Los Angeles vs Palmdale
How do parking tax rules compare between Los Angeles, CA and Palmdale, CA?
Los Angeles and Palmdale have similar restriction levels.
Los Angeles, CA
Los Angeles County
Los Angeles imposes a 10 percent parking occupancy tax on every paid parking transaction at commercial lots and garages. The operator collects from the customer and remits monthly to the Office of Finance.
View full Los Angeles rules →Palmdale, CA
Los Angeles County
LA County Code Title 4.72 imposes a 10 percent parking occupancy tax on commercial parking transactions in unincorporated areas. Operators register with the Treasurer-Tax Collector, collect tax from drivers, and remit monthly under audit by the TTC.
View full Palmdale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Los Angeles | Palmdale |
|---|---|---|
| Tax rate | 10% of parking charge | - |
| Code section | LAMC §21.50 | LA County Code Title 4.72 |
| Filing frequency | Monthly returns required | - |
| Operator bond | Three months estimated tax | - |
| Free parking | Generally exempt from tax | - |
| Rate | - | 10 percent of fee |
| Coverage | - | Unincorporated commercial parking |
| Filing | - | Monthly to TTC |
| Exempt | - | Free, residential, government |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Los Angeles FAQ
Do I owe the tax on my employee parking?
If you provide parking free to employees you owe no tax. If employees pay any fee, even nominal, the operator must collect 10 percent and remit it monthly to the Office of Finance.
What about valet parking at restaurants?
Valet parking is taxable when a separate fee is charged. If valet is genuinely free with no charge to the customer or restaurant validation, no tax is due on that transaction.
Palmdale FAQ
Does the county parking tax apply at LA City lots?
No. LA City's 10 percent parking tax applies inside city limits under LAMC Section 21.14. The county's Title 4.72 tax applies only in unincorporated areas. Operators near city boundaries must verify which jurisdiction governs their lot.
Are valet and event parking covered?
Yes. Any commercial parking transaction in unincorporated LA County, including valet, monthly contract parking, and special-event lots, is subject to Title 4.72. Free spaces and government-owned spaces remain exempt.
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