Where and how to pay Santa Clara property taxes
Santa Clara County property taxes are collected by the Santa Clara County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk (ARC). You can pay your bill online through the county's website, by mail, in person at an ARC office, or through an authorized third-party payment processor. The county does not charge a fee for online payments made directly through their system, though third-party processors may add their own fees.
Your property tax bill arrives twice a year — typically in August and February — and covers the fiscal year from July 1 to June 30. Each bill shows the amount due, the due date, and the penalty date. Payments made after the penalty date incur a 10% penalty on the amount owed.
If you own property in Santa Clara County but have not received a bill, contact the ARC directly at (408) 299-5181 or visit their website to look up your parcel number and account status. Having your parcel number (found on your deed or previous tax bill) speeds up the process.
Key Takeaways
- Santa Clara County property tax bills arrive twice yearly, with separate due dates for each installment.
- You can pay online without a fee through the county website, or by mail, phone, or in person at an ARC office.
- Payments made after the penalty date trigger a 10% penalty on the unpaid amount.
- Your parcel number appears on your tax bill and deed, and you will need it to look up your account or make a payment.
Online payment through the county website
The Santa Clara County ARC website allows you to pay property taxes online using a debit card, credit card, or electronic check. Go to the ARC's official website, select the property tax payment option, and enter your parcel number or account number. The system will display your current balance and due dates.
Online payments are processed when ready, and you will receive a confirmation number. Keep this number for your records. The county does not charge a processing fee for payments made directly through their website, though credit card and debit card companies may charge their standard transaction fees.
If you pay by electronic check (ACH transfer), the payment may take a few business days to clear. Plan ahead if your due date is approaching. The online system will show you the exact date your payment will post to your account.
Mailing a check or money order
You can mail a check or money order to the Santa Clara County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk. Write your parcel number on the front of the check. Mail payments should arrive at least one week before the due date to may support they are received and processed on time.
Send your payment to:
Santa Clara County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk Property Tax Division 70 West Hedding Street San Jose, CA 95110
Keep a copy of your mailed payment stub or bill for your records. If you are concerned about whether your payment arrived, you can call the ARC at (408) 299-5181 to confirm receipt after a few business days.
In-person payment at an ARC office
You can walk into any Santa Clara County Assessor-Recorder-Clerk office and pay your property tax bill in person. The main office is located at 70 West Hedding Street in San Jose. Payment methods include cash, check, debit card, and credit card. The county accepts payments during regular business hours, which are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bring your property tax bill or parcel number with you. If you are paying someone else's taxes (for example, if you are a property manager or trustee), bring documentation showing you have authority to make the payment. You will receive a receipt when ready.
Before visiting an office, check the county website or call (408) 299-5181 to confirm hours, as holiday schedules and office closures may affect availability.
Payment by phone or through authorized processors
The Santa Clara County ARC does not operate a phone payment line directly, but you can pay through third-party payment processors authorized by the county. These processors charge a convenience fee on top of your tax bill — typically 2% to 3% of the amount paid. The fee varies by processor and payment method.
Authorized processors are listed on the Santa Clara County ARC website. Before using a third-party processor, confirm the fee amount and whether it will be added to your bill or charged separately. Some processors allow you to pay by credit card, debit card, or bank transfer.
Payment through an authorized processor is processed within one to two business days. You will receive a confirmation number and should keep it for your records.
Understanding due dates and penalties
Santa Clara County property tax bills show two installments per year. The first installment is typically due by December 10, and the second by April 10. If you do not pay by the due date, a 10% penalty is added to the unpaid amount. This penalty is calculated on the tax owed, not on any fees or interest.
If your payment is still outstanding 60 days after the penalty date, the county may begin collection proceedings. This can include a lien on your property or referral to a collection agency. If you are unable to pay by the due date, contact the ARC as soon as possible to discuss your options.
Some property owners set up automatic payments through their bank's bill pay system to may support payments arrive on time. This is a reliable way to avoid late penalties if you prefer not to pay online through the county website.
What to do if you lose your tax bill
If you do not receive your property tax bill or have lost it, you can still pay your taxes. Visit the Santa Clara County ARC website and use the parcel number lookup tool to find your account and current balance. You can also call (408) 299-5181 and provide your parcel number or property address to get your balance over the phone.
Once you have your account number and balance, you can pay online, by mail, or in person using the methods described above. The county will send you a duplicate bill if you request one, though this is not necessary to make a payment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I pay my property taxes late?
A 10% penalty is added to the unpaid amount if you pay after the penalty date. If the bill remains unpaid 60 days after the penalty date, the county may place a lien on your property or refer the debt to a collection agency. Contact the ARC when ready if you cannot pay on time to discuss options.
Can I set up automatic payments for my property taxes?
The Santa Clara County ARC does not offer automatic recurring payments through their website. However, you can set up automatic payments through your bank's bill pay service by mailing a check on a schedule you choose. You can also pay online each time a bill arrives.
Do I have to pay property taxes if I am on a fixed income?
Property taxes are required regardless of income. However, California offers a Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption and other programs that may reduce your tax bill. Contact the Santa Clara County ARC or visit the Assessor's website to learn whether you may be may be able to access for any exemptions or deferrals.
What is my parcel number and where do I find it?
Your parcel number is a unique identifier for your property. It appears on your property tax bill, your deed, and any previous tax documents. If you cannot find it, call the ARC at (408) 299-5181 and provide your property address, and they will give you the number.
Can I pay someone else's property taxes?
Yes, you can pay another person's property taxes if you have their parcel number and bill amount. You can pay online, by mail, or in person. If paying in person, bring documentation showing you have authority to make the payment, such as a power of attorney or property management agreement.