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

California homeowners face a semi-annual property tax schedule that differs from many states—and missing either deadline can trigger a 10% penalty. If you own property in California, knowing the exact due dates of November 1 (first installment) and February 1 (second installment) is critical to avoiding unnecessary fees and staying compliant with your county treasurer's office.

When Are California Property Taxes Due?

California splits property tax payments into two installments per fiscal year. The first installment is due November 1, and the second installment is due February 1 of the following calendar year. Both dates are firm: payments received after these dates are considered delinquent, regardless of postmark.

It's essential to confirm exact payment deadlines and methods with your county treasurer, as some counties offer grace periods or extended payment options. Most California counties accept payments online, by mail, or in person at the county assessor or treasurer's office.

Schedule	Due Date	Notes
First installment	November 1	Covers July–October taxes
Second installment	February 1	Covers November–June taxes
Grace period	Varies by county	Confirm with your county treasurer

California Property Tax Snapshot

• Due dates: Nov 1 (first installment), Feb 1 (second)
• Effective tax rate: 0.74%
• Homestead exemption: Varies by county; Prop 13 limits assessment growth
• Late penalty: 10% penalty on delinquent installment

California Property Tax Rates

California's effective property tax rate is 0.74%, one of the lowest in the nation. However, your actual tax bill depends on your assessed property value, local voter-approved bonds, and any special assessments levied by your county or local school district.

Proposition 13, passed in 1978, limits how quickly assessed property values can increase—capping annual growth at 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. This means your property taxes typically won't spike dramatically year-to-year, even if your home's market value rises significantly. For a home worth $750,000 (California's current median), the effective 0.74% rate translates to roughly $5,550 per year before exemptions or special assessments.

Use our California mortgage calculator to estimate your total monthly housing payment, including property taxes, insurance, and HOA fees if applicable.

California Property Tax Exemptions

California offers several property tax exemptions, though availability and size vary considerably by county. The most common include:

• Homestead exemption: Amounts vary by county; Proposition 13's assessment growth limit effectively provides broad relief statewide.
• Disabled veteran exemption: Eligible veterans may receive up to $8,000 in assessed value exemption.
• Blind person's exemption: Available to blind or partially blind homeowners.
• Senior/disabled homeowner property tax deferral: Owners 62+ or disabled may defer taxes until the property transfers or is sold.

Because homestead and exemption rules differ significantly by county, contact your local county assessor's office to determine which exemptions you qualify for and how to apply. Some exemptions require annual renewal or claim filing.

How to Pay California Property Taxes

Most California counties allow multiple payment methods to fit your preferences:

1. Online: Visit your county treasurer's website to pay by debit or credit card.
2. Mail: Send a check to your county treasurer's office, ensuring it arrives before the February 1 deadline (allow extra time for postal delays).
3. In person: Bring a check or cash to the county assessor or treasurer's office during business hours.
4. Automatic bank draft: Set up recurring payments through your bank to avoid missing deadlines.

If your mortgage includes an escrow account, your lender typically pays property taxes on your behalf—but verify this with your loan servicer. Learn more about when property taxes are due across all states and how to budget for them.

What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?

Missing either the November 1 or February 1 deadline triggers a 10% penalty on the delinquent installment. If you pay after April 10, additional penalty and interest charges accrue. After five years of delinquency, your county may initiate a tax sale to recover the debt.

Even one missed payment can damage your credit score and, if your mortgage includes an escrow clause, may trigger a loan violation. Contact your county treasurer immediately if you cannot pay on time—some counties offer payment plans or deferral options for hardship cases.

Property Taxes and Your Mortgage Payment

If you financed your home with a mortgage, property taxes are often bundled into your monthly "PITI" payment (Principal, Interest, Taxes, and Insurance). Your lender collects one-twelfth of your estimated annual property tax bill each month and holds it in an escrow account, then pays the county on your behalf when the bill comes due.

This arrangement protects lenders from borrower default on taxes—and protects you from the burden of saving a large lump sum twice yearly. However, escrow accounts can change if your property is reassessed or if your county reassigns assessed values. Review your escrow analysis annually and budget for potential increases.

Use our California mortgage calculator to estimate your full monthly payment and see how property taxes affect your affordability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I deduct California property taxes on my federal return?
A: Yes, up to $10,000 per year in state and local property taxes combined under the SALT deduction (as of 2026). Consult a tax professional to confirm your eligibility and filing status.

Q: What if I disagree with my assessed property value?
A: File an assessment appeal with your county assessor's office. California allows informal review or formal appeal through the Assessment Appeals Board. Deadlines and procedures vary by county—contact your assessor to start the process.

Q: Are property taxes included in my mortgage payment?
A: If you financed your home, your lender typically requires an escrow account that includes property taxes. Review your loan documents or contact your servicer to confirm.

Q: How can I find my property tax bill and due dates?
A: Visit your county treasurer or assessor's website and search by property address or parcel number. You can also explore property tax exemptions to see if you qualify for relief.