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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Santa Cruz County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Santa Cruz County, AZ. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

9 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
7.2642 per $100 of assessed value (varies by special taxing districts)
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Santa Cruz County, Arizona operates on a property tax system that serves as the primary funding mechanism for essential local services including public education, law enforcement, fire protection, libraries, and county infrastructure. Property taxes in Santa Cruz County are administered by the County Assessor's Office for valuations and the County Treasurer's Office for collections, with tax bills typically issued annually.

The effective property tax rate in Santa Cruz County for FY 2025-2026 is approximately 7.2642 per $100 of assessed value, though actual rates vary significantly by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school districts, fire districts, and other municipal service areas. Properties are assessed at their full cash value with no assessment cap, meaning assessed values can fluctuate based on market conditions. The county uses a primary property tax rate of 4.0265, with additional levies from various taxing jurisdictions contributing to the total rate each property owner pays.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate (per $100)Description
Primary Property Tax4.0265County general fund, state levies
Type 03 School District1.5606Local school district operations
Additional School LeviesVariesBond payments, overrides (varies by district)
Fire DistrictVariesFire protection services (if applicable)
Library DistrictVariesPublic library services (if applicable)
Other Special DistrictsVariesMunicipal services, improvement districts
Total Rate7.2642Combined rate for FY 2025-2026

Note: These rates apply to levy year 2025 and may vary by specific location within Santa Cruz County based on which special taxing districts serve each property. Properties in different school districts or special service areas will have different total rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Santa Cruz County, property taxes are due in two installments:

Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental property taxes are additional tax bills issued when there is a change in property ownership, completion of new construction, or other assessable improvements that occur after the annual assessment roll has been completed. These taxes cover the difference between the previous assessment and the new assessment for the portion of the tax year remaining after the triggering event.

Supplemental taxes are calculated by determining the difference between the old and new assessed values, applying the current tax rate to that difference, and prorating it for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if a property sells in January and the new assessment increases the value by $50,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on that $50,000 difference at the applicable tax rate (approximately 7.26%) prorated for the remaining months of the tax year. These supplemental bills are typically mailed within 30-60 days of the triggering event and have separate due dates from regular property tax bills.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homeowner Credit (if applied): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $300,000
  • Annual Tax: $300,000 × 0.072642 = $2,179
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $182

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homeowner Credit (if applied): -$0 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $600,000
  • Annual Tax: $600,000 × 0.072642 = $4,358
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $363

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Senior/Disability Credit (if qualified): Variable (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $1,000,000 (assuming no credits applied)
  • Annual Tax: $1,000,000 × 0.072642 = $7,264
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $605

Note: Tax credits require separate applications and are not automatically applied. Actual taxes may vary based on specific taxing districts serving each property.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Santa Cruz County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property taxes when the loan-to-value ratio exceeds 80%. The lender collects monthly escrow payments equal to approximately 1/12th of the annual property tax bill and pays the taxes directly to the county when due. Lenders typically conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funds are collected and may adjust monthly payments based on changes in tax assessments or rates.

Property owners with escrowed taxes should verify that their lender has received and will pay the correct tax bill amount, especially after assessment changes or exemption applications. The Santa Cruz County Treasurer's Office mails tax bills to the property address by default, but owners can request that bills be mailed directly to their mortgage servicer. If you pay your own taxes, mark your calendar for the September 1st due date, as late payments incur penalties and interest charges that lenders typically pass through to borrowers.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Santa Cruz County for FY 2025-2026? A: Property taxes are due September 1, 2024 for the 2025 tax year. Late payments are subject to penalties and interest.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: Available credits include homeowner credits, senior citizen credits, and disability credits. The exemption amount is $4,375 if total assessed value doesn't exceed $29,418. All credits require application through the County Assessor's Office at (520) 375-8030. Applications must be filed annually.

Q: Does Arizona have a homestead exemption that caps assessment increases? A: Arizona does not have a traditional homestead exemption that caps assessment growth. However, qualifying homeowners may apply for tax credits that reduce their tax bill. Contact the Assessor's Office for current credit programs.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Santa Cruz County? A: Properties are assessed annually based on market value as of January 1st. Assessment notices are typically mailed in early spring, with appeal deadlines usually falling in late summer.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest charges. The penalty is typically 16% per year, and properties can eventually be subject to tax lien proceedings if taxes remain unpaid.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Santa Cruz County offers online payment options through the County Treasurer's website. Payment methods typically include electronic check and credit/debit cards, though convenience fees may apply for card payments.

Q: Why did my tax bill increase if I didn't make any improvements? A: Tax increases can result from rising property values, new or increased special district levies, school district overrides or bonds, or the expiration of previous tax credits that required reapplication.

Q: How do special district taxes work in Santa Cruz County? A: Your total tax rate includes levies from all taxing jurisdictions serving your property, such as school districts, fire districts, and library districts. The specific combination varies by location within the county, which is why tax rates differ between neighborhoods.

Verified Sources

Backed by 9 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
News Flash • Santa Cruz County, AZsantacruzcountyaz.gov
02
County
Santa Cruz County Treasurer Issues Corrected 2025 ...santacruzcountyaz.gov
03
tentative budget fiscal year 2024-2025santacruzcountyaz.gov
04
County
Santa Cruz County, AZsantacruzcountyaz.gov
05
County
Santa Cruz County, AZ - Official Website | Official Websitesantacruzcountyaz.gov
06
County
Santa Cruz County, AZ - Official Websitesantacruzcountyaz.gov
07
Frequently Asked Questionssantacruzcountyaz.gov
08
County
Transfers & Exemptions | Santa Cruz County, AZsantacruzcountyaz.gov
09
Tax Doc
Arizona Property Tax Exemptionsazdor.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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