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Taxes›California›Los Angeles County›Malibu

Malibu
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in Malibu

From the linked source
  1. No action
    Short-term rentals are allowed in Malibu

    un-hosted still lawful (hosted ordinance not CCC-certified).

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

    Fee: STR permit $439/$471.

  3. To do
    Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com collect the 15% Malibu occupancy tax for you

    That is per the record. On direct bookings, you collect and remit it yourself.

  4. To do
    File quarterly returns for direct bookings

    The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. If every booking goes through a collecting platform, ask the tax office whether you still file.

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

Get a reminder before each quarterly Malibu return is due

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What to know.

un-hosted still lawful (hosted ordinance not CCC-certified). The published guide for Malibu lists 15% local occupancy tax. A license or registration is required. Fee: STR permit $439/$471.

At a glance.

Local tax
15%
State tax
Local only
License
Required
Local filing
Platform collects
SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

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

Malibu: Recorded effective date

2021-01-01

Malibu: Recorded remittance instructions

City Finance

Malibu: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Quarterly.

Source for these notes: malibucity.org: transient occupancy tax tot

Platform tax collection guidance for Malibu

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

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbNonePlatform collects
VrboNonePlatform collects
Booking.comNonePlatform collects
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 before you list. Fee: STR permit $439/$471.

  • Collection of the 15% local tax

    Platforms collect this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

  • File your tax returns

    File quarterly returns for direct bookings. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. If every booking goes through a collecting platform, ask the tax office whether you still file.

Sources & confidence

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

FigureValueSourceStatus
Malibu occupancy tax15%
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.

Malibu STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Malibu occupancy taxes?

Airbnb collects this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Malibu?

A license or registration is required. Fee: STR permit $439/$471.

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 for direct bookings. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. If every booking goes through a collecting platform, ask the tax office whether you still file.