Fullerton Sales Tax 2026

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Fullerton Sales Tax Measures in 2026

What is being proposed?

According to official City of Fullerton agenda materials and local reporting, city officials have been preparing two possible half-cent special sales tax measures for a future ballot: one focused on infrastructure and road repairs, and one focused on public safety. Reporting in late 2025 described these as separate 0.5% measures under discussion.

What is Fullerton's current sales tax rate?

The California Department of Tax and Fee Administration's city rate table lists Fullerton at 7.75% effective April 1, 2026. Any additional voter-approved local sales tax would be added on top of that existing rate.

Why is this coming back now?

City budget discussions have intensified after officials publicly discussed financial pressure and deficits. A City of Fullerton budget update in March 2026 referenced a planned structural deficit of about $9.4 million in the earlier budget process, while local reporting in March 2026 said city staff were projecting roughly a $13.7 million deficit for the next fiscal year.

Additional concerns in 2026

In addition to the tax proposals themselves, residents may also want to review recent reporting about the city's budget management and transparency.

  • A reported $2.9 million accounting error disclosed in spring 2026
  • Projected deficits and pressure on reserves
  • Questions about whether new revenue would solve structural issues or delay them
Note: The last point above reflects a concern raised by some residents and commentators, not an asserted fact. Whether new revenue would address or merely postpone structural budget challenges is a matter of ongoing public debate.

Key questions voters should ask

  • Exactly how much would each measure add to the current 7.75% sales tax rate?
  • Would the taxes sunset after a fixed number of years?
  • What legal protections would ensure the money is spent only on what is promised?
  • What spending reforms would happen with or without the tax?
  • How would Fullerton compare with nearby cities if one or both measures passed?

Sources and official documents

  • City of Fullerton – PRESS RELEASE: City of Fullerton Budget Update (March 20, 2026)
    View at Fullerton Observer
  • City of Fullerton Legistar – Formation of Ad Hoc Committee to Assist with Development of Sales Tax Measure Options (Nov. 18, 2025)
    Coverage at Fullerton Observer | Fullerton Legistar Calendar
  • California Department of Tax and Fee Administration – California City & County Sales and Use Tax Rates
    View CDTFA rate table
  • Voice of OC – Fullerton Voters May Consider Sales Tax Increase
    Read article
  • Voice of OC – How Cooked is Fullerton's Budget?
    Read article
  • Voice of OC – Fullerton Plays Hot Potato With Budget Crisis
    Read article
  • Fullerton Observer – Fullerton's $10 Million Budget Crisis and the Challenge of Rebuilding Trust
    Read article
  • Fullerton Observer – No Answers on Fullerton's Budget Error
    Read article
  • Fullerton Observer – On the Agenda for the Tuesday, November 18, 2025 Fullerton City Council Meeting
    Read article