Arizona property taxes are due in two installments each year: the first half is due by March 1, and the second half is due by September 1
Arizona splits the property tax year into two payment periods. The first installment covers taxes from January through June and must reach your county assessor by March 1. The second installment covers July through December and is due by September 1. Both dates are firm — if payment arrives after these dates, penalties and interest begin to accrue when ready.
The county where your property is located collects these payments, not the state. Your bill arrives in the mail several weeks before each due date, and it shows the amount owed, the due date, and the mailing address for your specific county. If you own property in multiple Arizona counties, each county sends its own bill on its own schedule.
Property taxes in Arizona are based on the assessed value of your land and structures, set by the county assessor's office. The amount you owe depends on your property's classification (residential, commercial, agricultural, or other), any exemptions you hold, and the tax rate set by your county and local taxing districts.
Key Takeaways
- Arizona property taxes are split into two payments: March 1 for the first half and September 1 for the second half of the year.
- Your county assessor's office sends a bill before each due date showing the exact amount owed and where to send payment.
- Payments made after the due date trigger penalties and interest charges that compound monthly.
- You can pay by mail, online through your county's website, or in person at the assessor's office.
- If you cannot pay by the due date, contact your county assessor about payment plans or hardship options before the important date passes.
How to find your county's payment important date and address
Each Arizona county collects property taxes independently, so the mailing address and online payment portal differ by location. Your property tax bill lists the correct address and payment method for your county. If you have lost the bill or need to confirm details before it arrives, visit your county assessor's website directly — search "[your county name] Arizona assessor" to find the office.
The county assessor's website typically shows the current tax year's due dates, accepted payment methods, and the mailing address. Some counties also display a property tax calendar showing when bills are mailed and when penalties take effect. Bookmark your county's site so you have the information handy for future years.
What happens if you miss the March 1 or September 1 important date
Arizona law imposes a penalty of 10 percent on any property tax payment received after the due date. This penalty is calculated on the amount owed, not on the total bill. For example, if your second installment is $1,000 and you pay on September 15, you owe an additional $100 penalty.
Beyond the penalty, interest accrues at 0.4167 percent per month (5 percent annually) on the unpaid balance, compounded monthly. The longer the payment sits unpaid, the more interest accumulates. After three years of non-payment, the county may file a lien against your property, which can affect your ability to sell or refinance. After five years, the county can foreclose and sell the property to recover the debt.
If you realize you will miss a important date, contact your county assessor's office before the due date. Some counties offer short-term payment arrangements or can discuss your situation, though this does not erase the penalty if you are already late. Acting before the important date is always better than trying to resolve it afterward.
Payment methods accepted in Arizona counties
Most Arizona counties accept payment by mail, online, phone, and in person. Mail payments should be sent to the address on your bill and must be postmarked by the due date — arrival after the due date still triggers penalties even if you mailed it on time. Online payment through your county's website is often the fastest and safest method because you receive when ready confirmation and can pay from home.
Phone payments are available in many counties but may carry a processing fee. In-person payments at the assessor's office are accepted during business hours and provide when ready proof of payment. Some counties also accept payments through third-party services like credit card processors, though these typically charge a convenience fee that you pay in addition to your taxes.
Check your county's website or call the assessor's office to confirm which methods are available in your area and whether any carry additional fees. Paying online or by phone usually costs nothing extra, while credit card payments often add 2 to 3 percent to your bill.
Exemptions and deferrals that may lower your bill
Arizona offers several property tax exemptions that reduce the assessed value of your home, lowering the amount you owe. The homestead exemption is available to owner-occupied primary residences and reduces the assessed value by $2,500 for most homeowners. The senior exemption provides additional relief for homeowners age 65 and older. The disabled veteran exemption is available to veterans with service-connected disabilities rated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Arizona also offers a property tax deferral program for homeowners age 65 and older with household income below a certain threshold. This program allows you to defer (postpone) property tax payments while you live in the home. The deferred taxes become a lien on the property and are paid from the sale proceeds when you sell or pass the home to your heirs. You must reapply each year to maintain the deferral.
To claim an exemption or deferral, file the appropriate form with your county assessor's office. important date for exemption claims vary by county but are typically in the spring. Contact your assessor's office to learn which exemptions you may may have access to for and when to submit your claim.
Setting up automatic payments or reminders
Many Arizona counties allow you to set up automatic payments that deduct money from your bank account on or before each due date. This removes the risk of forgetting and incurring penalties. To enroll, log into your county's online payment portal or call the assessor's office to ask about automatic payment options. You will need to provide your bank account information and authorize the county to withdraw funds.
If automatic payments are not available in your county, set a personal reminder on your phone or calendar for two weeks before each due date. This gives you time to locate your bill, arrange payment, and mail it if you choose that method. Keeping a copy of your bill in a file folder labeled "Property Taxes" also helps you stay organized across multiple years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay property taxes in Arizona if I own the home outright?
Yes. Property taxes are owed by anyone who owns real property in Arizona, whether the home is paid off or financed. If you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to pay taxes through an escrow account as part of your monthly payment, but you are still responsible for ensuring the taxes are paid on time.
What if I pay one installment but not the other?
Each installment is treated separately. If you pay the first installment by March 1 but miss the September 1 important date, only the second installment incurs the 10 percent penalty and monthly interest. The first installment remains paid in full with no additional charges. However, unpaid amounts from either period can eventually lead to a lien or foreclosure if left unpaid for years.
Can I pay my property taxes online with a credit card?
Most Arizona counties offer online payment, but not all accept credit cards directly through the assessor's website. Some use third-party payment processors that do accept cards but charge a convenience fee of 2 to 3 percent. Check your county's website or call to confirm which payment methods are available and whether fees explore.
What if my property tax bill is wrong?
Contact your county assessor's office to request a review of your assessed value. You can file a formal protest of the assessment, usually within a set timeframe after your bill is mailed. Even if you believe the bill is incorrect, you should still pay by the due date to avoid penalties while your protest is being reviewed. The county can refund overpayments once the assessment is corrected.
Do I need to pay property taxes if I am selling my home?
Yes, property taxes are owed through the date of sale. At closing, the seller and buyer typically split the year's property taxes based on how many days each owned the property. Your title company or closing agent handles this calculation and ensures the correct amount is paid from the sale proceeds.