California property taxes are due in two installments each fiscal year: the first half is due November 1 and becomes delinquent December 10, and the second half is due February 1 and becomes delinquent April 10
The state's fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30, and the county assessor bills you based on the property value as of July 1. You will receive a bill in the mail, usually in October for the first installment and in December for the second. The due dates are the same statewide, but each county's tax collector handles collection and enforcement, so contact your county assessor or tax collector's office if you need to confirm your specific bill or payment details.
If you miss the delinquency date, penalties and interest begin to accrue. The penalty is 10 percent of the unpaid amount if you pay by the end of the month following delinquency, and 20 percent if you pay later. Interest accrues at 1.5 percent per month (18 percent per year) from the delinquency date forward. The longer you wait, the more you owe beyond the original tax.
Key Takeaways
- First installment property taxes are due November 1 and delinquent December 10; second installment is due February 1 and delinquent April 10.
- You will receive a bill in the mail from your county tax collector, usually in October and December.
- Penalties start at 10 percent of the unpaid amount and interest accrues at 1.5 percent per month if you miss the delinquency date.
- You can pay online, by mail, or in person at your county tax collector's office, and payment methods vary by county.
- If you own property jointly or have a mortgage, your lender may pay taxes from an escrow account on your behalf.
How to pay your property taxes
Most California counties allow you to pay online through their tax collector's website using a credit card, debit card, or bank transfer. Search "[your county name] tax collector" to find the office website and payment portal. Some counties charge a convenience fee for credit card payments, typically 2 to 3 percent, but bank transfers are usually free.
You can also pay by mail by sending a check to your county tax collector's office. Include your property's parcel number (found on your bill) so the payment is credited correctly. Payment by mail takes longer to process, so mail your check at least two weeks before the due date to avoid late fees.
If you prefer to pay in person, visit your county tax collector's office during business hours. Most offices accept cash, check, and debit card. Credit cards are less common at in-person locations, so call ahead to confirm what your county accepts.
What happens if you pay late
If you do not pay by the delinquency date, a 10 percent penalty is added to the unpaid amount. If you pay within the month after delinquency (by January 10 for the first installment, or by May 10 for the second), the penalty stays at 10 percent. If you pay after that month, the penalty increases to 20 percent.
Interest accrues at 1.5 percent per month starting from the delinquency date, regardless of when you pay. This means a $1,000 unpaid tax bill will cost you an extra $15 in interest after one month, $30 after two months, and so on. The county can also file a tax lien against your property, which affects your credit and makes it harder to sell or refinance.
If your property taxes remain unpaid for five years or more, the county may sell your property at a tax sale to recover the debt. This is a last resort, but it is a real consequence of prolonged non-payment. If you are struggling to pay, contact your county tax collector's office to discuss payment plans or hardship options before you fall behind.
If your mortgage lender pays your taxes
If you have a mortgage, your lender likely collects property taxes as part of your monthly escrow payment. Your lender holds the money in an escrow account and pays your taxes directly to the county on your behalf. You will still receive a bill from the county, but you should not pay it yourself—your lender will handle it.
If you receive a delinquency notice even though you have a mortgage, contact your lender when ready. This usually means the escrow calculation was wrong or the lender failed to pay on time. Your lender is responsible for the penalty and interest, not you, but you need to report it so they can correct it and protect your property from a tax lien.
Checking your bill and disputing the amount
Your property tax bill shows the assessed value of your property, the tax rate, and the amount due. If you believe the assessed value is wrong, you can file a Proposition 8 process with your county assessor if the market value has dropped significantly since the last assessment. This is different from a general appeal and has a shorter timeline—usually 30 days from the date you receive your bill.
If you want to challenge the assessment for other reasons, you can file a Proposition 13 appeal, which is a formal appeal of the assessed value. The important date to file is usually 30 days after you receive your bill, but rules vary by county. Contact your county assessor's office to learn the exact important date and process for your area.
Do not skip paying your taxes while you dispute the amount. Pay the bill by the due date, then file your appeal. If your appeal is successful, you will receive a refund of the overpaid amount plus interest.
Special situations: Exemptions and deferrals
Some property owners may be exempt from property taxes or may be able to access for a reduction. Homeowners 65 and older, disabled persons, and veterans may may have access to for exemptions or deferrals depending on their income and the property's use. You must explore for these through your county assessor's office—exemptions are not automatic.
If you are a senior or disabled homeowner with limited income, you may also be may be able to access for property tax deferral, which allows you to postpone paying your taxes. The deferred amount becomes a lien on your property and is due when you sell, move, or pass away. This is not forgiveness—you still owe the taxes—but it gives you time if you are cash-strapped.
Contact your county assessor to learn whether you may have access to and what documents you need to submit. important date for exemption and deferral applications vary by county, so do not wait until tax season to ask.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my property taxes in installments if I cannot pay the full amount?
California does not offer an official installment plan for property taxes, but you can contact your county tax collector to discuss hardship options. Some counties may work with you on a payment arrangement if you are facing a temporary financial crisis. Call your county tax collector's office before the delinquency date to explain your situation.
What if I did not receive my property tax bill?
Contact your county tax collector's office when ready. You are still responsible for paying taxes even if you do not receive a bill, and penalties will accrue if you miss the due date. The tax collector can tell you the amount owed and help you arrange payment. If your address changed, update it with the assessor so future bills reach you.
Do I have to pay property taxes if I am renting out my home?
Yes. As the property owner, you are responsible for property taxes regardless of whether you live in the home or rent it out. Tenants do not pay property taxes directly. You can deduct property taxes as a business expense on your income tax return if the property is a rental.
What is the difference between the assessed value and the market value of my home?
The assessed value is what the county assessor determines your property is worth for tax purposes, usually based on recent sales of similar properties. It is often lower than the current market value. Under Proposition 13, the assessed value increases by no more than 2 percent per year unless the property is sold, at which point it is reassessed at the new sale price.
Can I pay someone else's property taxes on a home I do not own?
Yes, you can pay another person's property taxes, but doing so does not give you ownership rights or a claim on the property. If you are considering paying taxes on a property you have an interest in, consult an attorney to understand the legal implications and protect your rights.