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Taxes›California›Orange County›Costa Mesa

Costa Mesa
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

Rental restrictions are recorded in Costa Mesa
ALL STRs PROHIBITED citywide per Ordinance 2021-17 (adopted 11/2/2021). ADU rentals <31 days prohibited.
Find published guidance for your Costa Mesa address
Check published permit and tax guidance for Costa Mesa.

What you need to do in Costa Mesa

Checked against the source
  1. Restricted
    Short-term rentals are restricted in Costa Mesa

    ALL STRs PROHIBITED citywide per Ordinance 2021-17 (adopted 11/2/2021). ADU rentals <31 days prohibited.

  2. To confirm
    Check whether you need a license or permit

    The record does not say whether Costa Mesa requires a short-term rental license. Ask the city or county licensing office.

    Where to apply

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 8% Costa Mesa 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.

Rental restrictions are recorded for Costa Mesa. Check the rule's scope and exceptions before listing. ALL STRs PROHIBITED citywide per Ordinance 2021-17 (adopted 11/2/2021). ADU rentals <31 days prohibited. The published guide for Costa Mesa lists 8% local occupancy tax. License or registration details are not available.

At a glance.

Local tax
8%
State tax
Local only
License
Restricted
Local filing
You collect and remit
SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

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

Costa Mesa: Recorded exemptions

Per the official Costa Mesa Municipal Code, Title 16 Ch. IV (ecode360; Exemptions (§16-69): (1) any person/occupancy beyond the city's power to tax; (2) any federal or State of California officer or employee on official business; (3) any officer/employee of a foreign government exempt by federal law or international treaty. Exemption claims must be made at the time rent is collected, under penalty of perjury, on a finance-department form.

Costa Mesa: Recorded effective date

2010-12-17

Source for these notes: costamesaca.gov: short term rentals

Platform tax collection guidance for Costa Mesa

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

  • Find permit information

    Permit requirements are not available in this guide. The linked authority provides application information.

  • Collection of the 8% 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
Costa Mesa occupancy tax8%
Source
Source linked
California local lodging tax guidanceLocally administered
Source
Source linked
Licensing recordNot available
Source
Source linked
Official sources for the taxes and permit requirements shown above.

Costa Mesa STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Costa Mesa occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Costa Mesa?

Rental restrictions apply in Costa Mesa. The eligibility notes below describe the applicable conditions and exceptions.

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.