California property tax bills are due in two installments each fiscal year

California property taxes split into two payments: the first installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent December 10; the second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent April 10. Both dates are firm statewide — they do not vary by county. If you pay after the delinquent date, you owe a 10 percent penalty on the overdue amount, plus interest that accrues daily.

The fiscal year runs July 1 to June 30, so the November and February bills cover different six-month periods. Your county assessor's office mails the bill in August or September, giving you roughly two months before the first payment is due. If you do not receive a bill, that does not erase the debt — you are still responsible for paying on time.

Property taxes fund schools, fire departments, libraries, and other local services in your county. The amount you owe depends on your property's assessed value, which the county assessor sets. You can pay online, by mail, in person at the county tax collector's office, or through an automatic bank transfer.

Key Takeaways

  • First installment is due November 1 and delinquent after December 10; second installment is due February 1 and delinquent after April 10.
  • A 10 percent penalty plus daily interest applies to any payment made after the delinquent date.
  • Your county tax collector's office accepts payment by mail, online, phone, or in person — check your county's website for the exact methods available.
  • Not receiving a bill does not postpone your due date; you remain responsible for paying on time even if the bill is lost in the mail.
  • Property tax bills are mailed in August or September and cover a six-month fiscal period, so you receive two separate bills per year.

How to find your county tax collector and payment methods

Each of California's 58 counties runs its own tax collection office. Search online for "[your county name] tax collector" or "[your county name] assessor" to find the office website, phone number, and payment portal. Most counties now offer online payment through their website, which is the fastest way to ensure your payment arrives on time.

If you prefer to mail a check, send it to the address listed on your tax bill or the county website. Include your parcel number (found on the bill) so the payment is credited to the correct property. Mail payments should arrive at least one week before the delinquent date to account for postal delays.

Some counties accept payment by phone or automatic bank draft. Ask your county tax collector whether they offer these options. Automatic draft is useful if you want to ensure you never miss a deadline — you set it up once and the payment is withdrawn on the due date each year.

What happens if you pay late

A 10 percent penalty is added to any installment not paid by the delinquent date. Interest then accrues at 1.5 percent per month (18 percent per year) on the unpaid balance, including the penalty. The interest compounds monthly, so the longer you wait, the more you owe.

If property taxes remain unpaid for five years, the county can place a lien on your property and eventually foreclose and sell it to recover the debt. This process takes years, but it is a real consequence. If you cannot pay the full amount by the delinquent date, contact your county tax collector immediately — some counties offer payment plans or deferrals for hardship situations.

Renters do not pay property tax directly; landlords do. If you rent, your property tax is built into your rent payment.

Installment payment plans and deferrals

If you cannot pay both installments in full, some California counties allow you to set up a payment plan. The specifics vary by county — some allow monthly payments, others require payment by a certain date. Contact your county tax collector to ask whether a plan is available and what the terms are.

California also has a Property Tax Postponement Program for homeowners age 62 or older, or those who are blind or disabled. This program lets you postpone paying property taxes until you sell the home or pass away. You must own and live in the home, and your income must fall below a threshold set by the state (the limit changes yearly). The county still places a lien on the property to secure the debt.

To explore postponement, contact your county assessor's office. They will verify your age or disability status and review your income. The process takes several weeks, so apply well before your tax bill is due if you think you may may have access to.

Exemptions and reductions that lower your bill

Some property owners pay lower property taxes because of exemptions or reductions. The most common is the Homeowners' Exemption, which reduces the assessed value of your primary residence by $7,000 (as of 2024; this amount adjusts yearly). You must own and live in the home to claim it. If you own the home but do not live there, you do not may have access to.

Veterans, disabled persons, and seniors may also may have access to for reductions or exemptions depending on their circumstances and income. These programs vary by county. Check your county assessor's website or call to learn what you may be may have access to to. If you think you may have access to for an exemption you have not claimed, you can file a claim form — usually called an "Exemption Claim" — with your county assessor. Filing does not delay your tax payment; you still owe the full amount until the exemption is approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I miss the delinquent date by one day?

You owe the 10 percent penalty plus interest, even if you pay one day late. The delinquent dates (December 10 and April 10) are absolute. If the delinquent date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day, but this is rare. Check your county's website or call to confirm if a deadline falls on a non-business day.

Can I pay both installments at once?

Yes. You can pay both the November and February installments together at any time. Paying early does not reduce the amount you owe, but it removes the risk of missing a deadline. Some people pay the full year's taxes in November to simplify their budget.

Do I have to pay property tax if I am renting out my home?

Yes. As the owner, you owe property tax regardless of whether you live in the home or rent it to tenants. Rental income does not change your property tax obligation. You may be able to deduct property taxes from your rental income on your federal tax return, but that is a separate matter from when the tax is due.

What if my property is in a trust or owned by a business?

The property tax bill is still due on the same dates. The person or entity listed as the owner on the county assessor's records is responsible for payment. If you own property through a trust or business entity, contact your county tax collector to confirm who the bill is addressed to and ensure payment reaches them on time.

Can I get an extension on my property tax payment?

California does not grant extensions on property tax deadlines. However, if you cannot pay in full, contact your county tax collector to ask about payment plans or hardship deferrals. Some counties are more flexible than others, so it is worth asking even if you think you do not may have access to.