California property tax bills are due in two installments: the first half on November 1 and the second half on February 1

California splits the property tax year into two payment periods. 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 important date set by state law, though the county assessor's office typically mails bills 30 to 60 days before each due date so you have time to pay.

The amount you owe depends on the assessed value of your property and your county's tax rate. If you own property in multiple California counties, each county sends its own bill on its own schedule — you cannot combine them into a single payment. Renters do not receive property tax bills; the property owner pays the tax, which is often factored into rent.

You can pay by mail, online through your county assessor's website, or in person at the county tax collector's office. Some counties also accept payment through third-party services, though these may charge a processing fee. Paying early — even a few days before the due date — protects you if mail delays occur.

Key Takeaways

  • Property tax in California is due twice yearly: November 1 for the first installment and February 1 for the second installment.
  • If you miss a due date, a 10 percent penalty is added when ready, and additional penalties and interest accrue if the bill remains unpaid.
  • You can pay online through your county assessor's website, by mail, or in person at the county tax collector's office.
  • If you own property in multiple counties, each county sends a separate bill and requires a separate payment.
  • Property owners can set up automatic payments or payment plans if they expect difficulty meeting the important date.

What happens if you pay late

Missing the November 1 or February 1 important date triggers a 10 percent penalty on the unpaid amount. This penalty is automatic — there is no grace period and no exception for late mail. If the bill remains unpaid 10 days after the due date, interest begins to accrue at 1.5 percent per month (18 percent annually). The longer the bill sits unpaid, the more interest compounds.

If you are more than 90 days late, the county tax collector can file a tax lien against your property. This lien gives the county a legal claim on your home and can affect your ability to sell, refinance, or borrow against the property. The lien remains in place until the full bill, penalties, and interest are paid.

After five years of non-payment, the county can initiate tax deed foreclosure, meaning the county can seize and sell your property to recover the unpaid taxes. This is a last resort and counties typically pursue it only when bills are severely delinquent, but it is a real consequence of ignoring property tax bills for years.

Setting up automatic payments or payment plans

If you know you will struggle to pay on time, contact your county tax collector's office before the due date. Many counties allow you to set up automatic monthly payments that spread the annual bill across 12 months, which can make the burden easier to manage. Some counties also offer installment agreements that let you pay the full bill in smaller chunks over several months, though interest may still accrue on the unpaid balance.

To set up either option, you typically need to call or visit your county tax collector's office in person. The office can tell you whether your county offers these programs, what the terms are, and how to enroll. Setting up a plan before you fall behind is far simpler than trying to negotiate after penalties have already been added.

If you are experiencing genuine hardship — job loss, medical emergency, or other sudden change in circumstances — some counties have hardship programs that may temporarily defer or reduce penalties. These are not automatic and require you to contact the assessor's office to discuss your situation. The sooner you reach out, the more options may be available to you.

Understanding your property tax bill

Your property tax bill shows the assessed value of your property, the tax rate for your county, and the amount due for each installment. The bill also lists the parcel number (a unique identifier for your property), the property address, and the due dates. If you own the property with a mortgage, your lender may have arranged to pay property taxes on your behalf through an escrow account — in that case, you do not pay the county directly, and the bill may go to your lender instead.

If you believe the assessed value is too high, you can file a Proposition 8 appeal with your county assessor's office. This is a formal challenge to the assessed value and must be filed within 30 days of receiving your bill. If your appeal is successful, your assessed value — and therefore your tax bill — can be reduced. The process is free and does not require a lawyer, though some people hire one to help.

Paying property tax if you have a mortgage

If you have a mortgage, your lender likely requires you to maintain an escrow account as a condition of the loan. Each month, you pay a portion of your annual property tax bill along with your mortgage payment. Your lender then pays the county on your behalf when the bill is due. You do not receive a separate property tax bill from the county; instead, your lender sends you an annual escrow statement showing how much was paid.

Occasionally, escrow accounts fall short if property taxes rise faster than expected. If this happens, your lender may increase your monthly escrow payment to catch up. Conversely, if the account has a surplus, your lender may reduce your payment or send you a refund. You have the right to request an escrow analysis from your lender at any time if you believe the amount is incorrect.

Paying property tax if you own the property outright

If you own your property free and clear with no mortgage, you receive the property tax bill directly from your county assessor's office and are responsible for paying it yourself. You can pay online through your county's website, by mail, or in person. Some counties charge a small fee for online payments (typically 1 to 2 percent of the bill), while mail and in-person payments are usually free.

Keep a copy of your payment confirmation or receipt, especially if you pay by mail. If a payment is lost in transit, the confirmation proves you sent it on time. If you pay online, print or save the confirmation page. If you pay in person, ask for a stamped receipt.

Finding your county tax collector's office

Each California county has its own tax collector's office, and contact information varies by county. The easiest way to find yours is to search "[Your County Name] tax collector" online or visit your county's official website. Most county websites have a dedicated property tax section with payment instructions, due dates, and links to online payment systems.

You can also call the county assessor's office — the assessor's office and the tax collector's office are separate but both can answer questions about when your bill is due and how to pay. If you are unsure which county your property is in, check your deed or mortgage documents, which list the county by name.

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, a 10 percent penalty applies only to the unpaid February bill. The November payment is considered current. However, if you miss both, penalties explore to both amounts.

Can I pay my property tax bill early?

Yes. Paying early protects you against mail delays and gives you peace of mind. There is no penalty for paying before the due date, and some people pay both installments at once if they have the funds available. Early payment does not reduce the amount you owe.

What if my property tax bill goes to my lender instead of me?

This means your lender has set up an escrow account and is paying the county on your behalf. You do not need to do anything — your lender handles the payment. You will receive an escrow statement from your lender showing what was paid. If you have questions about the amount, contact your lender's escrow department.

Can I get an extension on my property tax payment?

California law does not provide automatic extensions for property tax bills. However, if you contact your county tax collector before the due date and explain your situation, some counties may work with you on a payment plan or temporary deferment. The key is reaching out early — waiting until after the important date makes negotiation much harder.

What if I inherited property and did not know about the tax bill?

Contact your county tax collector's office when ready and explain the situation. While ignorance of the bill does not erase penalties, the office may be willing to discuss a payment plan or hardship options if you act quickly. Bring documentation of the inheritance (such as a probate order or deed) to show when you became the owner.