Where and how to pay Arizona property taxes

Arizona property taxes are collected by your county assessor's office, and you pay them to your county treasurer — not to the state. The treasurer's office handles all payment methods and sends you a bill twice a year, usually in November and May. You can pay online through your county treasurer's website, by mail, in person at the treasurer's office, or by phone, depending on which county you live in.

Most Arizona counties now accept online payments through their websites without a fee, though some charge a small processing fee if you use a credit card or e-check. Mailing a check to your county treasurer is free and typically takes one to two weeks to process. If you pay in person, bring your tax bill or property account number so the treasurer's office can apply the payment correctly.

The payment deadline is usually the last business day of the month shown on your bill — typically November 30 for the first half and May 31 for the second half. If you miss the deadline, penalties and interest begin to accrue immediately. Arizona charges a 10 percent penalty on unpaid taxes plus interest at a rate set annually by the state.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay Arizona property taxes to your county treasurer, not the state, and the bill arrives twice yearly in November and May.
  • Most counties offer free online payment through their treasurer's website, with the option to mail, pay in person, or call.
  • The payment deadline is the last business day of the month on your bill, and missing it triggers a 10 percent penalty plus interest.
  • If you cannot pay in full, contact your county treasurer about payment plans or hardship options before the deadline passes.

Finding your county treasurer's office and payment portal

Each of Arizona's 15 counties runs its own treasurer's office, so the website and payment method vary by location. Start by searching "[Your County Name] Arizona Treasurer" — for example, "Maricopa County Treasurer" or "Pima County Treasurer." The treasurer's website will show you payment options specific to your county, including whether they accept online payments and what fees apply.

If you do not know which county you live in, you can find it by entering your address on the Arizona Department of Revenue website or by calling your local county assessor's office. Once you have the right county, the treasurer's office can look up your property account number if you have your address and the previous year's tax bill handy.

Some counties use third-party payment processors, so you may be directed to a separate website to enter your payment information. These are secure and operated by the county, but the URL will not always be the treasurer's main website. Read the instructions carefully to confirm you are on the correct payment page before entering your account number or credit card details.

What happens if you pay late or cannot pay on time

If your payment arrives after the deadline, Arizona law requires the county to add a 10 percent penalty to the unpaid amount. Interest also accrues at a rate set by the state each year — currently around 10 percent annually, though this changes. Both the penalty and interest are calculated from the original due date, so the longer you wait, the more you owe.

If you cannot pay the full amount by the deadline, contact your county treasurer immediately — do not wait until after the deadline. Some counties offer payment plans that let you split the bill into installments, though you may still owe a small penalty. The treasurer's office can explain what options exist in your county and may ask for proof of hardship or a written request.

If taxes remain unpaid for several years, the county can place a lien on your property or eventually foreclose and sell it to recover the debt. This process takes time and the county must follow specific legal steps, but it is a real consequence of ignoring property tax bills. Contacting the treasurer's office early, even if you cannot pay immediately, keeps you in communication and may preserve options.

Understanding your property tax bill and what you are paying for

Your Arizona property tax bill shows the assessed value of your home, the tax rate (called the "levy"), and the amount you owe. The assessed value is not the same as what you paid for the house or what it is worth on the market — it is set by the county assessor and typically increases by no more than 10 percent per year, even if your home's market value rises faster.

The tax rate varies by county and by what school district, fire district, and other local services your property falls within. A property in one part of Phoenix may have a different rate than one in another part because they are served by different districts. Your bill will itemize how much of your payment goes to schools, county services, and other local entities.

Arizona homeowners may also be may have access to to a homestead property tax reduction if the home is your primary residence and you meet income limits. This reduction lowers your assessed value and therefore your tax bill. You must file for it with your county assessor — it does not happen automatically — and you typically have until the end of the year to file for the current tax year.

Paying taxes on a rental property or investment home

If you own rental property or a second home in Arizona, you still pay taxes to your county treasurer using the same methods as a primary residence. The bill arrives on the same schedule and the deadline is the same. The main difference is that you cannot claim a homestead reduction, so your tax bill will be based on the full assessed value.

Some landlords and property investors set aside money each month to cover the semi-annual tax bill, since the amount is predictable. Others work with a property manager or accountant who handles the payment. Whichever method you use, mark the November and May deadlines on your calendar so you do not miss them — the penalty and interest apply to investment property the same way they do to a primary home.

If you own property in multiple Arizona counties, you will receive separate bills from each county treasurer. Keep track of all deadlines and account numbers so you do not accidentally miss a payment on one property while paying another.

Setting up automatic or recurring payments

Many Arizona county treasurers allow you to set up automatic payments that deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose. This is useful if you want to pay as soon as the bill arrives or if you want to split the payment into two installments. Check your county treasurer's website to see if this option is available and what information you need to provide.

Automatic payments typically require you to give the treasurer permission to debit your account, which you can usually revoke at any time. Make sure the amount and date are correct before confirming, and keep a record of the confirmation number. If you change banks or your account number changes, you may need to update your payment information with the treasurer's office.

Some people also use their bank's bill-pay feature to send a check to the treasurer automatically. This works well if you prefer to mail payments but want the convenience of automation. Your bank will send the check on the date you specify, so plan ahead to account for mail delivery time — typically one to two weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Most Arizona counties accept credit card payments online, but many charge a processing fee of 2 to 3 percent. Paying by e-check or bank transfer through the county website is usually free. Check your county treasurer's website to see which payment methods are available and what fees apply before you choose.

What if I disagree with my property tax assessment?

You can file a protest with your county assessor if you believe your home's assessed value is too high. The deadline to protest is usually in May, and the process involves submitting a form and supporting documents. Contact your county assessor's office for the specific deadline and procedure in your county.

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

Yes. Property taxes are separate from your mortgage payment, and your lender does not pay them for you unless you have an escrow account set up as part of your loan. If you are struggling to pay both, contact your county treasurer about payment options and your lender about loan modification programs.

What is the difference between the first and second half property tax bills?

Arizona splits property taxes into two bills per year for convenience — you pay half in November and half in May. The total amount is the same whether you pay it in one lump sum or two installments. Both halves are due by the last business day of their respective months.

Can I pay someone else's property taxes?

Yes, you can pay another person's property taxes if you have their property account number and permission. This is common when adult children pay taxes on a parent's home or when a caregiver helps with bills. The county will credit the payment to the correct account regardless of whose name is on the check or payment form.