The Utility Users Tax that you pay on your electric, gas, telephone (excluding cell phone) and cable television bills is collected by the service providers and remitted to the City. The maximum tax in a UUT Year is $1,000 for each utility, for each service user, at each contiguous location. In order to prevent overpaying UUT, you may wish to prepay your UUT on any utility in which you pay more than $20,000 a year.
The question and answer section below has been compiled to assist you with questions you may have. For specific language regarding City of Santa Rosa UUT, go to Title 3 (Revenue & Finance) Chapter 3.32 (Utility Users Tax) of the Santa Rosa City Code and UUT Resolution 23537.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is the Utility Users Tax?
The tax is 5% of utility charges.
Is there a limit to how much I have to pay?
The maximum tax is $1,000 for each utility, for each service user, at each contiguous location, per UUT Year.
What is the UUT Year?
The UUT Year is a 12-month period that begins each September 1st and runs through August 31st.
How do I know if I've paid more than the maximum tax?
- Ask yourself, "Did I pay more than $1,000 in UUT (or more than $20,000 in utility charges) for any one of the taxed utilities (electric, gas, telephone or cable television) in a UUT Year?"
- Compile your utility bills for the 12-month period of September 1st through August 31st.
- Make sure to separate bills and taxes paid:
- Per utility
- Per user
- Per contiguous location
- Add the UUT paid portion from these bills separately. If any one exceeds $1,000 you may be entitled to a refund.
How do I request a refund?
To request a refund, simply complete the Utility Users Tax Refund Request. (pdf) See page 2 for instructions on completing the form.
Is there a deadline for submitting a request for a refund?
The deadline to submit a request for refund is on August 31st of the year following the UUT Year. See below for a list of UUT Years and deadlines:
- UUT Year 9/1/09 - 8/31/10...... Deadline is 8/31/11
- UUT Year 9/1/10 - 8/31/11...... Deadline is 8/31/12
Why do I have to provide copies of all my bills with a refund request?
We are required to verify the taxes paid in order to determine if you qualify for a refund. We do not have access to your utility accounts.
Who will get the tax refund?
The refund check will be sent to the utility account holder.
What happens if I decide to prepay the maximum tax to the City?
We will send you a bill each September for each utility you request to prepay. You can sign up to prepay at any time without waiting for the UUT Year to end.
What if I can't compile and submit all copies of my utility bills by the deadline?
Submit your completed refund request form before the deadline with an explanation of any missing backup documentation. Review of your refund request will be pending until all backup documentation is received.