When Are Arizona Property Taxes Due? 2026 Dates, Rates & Exemptions

If you own a home in Arizona, marking your calendar for property tax deadlines is essential—miss them and you'll face late penalties and potential tax liens. Arizona property taxes are due twice a year: October 1 for the first half and March 1 for the second half, with an effective state tax rate of 0.62% as of 2026. Understanding these dates, rates, and available exemptions helps you budget accurately and avoid costly mistakes.

When Are Arizona Property Taxes Due?

Arizona's property tax system operates on a semi-annual payment schedule. Your first payment is due on October 1, covering July through December taxes. The second installment comes due on March 1, covering January through June. Both deadlines are firm, and payment methods vary by county.

Always confirm the exact due date with your county treasurer's office, as some counties may observe holidays that affect processing. If October 1 or March 1 falls on a weekend or holiday, your county treasurer will issue guidance on the adjusted deadline.

Schedule	Due Date	Notes
First half (July–December)	October 1	Confirm with county treasurer
Second half (January–June)	March 1	Confirm with county treasurer

Arizona Property Tax Rates

Arizona's effective property tax rate stands at 0.62%, making it moderately affordable compared to national averages. However, this is a state-level figure—your actual rate depends on your county and local taxing districts. Some Arizona counties tax at higher rates due to school district levies and bond obligations.

For example, a $420,000 home (the state's average home price) would generate approximately $2,604 in annual property taxes using the 0.62% rate, split across two payments. Your county assessor's office provides your specific assessed value and applicable rates.

Arizona Property Tax Exemptions

Arizona offers several property tax exemptions, with the homestead exemption providing up to $150,000 in exempted value for homeowners age 65 and older. This exemption can significantly reduce your annual tax burden if you qualify.

To claim the homestead exemption, you must:

• Be age 65 or older (or meet disability/blindness requirements)
• Own your primary residence
• Have lived in Arizona for at least one year before filing

Disabled veterans may also qualify for additional exemptions. Check with your county assessor about other exemptions, such as those for agricultural property or renewable energy systems. Learn more about property tax exemptions available in your state.

How to Pay Arizona Property Taxes

You can pay Arizona property taxes directly through your county treasurer's office, either online, by mail, or in person. Most Arizona counties offer online payment portals where you can view your bill and submit payment electronically. Some counties also allow automatic monthly payments through escrow if your mortgage lender handles property tax payments.

If you have a mortgage, your lender may require you to pay property taxes through an escrow account as part of your monthly mortgage payment. This ensures taxes are paid on time and protects the lender's interest in your home. If you're exploring your mortgage options, use our Arizona mortgage calculator to understand how property taxes factor into your total monthly payment (often called PITI: principal, interest, taxes, and insurance).

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Missing a property tax deadline in Arizona carries serious consequences. Late payments incur a penalty of typically 1–2% per month, compounded monthly, making the debt grow quickly. After extended delinquency (usually 3–4 years of non-payment), a tax lien may be placed against your property.

A tax lien gives the county a legal claim to your home. If taxes remain unpaid, the county may eventually foreclose and sell your property at auction to recover the debt. The best approach is to pay on time—if you anticipate difficulty, contact your county treasurer about payment plans or hardship options before the deadline passes.

Property Taxes and Your Mortgage Payment

Most homeowners with mortgages don't write separate checks for property taxes. Instead, property taxes are bundled into your monthly mortgage payment as part of PITI (principal, interest, taxes, and insurance). Your lender collects the tax portion each month, holds it in an escrow account, and pays the county on your behalf when bills are due.

This arrangement protects both you and the lender—the lender ensures taxes won't go unpaid, and you avoid the burden of tracking two separate due dates. To estimate how property taxes affect your monthly payment, use our free mortgage calculator for Arizona. The calculator shows how taxes, insurance, and principal work together to shape your affordability. Understanding this breakdown helps you budget for homeownership and compare loan offers accurately.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I pay my Arizona property taxes monthly instead of twice a year?
A: You cannot split the official semi-annual payments, but if your mortgage includes an escrow account, your lender collects taxes monthly and pays the county on the October 1 and March 1 deadlines. This spreads your tax cost across 12 months, making budgeting easier. Confirm your escrow setup with your lender.

Q: What if my property tax bill is wrong?
A: Contact your county assessor to request a review of your assessed value. Arizona allows taxpayers to file a protest within 30 days of receiving the assessment notice. You can appeal in writing or request a hearing. Keep documentation of any home improvements or market comparables to support your case.

Q: Do seniors automatically get the homestead exemption?
A: No. You must apply for the homestead exemption through your county assessor, even if you meet the age requirement (65+). Applications are typically available online or at the assessor's office. The exemption saves you up to $150,000 in assessed value, but you must claim it actively.

Q: What's the difference between property tax rate and effective tax rate?
A: The property tax rate is the percentage applied to your assessed value (varies by county). The effective rate (0.62% in Arizona) averages all rates statewide, accounting for exemptions and variations. Your actual bill depends on your county's rate and your specific assessed value.

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Stay on top of your Arizona property tax obligations by marking October 1 and March 1 on your calendar each year. Know your county's payment methods, explore exemptions you may qualify for, and use tools like our property tax guide to stay informed. If you're buying a home or refinancing, factor the 0.62% effective rate into your affordability calculations—property taxes are a real cost that shouldn't surprise you at payment time.