California property tax bills are due in two installments: the first half on November 1 and the second half on February 1
California splits property tax into two payments each fiscal year. The first installment covers July through October and is due November 1. The second installment covers November through June and is due February 1. Both dates are firm deadlines — if you pay after these dates, a penalty applies immediately.
You do not choose when to pay. The county assessor sends you a bill showing both due dates and the amount for each installment. If you own property in California, you will receive this bill in the mail, usually in late September or early October for the first installment.
The penalty for late payment is 10 percent of the unpaid amount if you pay between the due date and June 30 of that fiscal year. After June 30, the county can file a lien on your property and begin foreclosure proceedings. This is not a warning system — it is an automatic consequence.
Key Takeaways
- Property tax in California is due November 1 for the first half of the year and February 1 for the second half.
- A 10 percent penalty is added to any amount paid after the due date, and the county can place a lien on your property if taxes remain unpaid past June 30.
- You receive a bill in the mail from your county assessor showing both due dates and the exact amount owed for each installment.
- Paying online, by mail, or in person all count as on-time payment as long as the county receives or processes the payment by the due date.
How to pay your property tax bill
Payment methods vary by county, but most California counties accept payment online through their assessor's website, by mail, or in person at the county tax collector's office. Some counties also accept payment by phone or automatic bank transfer. Check your county assessor's website to see which methods are available in your area.
If you pay by mail, send your check or money order to the address shown on your bill. The postmark date does not count — the county must receive the payment by the due date. If you are cutting it close, paying online or in person is safer because you get confirmation immediately.
When you pay, keep your receipt or confirmation number. If there is ever a dispute about whether you paid on time, this document proves when the payment was processed.
What happens if you miss the deadline
Missing the November 1 or February 1 deadline triggers a 10 percent penalty on the unpaid amount. This penalty is not waived or reduced — it is automatic. If you owe $1,000 and pay on November 2, you now owe $1,100.
If your taxes remain unpaid past June 30 of that fiscal year, the county can file a lien against your property. A lien means the county has a legal claim on your home. The county can then begin foreclosure proceedings to sell your property to recover the unpaid taxes and penalties.
If you know you cannot pay by the due date, contact your county tax collector immediately. Some counties offer payment plans or deferrals for hardship situations, though these are not may provide and must be requested before the deadline passes.
Installment payment plans and deferrals
California law allows property owners to request a payment plan if they cannot pay the full amount by the due date. The specifics depend on your county — some allow you to split the installment into smaller monthly payments, while others may require you to pay a portion by the deadline and the rest later.
Homeowners over 65, blind, or disabled may be able to defer property taxes under California's Property Tax Postponement Program. This program allows you to postpone payment until you sell the property, move, or pass away. You must apply before the tax becomes delinquent, meaning before you miss the due date. Contact your county assessor to learn whether you meet the requirements and how to apply.
Neither payment plans nor deferrals are automatic. You must request them before the deadline. If you wait until after November 1 or February 1 to ask, the penalty has already been applied and most counties will not remove it.
Understanding the fiscal year and bill timing
California's property tax fiscal year runs from July 1 to June 30, which is different from the calendar year. The first installment bill (due November 1) covers July through October. The second installment bill (due February 1) covers November through June. This split means you pay twice per fiscal year, not once.
Bills are mailed in late September or early October. If you do not receive your bill by mid-October, contact your county assessor. You are still responsible for paying on time even if the bill never arrives in the mail.
If you recently purchased property, your first bill may arrive later than expected because the county needs time to record the sale and update the assessor's records. New owners should contact the county assessor to confirm when their first bill will arrive.
Paying property tax if you have a mortgage
If you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to pay property tax through an escrow account. This means you include an estimated property tax amount in your monthly mortgage payment, and the lender pays the county on your behalf. Check your mortgage documents or contact your lender to confirm whether you have an escrow account.
If you pay through escrow, you do not send payment directly to the county — your lender handles it. However, you are still responsible if the lender fails to pay. Review your mortgage statement each month to confirm the escrow amount is correct, and contact your lender if you notice errors.
If you do not have an escrow account, you must pay the county directly by November 1 and February 1, even though you have a mortgage.
Finding your county assessor and payment information
Each California county has its own assessor and tax collector. To find your county's payment deadline, accepted payment methods, and contact information, search online for "[Your County Name] assessor" or "[Your County Name] tax collector." Most counties have a website showing payment options, bill lookup tools, and phone numbers.
You can also look up your property tax information using the State Board of Equalization's online database, though this shows assessment information rather than payment options. Your county assessor's office is the authoritative source for payment deadlines and methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I pay one day late?
A 10 percent penalty is added to your unpaid balance immediately. There is no grace period. If you pay on November 2 instead of November 1, the penalty applies. Some counties offer a small window (usually a few days) before penalties are assessed, but this varies — check your county's specific rules.
Can I pay my property tax online?
Most California counties accept online payment through their assessor or tax collector website. Some charge a processing fee for online payments. Check your county's website to see which payment methods are available and whether fees apply. Online payment usually processes immediately, so you get confirmation the same day.
What if I own property in multiple California counties?
Each county sends a separate bill and has its own due dates. You must pay each bill by November 1 and February 1 in the county where the property is located. Set reminders for both dates so you do not miss a payment in either county.
Can I get the penalty removed if I pay late?
Penalties are rarely waived. Some counties may remove the penalty if you can show the delay was caused by the county's error — for example, if the bill was sent to the wrong address and you had no way to know about it. Contact your county tax collector to request a penalty waiver and explain your situation, but do not expect removal.
What happens if property tax goes unpaid for several years?
After five years of unpaid property tax, the county can begin foreclosure proceedings and sell your property at a tax sale. The county uses the sale proceeds to cover unpaid taxes, penalties, and costs. You lose the property. If you are behind on payments, contact your county immediately to discuss payment plans or other options.