Santa Ana imposes an 11% transient occupancy tax on stays of 30 days or fewer at hotels, motels, and short-term rentals. Operators collect the tax from guests and remit monthly to the city finance department.
Under the Santa Ana Municipal Code, every hotel, motel, bed and breakfast, and short-term rental operator must register for a transient occupancy registration certificate, charge guests 11% TOT on the room rate, and remit collections monthly to the city. Stays of 31 consecutive days or longer are exempt as non-transient. Federal employees on official business and certain diplomats may claim exemption with documentation. Late remittances trigger penalties and interest. Online travel platforms (Airbnb, Vrbo) typically collect and remit on behalf of hosts under voluntary collection agreements with the city, but the host remains the responsible party.
Failing to register, undercharging guests, missing the monthly remittance, or claiming non-transient status for stays under 31 days can each trigger penalties, interest, and an audit.
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