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1. When did the Town of Windsor adopt the Transient Occupancy Tax?

The Transient Occupancy Tax has been part of the Town’s code for many years and was last updated in 2008 when, by voter approval the TOT rate increased from 8% to 12%, below is a link to the Town Code. https://library.municode.com/CA/Windsor/CODES/Code_of_Ordinances?nodeId=TITIIRETA_CH3TROCTA

2. I haven’t been paying TOT for my Short-Term Rental, why is the Town requiring owners to pay now?

During the August 17, 2022, Council meeting Item 13.1 Urgency Ordinance – Moratorium on New Business Licenses for Short-term Rentals was presented and during the discussion we received direction from the Town Council to pursue the collection of TOT for all STR’s.

TOT is due and payable before the end of the following month. A 10% late charge will be assessed on any unpaid TOT based off your gross receipts.

3. How often do I have to submit TOT remittance?

TOT is paid monthly by Hotels/Motels and the Town requests that the STRs pay monthly as well using our online platform. 

TOT is due and payable before the end of the following month. A 10% late charge will be assessed on any unpaid TOT based off your gross receipts.

4. What is BIA?

BIA is the Business Improvement Area assessment of 2% that is paid to Sonoma County for the “Sonoma County Tourism Business Improvement Area Fund.”  Currently, if your gross receipts are more than $350,000.00 per fiscal year you are required to pay the 2% when you submit your TOT, otherwise you can put N/A or 0 for line 4 on the remittance form. 

5. What does the County use the BIA funds for?

These funds are designated specifically to market overnight stays in the Business Improvement Area. https://sonomacounty.ca.gov/administrative-support-and-fiscal-services/auditor-controller-treasurer-tax-collector/divisions/revenue-accounting/transient-occupancy-taxes-(tot/bia)#:~:text=Sonoma%20County%20ordinance%205525.

6. Who can I contact regarding TOT if I have further questions?

Questions regarding TOT can be directed to the Revenue Department by calling (707) 838-1004, emailing us at TOT@townofwindsor.com or visiting us during  business hour, Monday through Thursday, from 7:00 to 6:00 PM

7. What does the urgency moratorium on Short Term Rentals mean?

The Urgency Moratorium on Short Term Rentals means any business license application for a STR submitted after 8/17/2022 (the date the moratorium was enacted), will not be processed at this time. 

8. Who do I contact regarding the comprehensive Short-Term Rental Ordinance being developed?

You can contact Kimberly Jordan | Planner III by email to submit comments or suggestions at kjordan@townofwindsor.com or mail comments to her attention: 9291 Old Redwood Highway Bldg. 400, Windsor, CA  95492