Transient Occupancy Tax Assessment returns for Hotels and Short-Term Rentals (STRs) 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.”

If you need further assistance applying for a business license, you are welcome to contact us at PacificaTOT@hdlgov.com or by phone at (650) 290-6303. 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
Other
STR Compliance Application
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Download Forms

Please download below

TOT Return Form - Hotel .pdf   file_download

Please download below

TOT Return Form - STR .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Long Term Exemption Form .pdf   file_download

Please download below

Government Exemption Form .pdf   file_download
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Frequently Asked Questions

Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) is a tax on people who pay for lodging in the City on a short-term basis, 30 days or less. A person stays in the City for more than 30 days is a long-term occupant and not a transient guest.

A STR is a residential property that is advertised or rented to guests for 30 days or less in the City. Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), tiny homes, in-law suites, or anything of the kind are not considered STRs and are not legal to operate in the City as a STR.

Please see the STR Permit Portal for these details—https://pacifica.hdlgov.com/Home/Home/STRPermit

For the privilege of occupancy in any Hotel or Short-Term Rental, the City of Pacifica’s TOT rate is 12% of the rent charged to a transient guest. Taxable rent includes room rate, cleaning fees, and other charges directly associated with the room.

All transient guests who stay in hotels or Short-Term Rentals pay TOT. It is a tax on guests. Owners/Operators pay TOT only when they have failed to collect it from guests.

TOT is collected by the owner/operator at the same time rent is collected from every transient guest. The operator is the person who is the proprietor of the hotel, whether in the capacity of owner, lessee, sublessee, mortgagee in possession, licensee, or any other capacity.

  • Please visit our website --- pacifica.hdlgov.com
  • Find the section “TOT Portal” and click “Go to TOT Portal.”
  • Find and click “Respond to a Notice of Non-Compliance.”
  • Enter your Account Number and PIN
  • Complete registration form

If you are unable to register online, please contact the TOT Processing Center at (650) 290-6303 or email us at PacificaTOT@hdlgov.com. (Please include your name and property address.)

Owners/Operators file on or before the last day of the month following the close of each calendar quarter. Owners/Operators are required to file a return each quarter whether rent was collected during period or not.

The city of Pacifica 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 (online filing is preferred):

  • Online: pacifica.hdlgov.com
  • Phone: (650) 290-6303
  • Mail:
    City of Pacifica
    TOT Processing Center
    8839 N Cedar Ave #212
    Fresno, Ca 93720

Exemption forms should be completed and kept for three calendar years for all guests. Forms are located at: pacifica.hdlgov.com.

  • Long-Term Occupants: any person who rents more than 30 consecutive days is exempt from paying TOT. They must pay the tax the first 30 days, unless they enter into a written agreement for over 30 days.
  • Government Employees: any officer or employee of State or Federal Government.