How Property Taxes Work in California
By Bella Sánz | Bella’s Estate
Let’s break down the timeline, cost, and what to expect — because no one has time to decode government billing statements when you're trying to adult.
📅 California Property Tax Timeline
Property taxes are billed on a fiscal year schedule, not the calendar year. Here’s how it works:
Fiscal year: July 1 – June 30
1st installment: Covers July 1 – Dec 31 → Due December 10
2nd installment: Covers Jan 1 – June 30 → Due April 10
You’ll get your annual bill around October, and it’ll usually say something like:
“The first installment is due November 1 and delinquent after December 10. The second installment is due February 1 and delinquent after April 10.”
Translation: Just make sure you pay before December 10 and April 10. Late = penalties.
How Much Will You Pay?
In most California counties, property taxes are about 1.2% of the purchase price, reassessed each time a property sells or when major remodels are completed. After that, taxes increase slightly each year (up to 2%).
Example:
Bought a $900,000 home? Expect to pay around $10,800/year → split into two payments of $5,400.
How to Pay
You can mail in a check — just make sure it's received or postmarked by the deadline.
Prefer online? Most counties let you pay via their website until 11:59 PM on the due date.
E-checks usually have no fees, while credit cards often do.
Need the link to pay online for your specific county? Just ask. I’ll send it your way.
Think Your Tax Bill Is Too High?
Yes, you can challenge the value. Here’s how:
File an appeal with your county’s Assessor’s Office if you think your property was overvalued.
Regular appeals: July 2 – Sept 15
Supplemental/Corrected bills: Within 60 days of the revised bill being mailed.
⚠️ Important: Pay your bill on time even if you appeal — you’ll get a refund if it’s approved, but penalties stack up if you miss deadlines.
Need help understanding your bill or want to get your payment link sent directly to your inbox?
