Property tax in California is due in two installments: the first half is due November 1 and becomes delinquent December 10, and the second half is due February 1 and becomes delinquent April 10

California splits the property tax year into two bills. You receive one bill covering both halves, but you pay them separately. The county assessor's office sets the due dates, and they are the same statewide. If you do not pay by the delinquent date, penalties and interest begin to accrue when ready.

The dates do not change year to year. Mark November 1 and February 1 on your calendar as reminders to pay, and treat December 10 and April 10 as hard important date if you want to avoid penalties. Some counties allow online payment, some require checks or in-person payment, and some accept both — check your county assessor's website to see what methods are available where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • First installment is due November 1 and delinquent after December 10; second installment is due February 1 and delinquent after April 10.
  • You receive one bill that covers both installments, but you must pay each half separately on its own schedule.
  • Penalties of 10 percent of the unpaid amount are added on the delinquent date, plus interest that continues to grow monthly.
  • Payment methods vary by county — contact your county assessor's office or check their website to learn whether you can pay online, by mail, or in person.
  • If you own property in multiple California counties, each county has its own bill and its own payment schedule.

What happens if you miss the delinquent date

A 10 percent penalty is added to any unpaid amount on the delinquent date. After that, interest accrues at 1.5 percent per month (18 percent per year) on the unpaid balance plus the penalty. The longer the debt sits, the more interest compounds, and the total amount you owe grows faster than the original tax bill.

If property tax remains unpaid for five years, the county can file a tax deed sale. This means the county sells your property at auction to recover what you owe. You have a right to redeem the property (pay off the debt and reclaim it) during a redemption period that varies by county, but if that period expires without payment, you lose ownership. The redemption period is typically three years, but it can be shorter in some cases.

If you know you cannot pay by the delinquent date, contact your county assessor or tax collector when ready. Some counties offer payment plans or deferrals for hardship situations, though these are not may provide and vary widely by location.

How to find your bill and payment address

Your county assessor mails the property tax bill to the address on file for your property. If you do not receive it by late October, contact your county assessor's office directly — a missing bill does not erase the debt or extend the important date. You can also look up your property online through your county assessor's website, which usually shows the current bill amount and payment status.

Each California county has its own assessor's office and its own payment system. Search "[your county] assessor" online to find the office's website, phone number, and payment options. Some counties use a third-party payment processor, so the mailing address or online portal may not be the assessor's office itself.

Payment methods by county

California counties offer different ways to pay property tax. Most accept checks by mail, many accept online payment through their website or a third-party processor, and some accept credit card or ACH transfer. A few still require in-person payment at the county office. Paying online usually costs a processing fee (typically 1 to 3 percent of the bill), while paying by check or in person usually does not.

If you pay by mail, send your check early enough that it arrives before the delinquent date. The postmark date does not count — the county must receive the payment by the important date. If you are cutting it close, pay online or in person instead. Keep a receipt or confirmation number as proof of payment.

Special situations: Prop 13 and reassessment

California's Proposition 13 limits how much your assessed value can increase each year (generally 2 percent), which keeps property tax bills relatively stable. However, if you buy a property, it is reassessed at market value, and your bill jumps. The new bill arrives in the year after purchase, so new owners are often surprised by the increase.

If your property was reassessed and you believe the new value is wrong, you can file an appeal with your county assessor. The important date to appeal is usually 30 days after you receive the bill, though some counties extend this. An appeal does not stop you from paying the bill on time — you still owe the full amount by the delinquent date, and you can request a refund later if the appeal succeeds.

Automatic payment and reminders

Some county assessor offices offer automatic payment options, where you authorize the county to deduct the tax bill from your bank account on a set date. This removes the risk of forgetting to pay. Set up automatic payment through your county assessor's website or by calling their office. You can usually cancel or modify it at any time.

If automatic payment is not available in your county, set a phone reminder or calendar alert for October 15 and January 15 — two weeks before each due date. This gives you time to gather funds and submit payment without rushing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my property tax online in California?

Most California counties offer online payment through their assessor's website or a third-party processor. Check your county assessor's website to see the options available in your area. Online payment usually includes a processing fee of 1 to 3 percent.

What if I own property in two different California counties?

Each county sends a separate bill and has its own payment schedule. Both bills follow the same November 1 and February 1 due dates, but you must pay each county separately. Contact each county assessor to set up payment.

Do I have to pay the full amount, or can I pay half at a time?

You pay each installment separately on its own due date. You cannot pay the full year's tax in November to cover both halves — the second half is still due February 1. You can pay more than the minimum if you choose, but the minimum due dates remain the same.

What if I receive the bill late or do not receive it at all?

A late or missing bill does not extend the important date. You are responsible for paying by December 10 and April 10 regardless. If you do not receive your bill, contact your county assessor when ready and ask for a duplicate. You can also look up the amount owed on the county's website.

Can the county take my house if I do not pay property tax?

Yes. If property tax remains unpaid for five years, the county can file a tax deed sale and sell your property at auction. You have a redemption period (usually three years) to pay off the debt and reclaim the property, but if that period expires, you lose ownership.