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Taxes›California›Orange County›San Clemente

San Clemente
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in San Clemente

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

    geographic permit system limits STRs to North Beach Downtown Pier Bowl and S. El Camino Real corridor zones. 29+ day stays exempt from TOT. coastal zone/Coastal Commission rules apply.

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

    The record does not state the fee or term. The licensing office lists both.

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 10% San Clemente 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

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What to know.

geographic permit system limits STRs to North Beach Downtown Pier Bowl and S. El Camino Real corridor zones. 29+ day stays exempt from TOT. coastal zone/Coastal Commission rules apply. The published guide for San Clemente 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
SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

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

San Clemente: Recorded exemptions

Hotels/motels/B&Bs (6+ units) file monthly; short-term lodging units (fewer than 6 units, e.g., Airbnb/VRBO/HomeAway) file quarterly, with taxes due within 30 calendar days of the end of each quarter (SCMC §3.24.070). Exempt: (1) any person as to whom, or any occupancy as to which, it is beyond the power of the city to impose the tax; (2) any officer or employee of a foreign government exempt by express provision of federal law or international treaty; (3) the owner of the STLU while occupying the property. Exemptions are granted only upon an exemption claim form completed under penalty of perjury when rent is collected, reviewed and verified by the Finance and Administrative Services Director.

San Clemente: Recorded penalties and interest

Incomplete returns may be subject to penalties and interest under SCMC §3.24.240 (2026-10-12)

San Clemente: Recorded filing portal

Open the filing portal (sanclemente.hdlgov.com)

San Clemente: Recorded remittance instructions

remit to city within 30 days of quarter end

San Clemente: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Quarterly.

Source for these notes: sanclemente.gov: transient occupancy taxes

Platform tax collection guidance for San Clemente

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 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
San Clemente 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.

San Clemente STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my San Clemente occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in San Clemente?

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.