Property tax bills in Los Angeles County are due in two installments: the first half is due November 1, and the second half is due February 1

Los Angeles County Assessor's Office sends property tax bills in the fall, usually in October or early November. The first installment covers July through December taxes and is due by November 1. The second installment covers January through June of the following year and is due by February 1. If you do not pay by the due date, the county charges a 10% penalty on the unpaid amount, plus interest that accrues monthly.

The exact bill amount depends on your property's assessed value, local tax rates, and any special assessments in your area. Your bill arrives by mail at the address on file with the county, though you can also view it online through the LA County Assessor's website or the Tax Collector's website.

Key Takeaways

  • First installment property taxes are due November 1; second installment is due February 1 each year.
  • A 10% penalty applies to any unpaid balance after the due date, plus monthly interest charges.
  • You can pay online, by mail, in person, or by phone through the LA County Tax Collector's office.
  • If you miss a payment, contact the Tax Collector when ready—payment plans and deferrals may be available depending on your situation.

How to pay your LA County property taxes

The LA County Tax Collector accepts payment through several methods. Online payment through their website (tax.lacounty.gov) is the fastest option and shows confirmation when ready. You can also mail a check or money order to the Tax Collector's office with your bill stub, pay in person at one of their payment locations, or call their phone line to pay by credit or debit card (a processing fee applies for card payments).

When you pay, have your property's parcel number ready—it appears on your tax bill and speeds up processing. If you are paying by mail, allow at least 10 business days for the check to arrive and clear before the due date. Online and in-person payments post the same day.

What happens if you miss the due date

A 10% penalty is added to any unpaid balance on November 2 (for the first installment) or February 2 (for the second installment). After that, interest accrues at 1.5% per month on the unpaid amount, compounding monthly. If the bill remains unpaid for several months, the county may file a tax lien against your property, which can affect your ability to sell or refinance.

If you cannot pay the full amount by the due date, contact the Tax Collector's office before the important date. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to set up a payment plan, request a deferral, or explore other options. The sooner you reach out, the more options are typically available to you.

Property tax deferrals and exemptions in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County offers a Homeowner's Property Tax Postponement Program for homeowners age 62 or older, blind, or disabled. This program allows you to postpone paying property taxes on your primary residence. The deferred taxes become a lien on the property and are paid when you sell, refinance, or pass the property to your heirs.

You may also be may be able to access for exemptions or reductions if your property qualifies as a primary residence, if you are a veteran, or if your property is used for agricultural purposes. These are handled separately from the payment schedule and require a formal request to the Assessor's Office. The Assessor's website lists all current exemptions and the important date to file for them.

Understanding your property tax bill

Your LA County property tax bill shows the assessed value of your property, the tax rate applied, and the total amount due for each installment. The bill also lists any special assessments—charges for local improvements like street repairs or flood control—that are added to your base property tax.

If you believe your assessed value is incorrect, you have the right to file a Proposition 8 appeal with the Assessor's Office if your property's value has declined. You must file within 30 days of receiving your bill. The Assessor's website has forms and instructions for filing an appeal, and the process does not require a lawyer.

Setting up automatic payments or reminders

The LA County Tax Collector does not offer automatic recurring payments, but you can set a personal reminder on your calendar for October 15 (first installment) and January 15 (second installment) to give yourself time before the November 1 and February 1 important date. Many banks and credit card companies allow you to set bill-pay reminders for regular payments.

Some property owners use their mortgage servicer's escrow account to pay property taxes automatically each month. If your mortgage includes an escrow account, your servicer collects a portion of the tax payment each month and pays the county on your behalf. Check your mortgage statement to see whether taxes are being paid through escrow.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my property taxes online with a credit card?

Yes, you can pay online at tax.lacounty.gov or by phone through the Tax Collector's office using a credit or debit card. A processing fee (usually 2.5% to 3% of the payment) is charged for card payments. Paying by check, money order, or electronic bank transfer does not include a fee.

What if I did not receive my property tax bill?

Contact the Tax Collector's office when ready with your parcel number. You can view your bill online at tax.lacounty.gov or request a duplicate bill by phone. Not receiving the bill does not extend the due date—you are still responsible for paying by November 1 and February 1.

Can I pay property taxes for someone else's property?

Yes, anyone can pay another person's property taxes. You will need the parcel number and can pay online, by mail, or in person. The payment will be credited to that property regardless of who submits it.

What is the difference between assessed value and market value?

Assessed value is the value the county uses to calculate your property tax, set by the Assessor's Office. Market value is what your property would sell for today. In California, assessed value is usually lower than market value because it is based on the purchase price and increases only 2% per year, unless the property is sold.

Do I have to pay property taxes if I am behind on my mortgage?

Yes. Property taxes and mortgage payments are separate obligations. If your mortgage includes an escrow account, your servicer pays the taxes from that account. If not, you must pay the county directly even if you are behind on mortgage payments. Failure to pay property taxes can result in a tax sale of your property.