Property tax payment important date in Maricopa County

Property taxes in Maricopa County are due in two installments each year. The first half is due by the end of October, and the second half is due by the end of March. If you pay after these dates, you will owe a penalty on top of the tax amount.

The Maricopa County Assessor's Office sends tax bills in the summer, usually by late July or early August. Your bill shows both due dates and the amount owed for each half. If you do not receive a bill, you are still responsible for paying on time — the county's failure to send it does not extend your important date.

Payments can be made online through the Maricopa County Treasurer's website, by mail, in person at a county office, or through an authorized third-party payment processor. Online payment is the fastest way to confirm your payment was received on time.

Key Takeaways

  • Maricopa County property taxes are split into two payments: the first half due by October 31 and the second half due by March 31.
  • Tax bills arrive in summer and show both due dates and the exact amount owed for each installment.
  • Payments made after the due date incur a penalty, even if you pay within a few days of the important date.
  • You can pay online through the Maricopa County Treasurer's website, by mail, in person, or through an authorized payment processor.
  • Not receiving a bill does not change your due date — you remain responsible for paying on time.

What happens if you miss the important date

A penalty of 10 percent is added to any payment made after the due date. This penalty applies whether you are one day late or several months late. The county also charges interest on unpaid taxes, which accrues daily until the full amount is paid.

If taxes remain unpaid for an extended period, the county can place a lien on your property. This means the county has a legal claim against your home until the debt is settled. A lien can affect your ability to sell the property or refinance a mortgage, because the lien must be paid off before the sale or refinance can close.

In extreme cases of nonpayment, the county can foreclose on the property and sell it at a tax sale. However, this process takes time — typically several years of nonpayment — and the county will send notices before reaching that point.

How to set up automatic payments or reminders

The Maricopa County Treasurer's Office does not offer automatic recurring payments, but you can pay online each year when your bill arrives. Setting a calendar reminder for early October and early March helps may support you do not miss either important date.

Some banks and credit card companies offer bill-pay services that let you schedule payments in advance. You can use your bank's bill-pay feature to send a check to the Maricopa County Treasurer on a date you choose, which gives you control over the timing.

If you own property in multiple counties in Arizona, each county has its own due dates and payment system. Keep separate reminders for each location to avoid confusion.

Paying by mail or in person

If you mail your payment, send it to the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office at 301 West Jefferson Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85003. Mail payments should arrive several days before the due date to account for postal delays. The postmark date does not count — the county considers the payment date to be when it is received.

In-person payments can be made at the Treasurer's Office downtown or at satellite locations in Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale. Hours vary by location, so check the county website before visiting. Paying in person gives you an when ready receipt and confirmation that your payment was received on time.

Understanding your tax bill

Your Maricopa County property tax bill lists the assessed value of your property, the tax rate applied to that value, and the total amount due. The bill also breaks down the tax into portions that go to different entities — the county, your city, schools, and special districts like water or fire departments.

The assessed value on your bill may differ from the market value of your home. The county assessor determines assessed value based on recent sales of comparable properties in your area. If you believe your assessed value is too high, you can file a protest with the Maricopa County Assessor's Office, though this must be done within a specific timeframe after your bill is issued.

Property tax rates in Arizona are set by law and vary depending on your property type and location. Residential properties, commercial properties, and agricultural land are taxed at different rates. Your bill shows which rate category your property falls into.

Special situations and exemptions

Some property owners may be may have access to to exemptions that reduce their tax bill. Homeowners over age 65 with limited income may may have access to for a property tax exemption. Veterans with service-connected disabilities may also may have access to for an exemption. Religious organizations and nonprofits may be exempt from property taxes entirely.

If you believe you may have access to for an exemption, you must file a claim with the Maricopa County Assessor's Office. The important date for filing exemption claims is typically in March, though the exact date varies by exemption type. Filing late can result in losing the exemption for that year.

Homeowners who have recently purchased a property or experienced a significant change in circumstances should contact the Assessor's Office to may support their bill reflects their current situation. Changes in ownership or property improvements can affect your assessed value and tax amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I pay one day after the October 31 important date?

You will owe a 10 percent penalty on the amount due, plus interest that accrues daily. The penalty applies regardless of how few days late the payment is. Paying as soon as you realize you missed the important date will stop further interest from building up.

Can I pay my property taxes with a credit card?

The Maricopa County Treasurer's website accepts credit and debit card payments online, though a processing fee is charged for card payments. Paying by check or electronic bank transfer through the website typically has no fee or a lower fee than card payments.

Do I have to pay property taxes if I am selling my home?

Yes, property taxes are the responsibility of the owner on the date they are due. If you sell your home mid-year, you and the buyer will typically split the annual tax bill based on how long each of you owned the property during that tax year. This is usually handled at closing.

What if my property is in a homeowners association?

HOA fees and property taxes are separate bills. Your HOA does not pay your property taxes for you. You remain responsible for paying the county directly by the October 31 and March 31 important date, even if your HOA collects other fees from you.

Can I appeal my property tax assessment?

Yes, you can file a protest with the Maricopa County Assessor's Office if you believe your assessed value is incorrect. The protest must be filed within 30 days of receiving your tax bill. You will need to provide evidence, such as recent appraisals or comparable sales, to support your claim.