Transient Occupancy Tax: Fairfield vs Vacaville

What's the hotel tax I'll pay on a Fairfield stay?

12% Transient Occupancy Tax plus 3% Tourism Business Improvement District assessment, for a combined 15% of room rent. The 12% TOT took effect January 1, 2025 after voters approved Measure M in November 2024; the prior rate was 10%, in place since 1984. Both are collected by the operator at check-out and remitted monthly to the City Finance Department. Federal government employees on official travel and foreign diplomats with proper documentation are exempt from TOT.

When does a hotel stay stop being taxable?

Once the guest reaches 30 consecutive days, they are no longer a 'transient' under Chapter 6, Article XV, and TOT no longer applies. The ordinance and California Revenue & Taxation Code §7280 use 30 consecutive days as the bright-line cutoff. The treatment of the first 30 days varies by booking structure; some operators refund tax on the first 30 days once the threshold is met, others treat the entire stay as taxable until the 30-day point is reached. Travis Air Force Base TDY guests frequently approach the cutoff and should confirm tax treatment with the operator before booking.

What is the current Vacaville hotel tax?

The Transient Occupancy Tax under Vacaville Municipal Code Chapter 3.16 is 8% of the rent on stays of 30 consecutive days or less. Effective November 1, 2025, a separate 4% Vacaville Tourism Marketing District assessment under Chapter 3.17 also applies, bringing the combined city-imposed lodging charge to 12% on covered stays.

Who collects TOT in Vacaville?

Effective October 1, 2023, HdL Companies administers TOT registration, collection, returns, and audits on behalf of the City of Vacaville. Operators file directly with HdL's TOT Processing Center rather than with the City Clerk or Finance Department.

Is Vacaville raising its hotel tax?

As of May 2026, no. The 8% TOT rate set in 2003 remains in effect. The City Council held a first reading of TOT modernization amendments in 2026, and staff was directed to issue an RFP for voter-opinion surveying ahead of a potential November 2026 ballot measure that could raise the TOT rate (figures of up to 10% were discussed publicly). Any rate change above 8% requires a vote of the electorate under California Government Code Section 53724 and Proposition 218.