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Taxes›California›San Mateo County›San Carlos

San Carlos
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in San Carlos

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

    The record has no finding on whether San Carlos 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 San Carlos requires a short-term rental license. Ask the city or county licensing office.

  3. To do
    Collect and remit the 14% San Carlos 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.

    Filing portal

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

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What to know.

The published guide for San Carlos lists 14% local occupancy tax. License or registration details are not available.

At a glance.

Local tax
14%
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.

San Carlos: Recorded exemptions

Transient = stay of 30 days or fewer (Municipal Code 3.24 Uniform TOT). Filing now via HdL TOT Processing Center: (650) 769-4148, SanCarlosTOT@hdlgov.com, portal sancarlos.hdlgov.com.

San Carlos: Recorded filing portal

Open the filing portal (sancarlos.hdlgov.com: tot)

San Carlos: Recorded remittance instructions

HdL TOT portal (sancarlos.hdlgov.com)

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

Platform tax collection guidance for San Carlos

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 14% 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
San Carlos occupancy tax14%
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.

San Carlos STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my San Carlos occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in San Carlos?

The licensing requirement for San Carlos 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.