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Taxes›California›Kern County›Ridgecrest

Ridgecrest
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in Ridgecrest

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

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

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

    All vacation/short-term rentals of any kind must register and collect/remit TOT+RTID; TOT certificate issued and must be posted

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 10% Ridgecrest 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 monthly returns

    The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.

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

Get a reminder before each monthly Ridgecrest return is due

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What to know.

The published guide for Ridgecrest 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: 5.75%

5.75% Ridgecrest Tourism Improvement District (RTID) assessment per Resolution 23-67 (2023-2033 term) 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.

Ridgecrest: Recorded penalties and interest

Per the official City of Ridgecrest TOT page: 10% penalty once delinquent, plus interest of 0.5% per month charged monthly until paid. Returns are filed monthly (mail/in person; portal link not published as a URL). Note: the 5.75% Ridgecrest Tourism Improvement District assessment is a separate assessment on top of the 10% TOT; file rate 1000 matches the 10% TOT.

Ridgecrest: Recorded remittance instructions

online registration and return forms via city FormCenter; due last day of following month; 10% penalty + 0.5%/mo interest

Ridgecrest: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Monthly.

Source for these notes: ridgecrest-ca.gov: transient occupancy tax

Platform tax collection guidance for Ridgecrest

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 monthly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.

Sources & confidence

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

FigureValueSourceStatus
Ridgecrest 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.

Ridgecrest STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Ridgecrest occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Ridgecrest?

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 monthly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.