Avalara Taxrates > Blog > Sales Tax Rate Changes > California voters authorize numerous local sales tax rate increases

California voters authorize numerous local sales tax rate increases

  • Nov 8, 2018 | Gail Cole

Golden Gate Bridge, fog

Local sales tax measures were on the ballot in numerous localities throughout California on November 6, 2018. Most were approved.

The approval of Measure Q authorizes the city of Barstow, in San Bernardino County, to increase local sales tax by one percent to fund general services.

In Carpinteria, Santa Barbara County, Measure X authorizes the city to enact a 1.25 percent sales tax to fund general services such as disaster preparedness and response, and street maintenance and repair.

Voters in Coalinga, Fresno County, approved Measure J, authorizing the city to impose a 1 percent sales and use tax for a period of 10 years. Once adopted, it will fund general services.

The approval of Measure CC in Covina, Los Angeles County, authorizes the city to increase sales tax by 0.75 percent.

Voters in Cudahy, Los Angeles County, approved Measure R, authorizing the city to enact a 0.75 percent sales and use tax for 10 years.

The approval of Measure C in Culver City, Los Angeles County, authorizes the city to increase local sales and use tax by 0.25 percent, effective April 1, 2019.

In Eureka, Humboldt County, the approval of Measure I authorizes an additional 0.25 percent sales and use tax to fund street improvements.

Voters in Fowler, Fresno County, approved a 1 percent sales and use tax to raise revenue for a new police station (Measure N).

Measure O was approved in Garden Grove, Orange County; it authorizes the city to enact a 1 percent general sales and use tax.

In Glendale, Los Angeles County, the approval of Measure S authorizes an additional 0.75 percent sales and use tax to fund essential services.

Voters in Humboldt County agreed to renew an existing 0.5 percent sales tax to maintain essential services (Measure O).

A 1 percent sales tax increase was approved in Kerman, Fresno County (Measure M). Revenue will fund essential city services.

Voters in King City, Monterey County, approved a new 0.5 percent sales and use tax and an extension of an existing 0.5 percent sales and use tax (Measure K).

The approval of Measure LP, in La Puente, Los Angeles County, authorizes a 0.5 percent sales and use tax rate increase to raise revenue to keep neighborhoods safe.

Voters in Lawndale, Los Angeles County, approved Measure L, authorizing a 0.75 percent sales and use tax rate increase for vital city services.

In Lodi, San Joaquin County, voters approved a 0.5 percent local sales tax to improve essential city services (Measure L).

The approval of Measure X establishes a 1.5 percent local sales and use tax in Santa Ana, Orange County, through March 31, 2029, which will drop to 1 percent through March 31, 2039. The new tax, which takes effect April 1, 2019, will raise revenue to combat homelessness.

Santa Maria, Santa Barbara County, voters approved Measure U, which authorizes the city to increase the local sales and use tax by 1 percent and raise revenue for emergency services.

Rejected local tax increases

Voters in Bakersfield, Kern County, rejected a proposed 1 percent sales tax.

Voters in Dixon, Solando County, rejected a proposed 0.5 percent sales and use tax.

Voters in Folsom, Sacramento County, rejected a 0.5 percent sales and use tax increase.

Voters in Fort Bragg, Mendocino County, rejected a general purpose sales and use tax rate increase.

Voters in Fresno, Fresno County, rejected an additional sales and use tax that would have funded city parks and the arts.

Voters in Gonzales, Monterey County, rejected to a 0.5 percent transaction and use tax (TUT) increase.

Voters in Kern County rejected a proposed 1 percent sales tax that would have been dedicated to improving county services.

Voters in Laguna Beach, Orange County, rejected a 1 percent sales and use tax for general purposes.

Voters in West Sacramento, Yolo County, rejected a 0.25 percent sales tax rate increase.

When the approved changes take effect, we’ll report on them in the Avalara TaxRates blog.


Sales tax rates, rules, and regulations change frequently. Although we hope you'll find this information helpful, this blog is for informational purposes only and does not provide legal or tax advice.
Gail Cole
Avalara Author
Gail Cole
Gail Cole
Avalara Author Gail Cole
Gail began researching and writing about sales tax in 2012 and has been fascinated with it ever since. She has a penchant for uncovering unusual tax facts, and endeavors to make complex sales tax laws more digestible for both experts and laypeople.