Ceres, CA Hotels & Lodging: Transient Occupancy Tax (2026)
Key Facts
- TOT rate
- 10% of rent
- Transient threshold
- 30 consecutive days or less
- Collected by
- Hotel operator, at time rent is paid
- Administered by
- Tax Administrator (Finance Director)
- Registration
- Required within 30 days of opening
Summary
Ceres charges a 10% transient occupancy tax on hotel, motel, and short-stay rent for any guest staying 30 consecutive days or less.
For the privilege of occupancy in any hotel, each transient is subject to and shall pay a tax in the amount of ten percent of the rent charged by the operator. This tax constitutes a debt owed by the transient to the City which is extinguished only by payment to the operator or to the City. The transient shall pay the tax to the operator of the hotel at the time the rent is paid. If the rent is paid in installments, a proportionate share of the tax shall be paid with each installment. The unpaid tax shall be due upon the transient's ceasing to occupy space in the hotel. If for any reason the tax due is not paid to the operator of the hotel, the Tax Administrator may require that such tax shall be paid directly to the Tax Administrator.
(Ord. No. 2020-1058, § 4, 3-23-2020)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Municipal Code: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
Under Ceres Municipal Code § 3.06.030, every transient occupying a hotel room pays a 10% tax on the rent charged by the operator. "Hotel" sweeps in hotels, motels, inns, tourist homes, dormitories, private clubs, and mobile homes or house trailers at a fixed site. A guest counts as a transient for up to 30 consecutive days; beyond that, or under a written agreement for longer occupancy, the tax no longer applies. Operators collect the tax with the rent, must state it separately from the room charge, and cannot advertise that they'll absorb it themselves.
Violations & Fines
Operators who fail to register, collect, or remit the tax face collection by the Tax Administrator (Finance Director); the unpaid tax remains a debt owed by the transient until paid to the operator or the City.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hotel tax rate in Ceres?
When does a long-term stay stop owing the tax?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Ceres
California rules heatmap·Compare Ceres to another location·View the California hotels & lodging overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.