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Taxes›California›Santa Clara County›Palo Alto

Palo Alto
short-term rental taxes.

Data date: Jun 2026

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

What you need to do in Palo Alto

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

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

  3. To do
    Who collects the 15.5% Palo Alto 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 monthly 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 monthly Palo Alto return is due

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What to know.

The published guide for Palo Alto lists 15.5% local occupancy tax. License or registration details are not available.

At a glance.

Local tax
15.5%
State tax
Local only
License
Not available
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.

Palo Alto: Recorded exemptions

U.S. federal, State of California, foreign government and federal credit union employees on official business, and continuous stays of 30+ days, are exempt (Ord. 3704 §2.33.010(d); City TOT Exemption Claim Form via Avenu).

Palo Alto: Recorded effective date

2019-04-01

Palo Alto: Recorded filing portal

Open the filing portal (hoteltaxonline.com)

Palo Alto: Recorded remittance instructions

Return due last day of month following tax period; online remittance available

Palo Alto: Recorded filing schedule

Filing frequency: Monthly.

Source for these notes: cityofpaloalto.org: administrative services

Platform tax collection guidance for Palo Alto

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

  • Find permit information

    Permit requirements are not available in this guide. The linked authority provides application information.

  • Collection of the 15.5% local tax

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

  • File your tax returns

    File monthly 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
Palo Alto occupancy tax15.5%
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.

Palo Alto STR tax FAQ

Does Airbnb pay my Palo Alto occupancy taxes?

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

Do I need a license to Airbnb in Palo Alto?

The licensing requirement for Palo Alto 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?

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