Taxes & Fees: Newport Beach vs Santa Ana
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Newport Beach, CA and Santa Ana, CA?
Newport Beach has fewer restrictions than Santa Ana.
Newport Beach, CA
Orange County
Newport Beach requires short-term rental hosts to collect and remit a Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) of 10% on rental revenue for stays of 30 days or fewer under NBMC Chapter 3.16. Hosts must also maintain a city business license.
View full Newport Beach 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 | Newport Beach | Santa Ana |
|---|---|---|
| TOT Rate | 10% of rental revenue | - |
| Code Section | NBMC Chapter 3.16 | - |
| Applies To | Stays of 30 days or fewer | - |
| Filing | Monthly or quarterly | - |
| Contact | Finance Dept (949) 644-3150 | - |
| 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.
Newport Beach FAQ
What is the hotel tax rate for short-term rentals in Newport Beach?
The Transient Occupancy Tax is 10% of the rental amount, collected from guests for stays of 30 consecutive days or fewer under NBMC Chapter 3.16.
Does Airbnb collect the tax for me?
Airbnb may collect and remit TOT under platform agreements with the city. However, hosts remain responsible for verifying compliance and should confirm with the Finance Department.
Do I need a business license for my short-term rental?
Yes. In addition to the STL Permit and TOT registration, hosts must maintain a current City of Newport Beach business license.
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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