Santa Clara imposes a 9.5% Transient Occupancy Tax on short-term rentals of fewer than 30 days, plus business license fees and registration costs payable to the Finance Department.
Santa Clara Municipal Code requires operators of lodging under 30 consecutive days to collect and remit a 9.5% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) on gross rental receipts. Hosts must register with the Finance Department, file returns monthly or quarterly depending on volume, and keep records for at least three years. Platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo may collect and remit TOT on the hosts behalf where an agreement exists, but hosts remain ultimately responsible for compliance. In addition to TOT, operators pay annual business license fees and any short-term rental registration fee established by the city. Late filings incur penalties and interest, and failure to remit taxes can result in liens on the property. Operators must provide guests with a receipt showing the TOT separately from the room charge.
Contact your local code enforcement office for specific penalty information.
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