Skip to content
Taxes›California›Santa Barbara County›Goleta

Goleta
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in Goleta

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

    The record lists no ban. Zoning and HOA rules for your address still apply.

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

    STVR license required: $330/yr ($326 + $4 SB1186), $1,500 surety bond, neighbor public notice + nuisance response plan, annual online renewal

  3. To do
    Airbnb, Vrbo and Booking.com collect the 12% Goleta 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 Goleta return is due

Save your rental and its filing dates for free. Starter and Pro email you before each saved date, and when a published rule change for Goleta affects your rental.

Create a free account

What to know.

The published guide for Goleta 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

Other taxes or assessments may apply. Review tax context and confirm the full amount for your rental with the authority.

SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

What the recorded taxes cover

Recorded assessment: 2%

TBID 2% of room rental revenue This charge has no separate STR applicability recorded and is shown outside the estimate.

Tax details

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

Goleta: Recorded exemptions

Goleta official TOT/TBID form (es.cityofgoleta.org, verified 2026-10-12): TOT = 12% of gross rent (GMC 3.06.020) + TBID 2%; Exemptions: rents from stays >30 days; federally exempt rent (per form/TBID instructions). Monthly returns due last day of month following; city contact accountsreceivable@cityofgoleta.gov, (805) 562-5503.

Goleta: Recorded remittance instructions

Form + payment (ACH/wire or check) to City Hall or accountsreceivable@cityofgoleta.gov; due last day of following month

Goleta: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Monthly.

Source for these notes: cityofgoleta.org: transient occupancy tax tot

Platform tax collection guidance for Goleta

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
Goleta 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.

Goleta STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Goleta occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Goleta?

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.