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Taxes›California›Santa Clara County›Los Gatos

Los Gatos
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in Los Gatos

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

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

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

    STR ordinance eff 3/21/2019 (LGMC Article XIV): STR license with Planning review + Finance registration; annual renewal at calendar year end

    Where to apply

  3. To do
    Who collects the 12% Los Gatos occupancy tax depends on the booking channel

    Airbnb: collects it for you; Vrbo: not confirmed; Booking.com: not confirmed; Direct: you collect and remit. Where a channel's answer is not confirmed, check its tax settings.

  4. To do
    File quarterly returns

    The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.

    Filing portal

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

Get a reminder before each quarterly Los Gatos return is due

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What to know.

The published guide for Los Gatos 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
By booking channel
SourceSources & confidenceHow we researchReport a problem with this page

Tax details

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

Los Gatos: Recorded exemptions

TOT 12%, in effect since 1/1/2017 (voters approved 10%→12% increase at 11/8/2016 election; Town mid-year FY2019/20 budget report). Filed 12% confirmed; no rate change.

Los Gatos: Recorded effective date

2017-01-01

Los Gatos: Recorded filing portal

Open the filing portal (losgatos.hdlgov.com)

Los Gatos: Recorded remittance instructions

Quarterly TOT remittance form to Town Finance

Los Gatos: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Quarterly.

Source for these notes: losgatosca.gov: short term rentals

Platform tax collection guidance for Los Gatos

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

PlatformStateLocal
AirbnbNonePlatform collects
VrboNoneCheck
Booking.comNoneCheck
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

    Follow the channel breakdown above; you collect and remit tax on direct bookings.

  • File your tax returns

    File quarterly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.

Sources & confidence

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

FigureValueSourceStatus
Los Gatos 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.

Los Gatos STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Los Gatos occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Los Gatos?

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 quarterly returns. The record does not state the due day; the tax office's calendar has it.