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Taxes›California›Contra Costa County›Walnut Creek

Walnut Creek
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

Start with the recorded local taxes and permit overview for Walnut Creek, California. Check the current requirements for your exact address.

What you need to do in Walnut Creek

Checked against the source
  1. No action
    Short-term rentals are allowed in Walnut Creek

    city states TOT applies to STRs/home-sharing (Airbnb etc.).

  2. To do
    Get the Walnut Creek short-term rental license or registration

    No dedicated STR ordinance; city states TOT applies to STRs/home-sharing (Airbnb etc.); business license required

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 8.5% Walnut Creek occupancy tax yourself

    The record says booking platforms do not collect it, so you add it to every booking, platform and direct, and pay it to the authority.

  4. To confirm
    Find out how often you file and when returns are due

    The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

Verify each step with the authority before you file or apply. Source

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What to know.

city states TOT applies to STRs/home-sharing (Airbnb etc.). The published guide for Walnut Creek lists 8.5% local occupancy tax. A license or registration is required.

At a glance.

Local tax
8.5%
State tax
Local only
License
Required
Local filing
You collect and remit
SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

Exemptions, penalties, filing information, and effective dates from the linked sources.

Walnut Creek: Recorded exemptions

the tax is quarterly, due on or before the last day of the month following the quarter.

Walnut Creek: Recorded penalties and interest

Per the official Walnut Creek TOT Return form: first penalty 10% of tax if paid after due date; second penalty 10% (10% of first penalty + tax) if not paid within 30 days of first delinquency; interest 0.5% per month while delinquent; 25% fraud penalty on underpayment due to fraud.

Walnut Creek: Recorded remittance instructions

City Finance Dept

Source for these notes: walnutcreekca.gov: finance

Platform tax collection guidance for Walnut Creek

Collection is shown separately for each booking channel. Direct-booking taxes are paid by the host.

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbNoneYou collect and remit
VrboNoneYou collect and remit
Booking.comNoneYou collect and remit
DirectNoneYou collect and remit

Platform collects means the platform pays that tax. You collect and remit means you pay it. Collection details unavailable identifies a missing answer for that channel. Filing duties are listed separately.

Your next steps

  • Get the required license or registration

    Apply for the required license or registration with the licensing office before you list.

  • Collection of the 8.5% local tax

    You collect and remit this tax using the linked filing instructions.

  • File your tax returns

    Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.

Sources & confidence

How we collect and check this information · Report a problem with this page

FigureValueSourceStatus
Walnut Creek occupancy tax8.5%
Source
Source linked
California local lodging tax guidanceLocally administered
Source
Source linked
Licensing recordRequired
Source
Source linked
Official sources for the taxes and permit requirements shown above.

Walnut Creek STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Walnut Creek occupancy taxes?

You collect and remit this tax for Airbnb and direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Walnut Creek?

A license or registration is required.

What happens if I don't file?

Penalties and interest depend on the tax and authority. Check the applicable rules and contact the authority about any missed filings or payments.

How often do I file?

Find out how often you file and when returns are due. The record gives no filing schedule. Ask the tax office how often you file and when returns are due.