How do I pay my property taxes?

County Tax Collector / Treasurer-Tax Collector (county level - each of California's 58 counties)

Step by Step

How to do it

Locate your tax bill: California property tax bills are mailed in October each year by the County Tax Collector
Review your bill for the correct amount, Assessor's Parcel Number (APN), and installment due dates
Choose your payment method: in person at the County Tax Collector's office, by mail, or online through your county's payment portal
Pay by the installment due dates:
First installment (1/2 of annual bill): due November 1; delinquent after December 10
Second installment (1/2 of annual bill): due February 1; delinquent after April 10
Full year: may pay both installments together at any time before April 10
Retain receipt as proof of payment

Details

What you need to know

Required Docs

Property tax bill or Assessor's Parcel Number (APN)
Payment (cash, check, money order, or card - varies by county; card convenience fees common online; some counties waive fees for e-check)

Online Option

Yes - most California counties offer online payment through their County Tax Collector website; many accept e-check at no additional fee

Where to Go

County Tax Collector / Treasurer-Tax Collector (address in your v2 county data); or county website for online payment

County-specific variations apply

Online payment systems, accepted payment methods, and convenience fees vary by county. Larger counties (LA, San Diego, Orange, Santa Clara) have robust online portals. Some rural counties may have limited online options. Most counties accept e-check for free; credit card fees typically 2-3%. Verify with your specific county tax collector.

California Notes

Important state-specific details

California uses a SPLIT INSTALLMENT system - two payments per year; "If it's the 1st, it's due; if it's the 10th, it's late" is the memory device for December 10 and April 10 delinquency dates.
Proposition 13 (1978): assessed value capped at purchase price (base year value) and increases limited to 2% per year - until the property is sold or new construction occurs, at which point it is reassessed at full market value.
Proposition 19 (2021): modified parent-child and grandparent-grandchild transfer exclusions; expanded senior portability provisions; check with County Assessor for current rules.
Homeowners' Exemption: owner-occupied primary residences receive a $7,000 exemption from assessed value - approximately $70 savings per year; apply at County Assessor's office (one-time application).
Senior citizens and disabled persons may qualify for the State Controller's Property Tax Postponement Program - contact the State Controller at sco.ca.gov/ardtax_prop_tax_postponement.html.
No state property tax in California - all property taxes are local (county, city, school district, special districts).

Official Source

State office contact

State Office

California State Board of Equalization (property tax guidance) - boe.ca.gov | (800) 400-7115; County Tax Collector (varies by county)