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Taxes›California›San Mateo County›Foster City

Foster City
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in Foster City

Checked against the source
  1. To confirm
    Check that short-term rentals are allowed at your address

    The record has no finding on whether Foster City allows short-term rentals. Ask the planning or zoning office before you list.

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

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

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 12% Foster City 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.

The published guide for Foster City lists 12% local occupancy tax. License or registration details are not available.

At a glance.

Local tax
12%
State tax
Local only
License
Not available
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.

Foster City: Recorded exemptions

Exemptions on form: rooms occupied in excess of the 30-day transient period; rooms occupied by officers/employees of a foreign government. Returns due monthly (last day of month following close of calendar month); remittance to Financial Services Dept., 610 Foster City Blvd.

Foster City: Recorded penalties and interest

Foster City official TOT return form: 10% penalty added after delinquency date

Foster City: Recorded remittance instructions

Return to city Financial Services Dept

Source for these notes: fostercity.org: transient occupancy tax

Platform tax collection guidance for Foster City

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 12% 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
Foster City occupancy tax12%
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.

Foster City STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Foster City occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Foster City?

The licensing requirement for Foster City is not available. Check state and local license or registration rules before listing.

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.