California property taxes are due in two installments each fiscal year, with the first half due November 1 and the second half due February 1

California's property tax year runs from July 1 to June 30, but the actual payment schedule splits into two periods. The first installment covers July through December and is due by November 1. The second installment covers January through June and is due by February 1. Both dates are firm important date — if you pay after these dates, penalties and interest begin to accrue when ready.

The county assessor sends property tax bills in the fall, usually arriving in August or September. The bill shows both installment amounts separately so you know exactly what is owed in each period. If you do not receive a bill, that does not erase the debt; you remain responsible for paying on time regardless.

Property taxes in California are paid to your county tax collector, not to the state. Each of California's 58 counties handles its own collection, so the exact mailing address and payment methods vary by location. Your bill will show where to send payment for your specific county.

Key Takeaways

  • The first property tax installment is due November 1 each year, and the second is due February 1; both are mandatory important date.
  • Penalties of 10 percent are added to any installment paid after its due date, plus interest that accrues monthly.
  • Your county tax collector, not the state, receives your payment, and the mailing address appears on your property tax bill.
  • If your property is in a special assessment district or you have a Mello-Roos obligation, those charges may be billed separately and have different due dates.

What happens if you miss the November 1 or February 1 important date

A 10 percent penalty is added to any installment not paid by its due date. This penalty applies whether you are one day late or one month late. After the penalty is assessed, interest begins to accrue at a rate set by the county — typically between 1.5 and 2 percent per month, though the exact rate varies by county and is published on the tax collector's website.

If an installment remains unpaid for more than five years, the county can begin foreclosure proceedings on your property. This is a lengthy process, but it is a real consequence of sustained non-payment. The county will send notices before taking this step, but the notices do not stop the clock — only payment does.

If you cannot pay by the due date, contact your county tax collector's office before the important date. Some counties offer payment plans or deferrals for hardship situations, though these are not automatic and must be requested in advance. The sooner you contact them, the more options may be available.

Payment methods and where to send your check

Most California counties accept checks, money orders, and online payments through their tax collector's website. Some also accept credit cards or electronic bank transfers, though credit card payments often carry a processing fee. The bill you receive will list all accepted payment methods for your county.

Mailing a check is still common, but it carries timing risk — the postmark date is not the same as the received date. If you mail a payment and it arrives after February 1, you will owe the penalty even if you mailed it before the important date. Online payment or in-person payment at the tax collector's office eliminates this risk because the transaction is recorded when ready.

Some counties allow you to set up automatic payments so the full amount or each installment is withdrawn from your bank account on a date you choose. This removes the burden of remembering the important date, though you should verify the payment will clear before the due date, not on it.

Special assessments and Mello-Roos charges

In addition to regular property taxes, your bill may include special assessment district charges or Mello-Roos Community Facilities District charges. These are separate obligations that fund local improvements like roads, schools, or water systems. They appear as line items on your property tax bill and are due on the same dates as regular taxes — November 1 and February 1.

Some properties are in multiple special districts, which means multiple charges on a single bill. Each charge is mandatory if you own property in that district, regardless of whether you use the service. The bill will break down each charge separately so you can see what each one funds.

If you are buying a home, the seller's title report will disclose any special assessments or Mello-Roos obligations on the property. These are permanent charges tied to the land, not the owner, so they transfer to you when you take title.

How to find your property tax bill if you did not receive one

If your bill does not arrive by late September, contact your county tax collector's office directly. They can tell you whether the bill was mailed and provide a copy if it was lost. You can also view your bill online through most county assessor or tax collector websites by entering your property address or parcel number.

Some counties allow you to sign up for email notifications so you receive a reminder when your bill is ready. This is optional but useful if you move frequently or want an extra reminder of the due date.

If you believe your property was not billed at all, the tax collector can investigate. However, non-receipt does not erase your obligation to pay — you are still liable for taxes owed even if no bill was sent. The sooner you contact the county, the sooner you can resolve the issue and avoid penalties.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I pay one installment but not the other?

Each installment is treated separately. If you pay the November 1 installment on time but miss the February 1 important date, only the second installment incurs a penalty. The first installment remains paid in full with no additional charges. However, both installments must eventually be paid to avoid foreclosure.

Can I pay my property taxes in one lump sum instead of two installments?

Yes. You can pay both installments at once if you prefer, as long as you pay by the November 1 important date for the first installment. Paying early does not reduce the amount owed, but it does eliminate the risk of missing the February 1 important date. Some people pay both in October to simplify their finances.

Do I have to pay property taxes if I am on a fixed income or retired?

Property taxes are mandatory regardless of income. However, California offers the Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption, which reduces the assessed value of your primary residence by $7,000 if you meet certain conditions. You must file for this exemption with your county assessor — it does not happen automatically. Additionally, seniors and disabled homeowners may be may be able to access for the Property Tax Postponement Program, which allows you to defer taxes until the property is sold or transferred.

What if my property is in escrow with my mortgage lender?

If your lender handles property taxes through an escrow account, the lender pays the tax collector directly on your behalf. You do not mail a check yourself. Your lender will send you an escrow statement showing the amount they paid and when. You are still responsible for ensuring the payment is made on time, so contact your lender if you do not see the payment reflected on your tax bill by mid-November or mid-March.