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Taxes›California›San Mateo County›Redwood City

Redwood City
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

Rental conditions are recorded in Redwood City
primary residence only. unhosted rentals capped at 120 days/yr.
Find published guidance for your Redwood City address
Check published permit and tax guidance for Redwood City.

What you need to do in Redwood City

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

    primary residence only. unhosted rentals capped at 120 days/yr.

  2. To do
    Get the Redwood City short-term rental license or registration

    STR registration required; primary residence only; unhosted rentals capped at 120 days/yr; STR TOT dedicated to Affordable Housing Fund

  3. To do
    Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com collect the 12% Redwood City occupancy tax for you

    That is per the record. On direct bookings, you collect and remit it yourself.

  4. To do
    File monthly returns for direct bookings

    The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. If every booking goes through a collecting platform, ask the tax office whether you still file.

Verify each step with the authority before you file or apply. Source

Get a reminder before each monthly Redwood City return is due

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What to know.

primary residence only. unhosted rentals capped at 120 days/yr. The published guide for Redwood City lists 12% local occupancy tax. A license or registration is required.

At a glance.

Local tax
12%
State tax
Local only
License
Required
Local filing
Platform collects
SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

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

Redwood City: Recorded exemptions

Online monthly remittance via city contractor HdL: RedwoodCityTOT@hdlgov.com, (650) 204-3448.

Redwood City: Recorded penalties and interest

Redwood City official TOT return form (redwoodcity.org): 10% penalty if not received on/before last day of month following the close of the calendar month; additional 10% penalty plus 1% per month interest if not paid within 30 days of initial delinquency; 25% penalty if nonpayment due to fraud. Taxes collected held in trust for the city (City Code Sec. 32.79).

Redwood City: Recorded remittance instructions

Remit to City Finance

Redwood City: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Monthly.

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

Platform tax collection guidance for Redwood City

Collection is shown separately for each booking channel. Direct-booking taxes are paid by the host.

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbNonePlatform collects
VrboNonePlatform collects
Booking.comNonePlatform collects
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 12% local tax

    Platforms collect this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

  • File your tax returns

    File monthly returns for direct bookings. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. If every booking goes through a collecting platform, ask the tax office whether you still file.

Sources & confidence

How we collect and check this information · Report a problem with this page

FigureValueSourceStatus
Redwood City occupancy tax12%
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.

Redwood City STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Redwood City occupancy taxes?

Airbnb collects this tax. You collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Redwood City?

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 monthly returns for direct bookings. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it. If every booking goes through a collecting platform, ask the tax office whether you still file.