California property taxes are generally paid in two installments each year for properties on the secured tax roll.
Although the installments become due on specific dates, homeowners have until the delinquency dates to make payment without incurring penalties.
California Property Tax Due Dates
| Installment | Due Date | Delinquent After |
|---|---|---|
| First Installment | November 1 | December 10 (5:00 p.m. or close of business, whichever is later) |
| Second Installment | February 1 | April 10 (5:00 p.m. or close of business, whichever is later) |
If December 10 or April 10 falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the payment deadline is generally extended to the next business day.
When Are Property Tax Bills Mailed?
Most California counties mail annual property tax bills during October.
The annual bill covers the fiscal year running from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.
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Can You Pay the Entire Bill at Once?
Yes. Homeowners may choose to pay the full annual property tax bill when the first installment is due in November.
Others prefer to divide the bill into two installment payments, with the second payment due in February.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment?
If you do not pay your property taxes by the delinquency date, you may face:
- A 10% late penalty
- Additional administrative fees
- Interest and collection costs on long-overdue taxes
- Tax-default status if the taxes remain unpaid for an extended period
Paying on or before the delinquency date helps you avoid these additional charges.
Supplemental Property Tax Bills
You may receive a supplemental property tax bill after:
- Purchasing a home
- Completing new construction
- Making major improvements that increase your property’s assessed value
Supplemental tax bills have their own payment schedule, which is based on the date the bill is issued rather than the standard November and February deadlines.
What If You Have an Escrow Account?
If your mortgage lender maintains an escrow account, property taxes are typically included in your monthly mortgage payment.
Your lender usually pays the county directly on your behalf, but it is still a good idea to verify that the payments have been made on time.
Ways to Pay California Property Taxes
Most counties offer several payment methods, including:
- Online payment
- Electronic bank transfer
- Check
- Money order
- In-person payment at the county tax collector’s office
Available payment options may vary slightly by county.
Tips for Paying Property Taxes
To help avoid penalties and missed payments:
- Review your property tax bill as soon as it arrives.
- Mark the payment deadlines on your calendar.
- Keep copies of payment confirmations.
- Verify that your mortgage company has made the payment if you have an escrow account.
- Pay early if possible to avoid last-minute issues.
Unique Factors
California’s property tax system is largely governed by Proposition 13, which generally limits the base property tax rate to 1% of a property’s assessed value and limits annual increases in assessed value to no more than 2% unless the property is reassessed.
Because of these rules, homeowners who have owned their properties for many years often pay significantly lower property taxes than those who recently purchased similar homes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the first California property tax payment due?
The first installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent after December 10.
When is the second California property tax payment due?
The second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent after April 10.
Can I pay both installments at the same time?
Yes. Many homeowners choose to pay the full annual property tax bill when the first installment becomes due.
What happens if I pay late?
Late payments may result in penalties, additional fees, interest, and possible collection actions if the taxes remain unpaid.
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