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Taxes›California›Marin County›Novato

Novato
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

Rental conditions are recorded in Novato
STRs <30 nights allowed only where owner/tenant is a permanent resident.
Find published guidance for your Novato address
Check published permit and tax guidance for Novato.

What you need to do in Novato

Checked against the source
  1. To do
    Meet the local rental conditions

    STRs <30 nights allowed only where owner/tenant is a permanent resident.

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

    STR registration program; STRs <30 nights allowed only where owner/tenant is a permanent resident

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 12% Novato 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.

    Filing portal

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

Get a reminder before each quarterly Novato return is due

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What to know.

STRs <30 nights allowed only where owner/tenant is a permanent resident. The published guide for Novato lists 12% local occupancy tax. A license or registration is required.

At a glance.

Local tax
12%
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: Rate not confirmed

Novato lodging TBID assessment filed/remitted together with TOT (assessment rate not confirmed) 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.

Novato: Recorded exemptions

The rate was increased from 10% to 12% by Measure Q (Nov 3, 2020). Returns are quarterly.

Novato: Recorded penalties and interest

Quarterly filing via the City's HdL portal (verified hdlgov.com portal page includes a TOT portal for File and Pay Quarterly TOT and STR registration; 2026-10-12).

Novato: Recorded filing portal

Open the filing portal (novato.hdlgov.com)

Novato: Recorded remittance instructions

HdL portal novato.hdlgov.com (online, phone or mail)

Novato: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Quarterly.

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

Platform tax collection guidance for Novato

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 12% 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.

Sources & confidence

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

FigureValueSourceStatus
Novato occupancy tax12%
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.

Novato STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Novato occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Novato?

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.