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Taxes›California›Humboldt County›Arcata

Arcata
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in Arcata

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

    The record lists no ban. Zoning and HOA rules for your address still apply.

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

    SSVR (Short-Stay & Vacation Rental) permit required for all STRs since 3/22/2021

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 10% Arcata 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 do
    File quarterly returns

    The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. The record says you file even when a platform collected the tax.

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

Get a reminder before each quarterly Arcata return is due

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What to know.

The published guide for Arcata lists 10% local occupancy tax. A license or registration is required.

At a glance.

Local tax
10%
State tax
Local only
License
Required
Local filing
You collect and remit

Other taxes or assessments may apply. Review tax context and confirm the full amount for your rental with the authority.

SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

What the recorded taxes cover

Recorded assessment: 2%

2% Humboldt Lodging Alliance countywide TBID (verify applicability) This charge has no separate STR applicability recorded and is shown outside the estimate.

Tax details

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

Arcata: Recorded exemptions

City of Arcata official TOT page and return instructions (cityofarcata.org, 2026-10-12): TOT levied under Arcata Municipal Code Title VI, Ch. 3; transient = occupancy ≤30 consecutive days. Returns quarterly (last business day of month following quarter).

Arcata: Recorded penalties and interest

Per the official Arcata TOT Return form: penalty 10% of tax if past due, 20% if more than 30 days past due; interest 0.5% per month delinquent.

Arcata: Recorded remittance instructions

TOT return + full payment to Finance Dept; due last day of month after quarter end; separate 4-or-less vs 5+ unit forms

Arcata: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Quarterly.

Source for these notes: cityofarcata.org: transient occupancy tax

Platform tax collection guidance for Arcata

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 10% local tax

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

  • File your tax returns

    File quarterly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. The record says you file even when a platform collected the tax.

Sources & confidence

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

FigureValueSourceStatus
Arcata occupancy tax10%
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.

Arcata STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Arcata occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Arcata?

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?

File quarterly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. The record says you file even when a platform collected the tax.