Taxes & Fees: Mountain View vs Sunnyvale
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Mountain View, CA and Sunnyvale, CA?
Mountain View has fewer restrictions than Sunnyvale.
Mountain View, CA
Santa Clara County
Mountain View charges a 10 percent Transient Occupancy Tax on all short-term rental stays under 30 days, plus business license fees that apply to all STR operators.
View full Mountain View rules →Sunnyvale, CA
Santa Clara County
Sunnyvale imposes a 10.5 percent Transient Occupancy Tax on all STR stays under 30 days. Hosts must register, collect TOT from guests, and remit monthly or quarterly.
View full Sunnyvale rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Mountain View | Sunnyvale |
|---|---|---|
| TOT rate | 10% of gross rent | - |
| Threshold | Stays 30 days or less | Stays under 30 days |
| Remittance | Monthly or quarterly | - |
| Business license fee | Annual, varies | - |
| Platform collection | Verify per platform | - |
| TOT Rate | - | 10.5 percent |
| Filing | - | Monthly or quarterly |
| Late Penalty | - | 10 percent plus interest |
| Code | - | SMC Ch 3.20 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Mountain View FAQ
What is Mountain View's TOT rate for Airbnb?
10 percent of the rental rate, applied to any stay of 30 days or less. This is in addition to any cleaning or service fees subject to the tax.
What happens if I don't pay TOT?
Back taxes, interest, and penalties apply, and the city may revoke your business license or pursue collection.
Sunnyvale FAQ
Does Airbnb pay Sunnyvale TOT automatically?
Airbnb collects and remits TOT under a voluntary agreement with Sunnyvale. VRBO and direct bookings require the host to collect and remit directly to the city.
Do 30-day-plus corporate rentals owe TOT?
No. Stays of 31 consecutive days or more are exempt from TOT. Structure leases carefully and document the term to avoid reclassification.
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