Transient Occupancy Tax Assessment returns for Hotels and Short Term rentals can now be submitted via mail, e-mail, online, and by phone to simplify your quarterly reporting. To submit your TOT online, please click the “File and Pay TOT” found below under the TOT Remittance box. This will allow you to begin the quarterly filing process.”

For your convenience, there is a fillable TOT form in the “download forms” section below. TOT forms and payments may also be mailed to the address below.

If you need further assistance, you are welcome to contact us at atascaderotot@hdlgov.com or by phone at (805) 242-4395. Phone support is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (PST).


To get started, please select one of the online activities below:
TOT Remittance
  • File and Pay TOT

    Start here to file and pay your Vacation Rental TOT or your Hotel TOT

TOT Payment
STR Compliance Application
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Download Forms

Please download below

TOT Return Form .pdf   file_download

Please download below

TOT Account Update Form .pdf   file_download
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Frequently Asked Questions

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a tax imposed on guests who rent your property or a portion of your property for the purpose of lodging on a short-term basis (30 consecutive calendar days or less). TOT is collected in addition to the rent paid.

For the privilege of occupancy, the City of Atascadero TOT rate is 10% of the total rent charged to a guest. The taxable rent includes: room rate, cleaning fees, and other charges directly associated with the renting of a room.

TOT is collected by the operator at the same time rent is collected from the guest. The operator is the Owner, property manager, host or lessee providing lodging on a short-term basis.

Any guest who rents for 31 consecutive days or more is exempt from paying TOT. A record of all your exemptions or exclusions should be kept, along with forms and any back-up documentation.

Officers of the federal government or a foreign government on official business may also be exempt. Proof of exemption must be provided to the hotel by the claimant, and the City’s exemption form must be completed.

This information should be included with your exemption claims on your regular tax returns.

Operators collect the tax from renters and file TOT returns with the City on quarterly basis. The due date is the last day of the month following the close of each quarterly filing period. TOT Returns are filed whether rent was collected during the period or not.

The City of Atascadero has contracted with HdL to collect and process TOT Returns. Registered Operators can file their TOT Returns through the TOT Processing Center using the following methods: