Short Term Rentals in Kings Beach: A Host’s Guide

If you run a short-term rental in Kings Beach, you are the one who must charge and remit local occupancy taxes. Sorting out the right percentages and paperwork can feel confusing, especially if you list on multiple platforms. This guide walks you through what to charge, how to register, when to file, and how to avoid penalties. Let’s dive in.

TOT and TBID in Kings Beach

Placer County’s Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) applies to stays of 30 days or less. In Kings Beach on the county’s eastern slope, the TOT rate is 10% of taxable rent and fees. You can confirm rates on the county’s TOT page for North Lake Tahoe properties. Review the county’s TOT rates.

North Lake Tahoe also has a Tourism Business Improvement District (TBID) that launched in 2022. Short-term rentals in Kings Beach are assessed 1% or 2% depending on the parcel’s TBID zone. The North Tahoe Community Alliance explains how TBID funds destination marketing and local projects. Learn about the TBID and its purpose.

What to do before you host

Confirm your parcel’s TBID zone

TBID is parcel-based. Properties closest to the lake are often Zone 1 at 2% and those farther out may be Zone 2 at 1%, but you must verify your parcel. Use the county’s TOT page and the ArcGIS parcel viewer to confirm your exact TBID zone. Check your rate and open the parcel map and look up your parcel on the ArcGIS map.

Register for a TOT certificate

Register your rental with Placer County Revenue Services and obtain a TOT certificate. There is no fee for registration, and the certificate should be posted on site. You will receive an account you will use for filing and payment. See the TOT FAQs and registration details.

Get your STR permit before advertising

Placer County requires a Short-Term Rental (STR) permit to advertise or operate. Your permit number must appear in every listing, and you must follow posting requirements and designate a 24/7 local contact. Violations can lead to fines or permit revocation. Review the STR program requirements and advertising and enforcement rules.

How to charge guests correctly

What counts as taxable rent

The county defines “rent” broadly. Nightly rate, cleaning fees, pet fees, rollaway beds, and similar mandatory charges are generally taxable. Keep your fee structure clear and follow county guidance on what to include. See taxable items in the county FAQs.

Platforms do not remit for you

Placer County does not have agreements with platforms like Airbnb or Vrbo to collect and remit TOT or TBID. You or your manager must collect these amounts from guests and remit to the county. Configure your listings to collect the right taxes or include them in your pricing and keep good records. Read the county’s platform guidance.

Simple pricing examples

• Example 1, lakeside parcel likely in TBID Zone 1: Nightly rent $300 + cleaning fee $150. TOT = 10% of $450 = $45. TBID = 2% of $450 = $9. Total local assessment = $54 (12%). Verify TOT and TBID rates.
• Example 2, parcel in TBID Zone 2: Using the same amounts, TOT = $45, TBID = $4.50, total = $49.50 (11.5%). Always confirm your parcel’s zone before you set rates. Confirm your parcel zone.

Filing, payment, and penalties

Most hosts file quarterly. Returns are due by the first day after each quarter and become delinquent at the end of that month. The schedule is:

• Q1 (Jan–Mar): due April 1, delinquent after April 30
• Q2 (Apr–Jun): due July 1, delinquent after July 31
• Q3 (Jul–Sep): due October 1, delinquent after October 31
• Q4 (Oct–Dec): due January 1, delinquent after January 31

Placer County accepts online, mail, and phone payments. Operators who collect more than $400,000 in TOT in a fiscal year may be moved to monthly filing. Keep clear records for at least three years, including listings, invoices, and returns. Find filing details and worksheets in the FAQs.

If you miss a deadline, the county code provides a 10% penalty, another 10% after 30 days, plus 1.5% monthly interest on unpaid tax. Additional penalties apply for fraud or repeated violations. Read the penalty and interest provisions.

Quick host checklist

• Verify your parcel’s TBID zone with the county map.
• Register and post your Placer County TOT certificate.
• Obtain your STR permit and include the permit number in every listing.
• Decide how you display taxes in your listing and invoices, and document taxable fees.
• File and pay by the quarterly due dates and reconcile platform payouts.
• Maintain a 24/7 local contact and keep records for at least three years.

Local insight for owners and buyers

If you own or plan to buy a Kings Beach rental, factoring TOT, TBID, and the STR permit into your numbers is essential. Smart setup and clean reporting help protect your permit and your bottom line. When you are ready to buy or sell in North Lake Tahoe, partner with a team that blends local knowledge with best-in-class marketing. Connect with JB Benna to plan your next move.

FAQs

Does Airbnb collect TOT or TBID for Kings Beach rentals?

• No. Placer County does not have a collection agreement with major platforms, so hosts are responsible for collecting and remitting TOT and TBID. See the county FAQ on platform collection.

What are the current TOT and TBID rates in Kings Beach?

• TOT is 10% for the eastern slope of Placer County. TBID is 1% or 2% depending on your parcel’s zone, which you must verify. Review the county’s rate page.

Are cleaning fees taxable for Placer County STRs?

• Generally yes. Cleaning fees and other mandatory charges are considered part of rent unless they qualify under the county’s separation rules. Check the county FAQs on taxable items.

When are TOT and TBID returns due for Kings Beach hosts?

• Quarterly: April 1, July 1, October 1, and January 1, with delinquency after the last day of each of those months. See filing guidance in the FAQs.

What happens if I file or pay late?

• Expect a 10% penalty, an additional 10% after 30 days, plus 1.5% monthly interest on the unpaid amount, with further penalties possible. Read the county code section.

Can I advertise my Kings Beach STR without a county permit?

• No. An STR permit is required to advertise or operate, and the permit number must appear in every listing. Violations can trigger escalating fines. Review the STR program and advertising rules.