Everything You Need to Know About California Property Taxes
With the deadline for payment of the second installment of property taxes already here, here is some helpful information for all property tax payers: 
Annual property tax bills are sent out once a year, on October 1, and are payable in two installments. The first installment is due November 1 and is delinquent if not received by 5:00 PM on or postmarked by December 10. The second installment is due February 1 and is delinquent if not receive by 5:00 on or postmarked by April 10. A 10% penalty fee is assessed for delinquency on the first payment, plus a $10 fee is assessed for a delinquent payment on the second payment.
Home buyers: If you close escrow on a house after the tax bills have been issued to the seller in the Fall, you will not receive an additional copy or second reminder before the second installment is due, but you are still liable. Futhermore, the bill(s) you may have from the previous owners may not have your name on them, but you are still liable. If you do not have the bills or have any questions, please see below to contact your county tax assessor.
PAYMENT DEADLINE SUMMARY
Installment         Due Date         Delinquency Date      Penalty (if delinquent)
1st: November    December 1     December 10              10% of amount due
2nd: February     April 1              April 10                       10% of amount due + $10
TAX PERIOD COVERED BY EACH INSTALLMENT
1st installment: Covers taxes from July 1- December 31
2nd installment: Covers taxes from January 1- June 30
Changes: Keep in mind that most counties have a cutoff time in which to make changes, which is around March in the year the bills are sent. If you have any questions please contact your local tax assessor’s office.
Tax Assessor Offices from Los Angeles to San Diego Counties:
Los Angeles County Tax Assessor
San Bernardino County Tax Assessor
Supplemental Tax Bills: You may receive a supplemental tax bill during your first year of ownership of a home. The supplemental bill covers additional taxes owed based on the purchase price of the home (as property taxes are calculated on sales price in California). Please note that supplemental tax bills are not paid out of the lender impound account, and it is the responsibility of the new owner to pay them upon request.
Thank you to Chandra Self of Eaton Escrow for contributing the above information!
