalf.
View full Los Angeles rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Carson | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | - |
| TOT Rate | - | 14% |
| Applies To | - | Stays ≤30 nights |
| Remittance | - | Host responsible unless platform remits |
| Office | - | City of LA Office of Finance |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
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.
Los Angeles FAQ
What taxes do I owe on short-term rental income in los Angeles?
Los Angeles imposes a 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on STR stays of 30 nights or less. Hosts must collect and remit unless the platform remits on their behalf.
How much is the short-term rental license fee in los Angeles?
TOT Rate: 14%. Applies To: Stays ≤30 nights. Remittance: Host responsible unless platform remits. Office: City of LA Office of Finance.
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