Taxes & Fees: Fontana vs Rialto
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Fontana, CA and Rialto, CA?
Fontana and Rialto have similar restriction levels.
Fontana, CA
San Bernardino County
Fontana charges Transient Occupancy Tax on short-term stays under 30 days. Operators must register, collect TOT from guests, file returns, and pay business license fees.
View full Fontana rules →Rialto, CA
San Bernardino County
Rialto imposes a 9% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on stays of 30 consecutive days or less under Rialto Municipal Code Chapter 3.08 (effective January 18, 1991, per the State Controller's annual TOT report). The TOT applies to hotels, motels, and short-term residential rentals alike. Rialto has no STR-specific permit chapter — short-term hosts must obtain a standard Rental Income Property business license under Title 5 from the Business Licensing Division (909-820-2517) and remit TOT directly to the city. Airbnb does NOT have a TOT collection agreement with Rialto, so hosts must self-report.
View full Rialto rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fontana | Rialto |
|---|---|---|
| Tax type | Transient Occupancy Tax | - |
| Applies to | Stays under 30 days | - |
| Registration | Required with Finance | - |
| Filing | Monthly or quarterly | - |
| Business license | Annual fee required | - |
| TOT Rate | - | 9% of rent |
| Code Section | - | Rialto MC Chapter 3.08 |
| Effective Date | - | January 18, 1991 |
| Transient Threshold | - | 30 consecutive days or less |
| Business License | - | Rental Income Property — Title 5 |
| Airbnb Auto-Collect | - | No — host self-remits |
| Business Licensing | - | 909-820-2517 / citybl@rialtoca.gov |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fontana FAQ
Does Airbnb collect Fontana TOT for me?
Some platforms collect TOT automatically through agreements with cities; confirm directly with the Finance Department whether you still need to file.
What happens if I don't register my STR?
Unregistered operators face back taxes, penalties, interest, and potential enforcement actions including cease and desist orders.
Rialto FAQ
What is Rialto's TOT rate for short-term rentals?
9% of gross rent for any stay of 30 consecutive days or less, per Rialto MC Chapter 3.08 (effective 1991).
Does Airbnb collect Rialto TOT automatically?
No. Rialto is not on Airbnb's California voluntary collection list — hosts must register with Rialto Finance and self-remit the 9% TOT.
Do I need a Rialto business license to host on Airbnb?
Yes. Hosts fall under the Rental Income Property classification in Title 5 and must obtain a business license from the Business Licensing Division at 909-820-2517.
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