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Taxes›California›San Diego County›El Cajon

El Cajon
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in El Cajon

Checked against the source
  1. No action
    Short-term rentals are allowed in El Cajon

    ADUs may not be used as STR (<30 days).

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

    STRs subject to same TOT as hotels; STR permit + active city business license required; ADUs may not be used as STR (<30 days)

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 10% El Cajon 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.

ADUs may not be used as STR (<30 days). The published guide for El Cajon 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.

El Cajon: Recorded exemptions

official code chapter 3.44 on ecode360 shows definitions only; rate/exemption/penalty sections not accessible.

El Cajon: Recorded remittance instructions

Online TOT portal

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

Platform tax collection guidance for El Cajon

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

    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
El Cajon 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.

El Cajon STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my El Cajon occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in El Cajon?

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.