Frequently Asked Questions

The term "secured" simply means taxes that are assessed against real property (e.g., land or structures). The tax is a lien that is “secured” by the land/structure even though no document was officially recorded. This means that if the taxes remain unpaid after a period of five (5) years, the property may be sold to cover the taxes owed.

The Assessor establishes the value of property on January 1. This date is often referred to as the Tax Lien date. The secured property tax bill, issued months later, uses the value established on the tax lien date.

The January 1 value established by the Assessor is multiplied by the tax rate (usually 1% plus voter approved indebtedness), then special assessments are added. These special assessments are added to the tax bill by local districts and cities, not by the Tax Collector. A sewer assessment is a typical special assessment that is added to a tax bill.

A secured tax bill covers a “fiscal year.” The fiscal year begins July 1 and ends on June 30 of the following calendar year.

Every year, the Tax Collector mails the secured tax bills by November 1. If you did not receive a bill, or if you recently purchased a property, you may obtain a duplicate tax bill by calling (209) 385-7592 or visiting our office.

The secured property tax bill is payable in two installments:

1. The first installment is due and payable on November 1. However, you have until 5 p.m. on December 10 to make your payment before a 10% penalty is added to your bill.
2. The second installment is due and payable on February 1. The grace period on the second installment expires at 5 p.m. on April 10. If the installment remains unpaid as of April 10, a 10% penalty and $55 cost is imposed.

You can mail your payment, but in order to avoid the delinquent penalty, your payment envelope must possess a United States Postal Service postmark on or before the tax delinquent date. Remember, the delinquent dates are as follows:

• First installment delinquent at 5 p.m., December 10.
• Second installment delinquent at 5 p.m., April 10.

If the delinquent date falls on a weekend or holiday, the penalty is not imposed until 5 p.m. on the next business day.

No. California law requires the Tax Collector to accept the US postmark, not a private meter date, as the date of payment.

Yes.

Property Tax Postponement for Senior Citizens, Blind, or Disabled Persons

The State Controller's Office administers the Property Tax Postponement (PTP) program, which allows eligible homeowners to postpone payment of current-year property taxes on their primary residence. PTP applications are accepted from October 1 to February 10 each year.

Go to the State Controller's Office website for more information. If you have any questions, call 1-800-952-5661 or email postponement@sco.ca.gov

Yes. You can pay with your credit card on-line, or by telephone at 1-866-890-4105.