Taxes & Fees: Santa Rosa vs Sonoma
How do taxes & fees rules compare between Santa Rosa, CA and Sonoma, CA?
Sonoma has fewer restrictions than Santa Rosa.
Santa Rosa, CA
Sonoma County
Santa Rosa requires short-term rental operators to collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) at a rate set by city ordinance. All operators must register with the Finance Department.
View full Santa Rosa rules →Sonoma, CA
Sonoma County
Unincorporated Sonoma County levies a 12% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on the gross rents collected for stays of 30 days or less, under Sonoma County Code Chapter 12. Every vacation rental operator must register with the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector (ACTTC) and obtain a TOT certificate BEFORE applying for the Article VIII annual rental license. TOT returns are filed quarterly. Incorporated cities set their own rates (e.g., City of Sonoma 13% + 2% TID; Santa Rosa 11%).
View full Sonoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Santa Rosa | Sonoma |
|---|---|---|
| Tax Type | Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) | - |
| Applies To | Stays of 30 days or less | - |
| Registration | Required with Finance Department | - |
| Remittance | Regular schedule per city ordinance | - |
| TOT Rate (unincorporated) | - | 12% of gross rents |
| Code Authority | - | Sonoma County Code Ch. 12 |
| Filing Frequency | - | Quarterly to ACTTC |
| City of Sonoma Rate | - | 13% + 2% TID assessment |
| Santa Rosa Rate | - | 11% |
| Other Fees | - | Zoning Permit + Annual Monitoring + 1.3% tech surcharge |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Santa Rosa FAQ
Do I need to collect hotel tax for my Santa Rosa Airbnb?
Yes. Short-term rental operators must collect and remit Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for stays of 30 days or less. Check if your platform remits on your behalf.
How do I register for TOT in Santa Rosa?
Register with the Santa Rosa Finance Department. You will receive a TOT certificate and instructions for regular remittance.
Sonoma FAQ
What is the TOT rate for vacation rentals in unincorporated Sonoma County?
12% of gross rents for any stay of 30 days or less, under Sonoma County Code Chapter 12. The operator collects from guests and remits quarterly to the Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector. A 30+ day stay is not transient and is not taxed.
Do I need a TOT certificate before listing my vacation rental?
Yes. Permit Sonoma's step-by-step guide requires registering for a TOT number with the ACTTC before the annual Article VIII vacation rental license can be issued. Operating without a TOT certificate is a Chapter 12 violation.
Is the City of Sonoma TOT the same as the county rate?
No. Incorporated cities set their own rates: City of Sonoma is 13% plus a 2% Tourism Improvement District assessment, and Santa Rosa is 11%. The 12% county rate applies only in unincorporated areas — verify your address before pricing.
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