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Taxes›California›Napa County›Saint Helena

Saint Helena
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

Rental conditions are recorded in Saint Helena
STRs tightly capped: max 25 STR permits citywide (2012 ordinance). rentals <30 days without permit prohibited (MC 17.22.200).
Find published guidance for your Saint Helena address
Check published permit and tax guidance for Saint Helena.

What you need to do in Saint Helena

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

    STRs tightly capped: max 25 STR permits citywide (2012 ordinance). rentals <30 days without permit prohibited (MC 17.22.200).

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

    STRs tightly capped: max 25 STR permits citywide (2012 ordinance); rentals <30 days without permit prohibited (MC 17.22.200); 3-yr prior home ownership required to apply; city has pursued six-figure enforcement settlements

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 13% Saint Helena 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.

STRs tightly capped: max 25 STR permits citywide (2012 ordinance). rentals <30 days without permit prohibited (MC 17.22.200). The published guide for Saint Helena lists 13% local occupancy tax. A license or registration is required.

At a glance.

Local tax
13%
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% Napa Valley TID (NVTID) assessment (effective combined 15%) This separate charge is included in the estimate.

Tax details

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

Saint Helena: Recorded exemptions

Helena's TOT rate is 13% (with an additional 2% [Napa Valley Tourism Improvement District] assessment)'; the tax is paid only by persons who rent hotel rooms for 30 days or less; Measure E increased the rate from 12% to 13%, with the 1% increment restricted to affordable/workforce housing (a special tax with no sunset provision; annual reporting required). TOT is due by the last day of the month following the month of the taxable revenues.

Saint Helena: Recorded effective date

2019-01-01

Source for these notes: cityofsthelena.gov: transient occupancy tax tot

Platform tax collection guidance for Saint Helena

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 13% 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
Saint Helena occupancy tax13%
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.

Saint Helena STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Saint Helena occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Saint Helena?

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.