Arizona property taxes are due twice a year, with payments split between two important date
In Arizona, property taxes are divided into two installments. The first half is due on September 1, and the second half is due on March 1. If you pay after these dates, you will owe a penalty. The exact penalty depends on how late you are — it starts at 10% if you pay in October and increases from there. Most counties give you until the end of the month to pay without penalty, but some do not, so checking your county's specific rules matters.
Your county assessor's office sends a tax bill in the summer for the first installment and in the winter for the second. The bill shows your property's assessed value, the tax rate, and exactly what you owe. If you do not receive a bill, that does not mean you do not owe taxes — you are still responsible for paying on time.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona property taxes split into two payments: the first half due September 1 and the second half due March 1.
- Paying after the due date triggers a penalty that starts at 10% in October and grows larger the longer you wait.
- Your county assessor mails bills before each important date, but you remain responsible for paying even if you do not receive one.
- You can pay by mail, online through your county treasurer's website, or in person at the treasurer's office.
- Setting up automatic payments through your mortgage lender or county website prevents missed important date.
How to pay your Arizona property taxes
The easiest method depends on your county. Most Arizona counties let you pay online through the county treasurer's website — you can search for your county treasurer by name and find a payment portal. Online payment usually takes a few minutes and shows you confirmation when ready. Some counties charge a small fee for online payments, typically $1 to $3.
You can also mail a check to your county treasurer's office. Include your property tax account number (on your bill) and mail it early enough to arrive by the due date — the postmark date does not count as the payment date. Paying in person at the treasurer's office is fastest if you live near one; you can pay by check, money order, or sometimes cash.
If your mortgage lender handles your taxes through an escrow account, they pay the county directly on your behalf. You do not need to do anything, but you should still verify the payment went through by checking your county's website or calling the treasurer's office.
What happens if you miss the important date
Missing the September 1 or March 1 important date triggers a penalty when ready. In October, the penalty is 10% of what you owe. In November it becomes 15%, and in December and beyond it reaches 20%. These penalties are added to your bill, so a $1,000 tax bill becomes $1,100 if you pay in October, $1,150 in November, and $1,200 by December.
If you do not pay for several months, the county can place a lien on your property. This means the county has a legal claim against your home until the debt is paid. A lien makes it hard to sell or refinance your home. If taxes go unpaid for three years, the county can foreclose and sell your property to recover the debt.
If you know you will be late, contact your county treasurer's office before the important date. Some counties offer payment plans or can explain options if you are facing hardship. Acting early is always better than waiting.
Setting up automatic payments to avoid missing important date
The simplest way to never miss a important date is to set up automatic payments. If your mortgage lender pays your taxes through escrow, you do not need to do anything — but verify once a year that payments are going through. You can check this by reviewing your mortgage statement or calling your lender.
If you pay taxes yourself, most county treasurer websites let you set up automatic payments from your bank account. You choose the amount and the date, and the county withdraws the money automatically. This works best if you set the payment date a few days before the important date to account for processing time.
Another option is to contact your county treasurer's office and ask about their automatic payment system. Some counties use third-party payment processors that handle recurring payments. The treasurer's office can walk you through the setup.
Understanding your property tax bill
Your Arizona property tax bill shows several pieces of information. The assessed value is what the county estimates your property is worth — this is not the same as the market value. The tax rate is set by your county and any local districts (schools, fire districts, water districts). The bill multiplies the assessed value by the tax rate to calculate what you owe.
The bill also shows your property's parcel number, which is a unique identifier. Use this number when paying online or calling the treasurer's office. If you disagree with the assessed value, you can file a protest with your county assessor's office — the important date is usually in May, and the process takes several months.
Your bill will list both installments if you are viewing the full-year bill, or it will show only the installment due. Read the bill carefully to make sure the property address and parcel number match your home.
Arizona counties handle property taxes differently
While the September 1 and March 1 important date are statewide, each Arizona county runs its own treasurer's office and may have slightly different rules. Maricopa County (Phoenix area) has a different online payment system than Pima County (Tucson area). Some counties charge fees for online payments; others do not. Some offer phone payment; others do not.
The best approach is to visit your county treasurer's website directly. Search for "[Your County Name] Arizona Treasurer" and you will find the office's payment options, important date, and contact information. If you cannot find what you need online, call the treasurer's office — they answer questions about payment methods and important date regularly.
If you own property in multiple Arizona counties, each county sends separate bills and has separate important date. Mark both September 1 and March 1 on your calendar if you own property in more than one place.
What to do if you did not receive your tax bill
If you did not receive a bill in the mail, contact your county treasurer's office. They can tell you the amount owed and the important date. You are still responsible for paying even if the bill never arrived, so do not wait — call as soon as you realize the bill is missing.
The treasurer's office can also confirm your mailing address on file. If you recently moved, the bill may have gone to your old address. Update your address with the county assessor's office so future bills arrive at the right place.
You can also look up your property tax information online. Most Arizona counties have a property search tool on the assessor's or treasurer's website where you can enter your address or parcel number and see what you owe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay both installments at once?
Yes. You can pay both the September 1 and March 1 installments together at any time, as long as you pay before each important date. Some people pay both in September to simplify their finances. Just make sure you are paying the correct amount for each installment — they are usually different because the assessed value or tax rate may change between them.
What if my property is in foreclosure or I am selling it?
You remain responsible for property taxes until the sale closes or the foreclosure completes. If you are selling, the title company typically handles paying off any unpaid taxes from the sale proceeds. If you are in foreclosure, contact your lender and the county treasurer to understand what you owe and what happens next.
Do I have to pay property taxes if I am on a fixed income?
Arizona does not have a statewide property tax exemption based on income, but some counties offer programs for seniors or disabled homeowners. Contact your county assessor's office to ask about exemptions or deferrals you may be able to use. Some programs let you delay payment if you meet income requirements.
What if I pay online and the payment does not go through?
Check your bank account to confirm the money was not withdrawn. If the payment failed, try again when ready or use a different payment method. Call your county treasurer's office to confirm they received the payment — do not assume it went through just because you submitted it online. Keep a record of your confirmation number.
Can I deduct Arizona property taxes on my federal income tax return?
Yes, you can deduct state and local property taxes on your federal return, but only up to $10,000 per year total (including state income tax, sales tax, and property tax combined). Consult a tax professional or the IRS website to understand how this limit applies to your situation.