Taxes & Fees: Fullerton vs Santa Ana
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Fullerton, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Fullerton has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.
Fullerton, CA
Orange County
Fullerton requires STR hosts to collect and remit a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for all stays under 30 days. Hosts must obtain a TOT certificate as part of the STR permit application process.
View full Fullerton rules →Santa Ana, CA
Orange County
Short-term rentals are banned in Santa Ana, so there are no TOT (Transient Occupancy Tax) collection requirements for residential STR hosts. The city's TOT applies only to hotels and other licensed lodging establishments.
View full Santa Ana rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Fullerton | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| TOT Rate | 10% of rental charges | - |
| Applies To | Stays under 30 days | - |
| TOT Certificate | Required with STR permit | - |
| Payment | City online portal | - |
| Responsibility | Host must ensure compliance | - |
| STR Status | - | Completely banned |
| TOT for STRs | - | N/A — no legal STR operations |
| Hotel TOT | - | Applies to licensed lodging only |
| Permit Fees | - | None — no permits available |
| Enforcement | - | Active ban enforcement |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Fullerton FAQ
What tax do I need to collect for my Fullerton STR?
You must collect a 10% Transient Occupancy Tax from guests for all stays under 30 days and remit it to the city through the online payment portal.
How do I get a TOT certificate?
A TOT certificate is obtained through the Finance Department as part of the STR permit application under FMC Section 15.55.020F.
Does Airbnb collect the tax for me?
Some platforms may collect and remit TOT on your behalf, but you as the host are ultimately responsible for ensuring the tax is properly collected and remitted.
Santa Ana FAQ
Do I need to pay TOT for a short-term rental in Santa Ana?
Short-term rentals are banned in Santa Ana. There is no legal mechanism to operate an STR or collect TOT for residential short-term rental activity.
What is the hotel tax rate in Santa Ana?
The Transient Occupancy Tax rate applies to licensed hotels and motels. Contact the City Clerk's office for the current rate.
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