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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Del Norte County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Del Norte County, CA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

8 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1% base rate plus voter-approved bonds and special assessments (varies by district)
1st Due
Nov 1
2nd Due
Feb 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Del Norte County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, fire protection, law enforcement, and county government operations. The county follows California's Proposition 13 framework, which limits the base tax rate to 1% of assessed value plus voter-approved debt service and special assessments. Property owners in Del Norte County can expect effective tax rates that vary by location within the county due to different combinations of special taxing districts, school bonds, and community facilities districts.

The county's property tax system is administered by the Del Norte County Assessor's Office for valuations and the Tax Collector's Office for billing and collection. All property is reassessed to current market value upon sale or transfer, with annual assessment increases limited to 2% for existing owners under Proposition 13. Del Norte County, being one of California's most affordable counties, typically has lower absolute tax bills compared to other California counties, though the effective rates remain consistent with state requirements.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Rate~1.00%General county services, schools, and state-mandated allocations
School BondsVaries by districtVoter-approved debt service for local school improvements
City BondsVaries by cityMunicipal debt service (applies only within city limits)
Special DistrictsVaries by locationFire protection, hospital, water, and other special services
Mello-Roos/CFDVaries by areaCommunity facilities districts for infrastructure and services

Note: These rates apply to the FY 2024-2025 levy year. Actual total rates vary significantly by location within Del Norte County based on which special taxing districts serve each property. Total effective rates typically range from approximately 1.0% to 1.3% of assessed value. Contact the Del Norte County Tax Collector at (707) 464-7283 for your specific tax rate area.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

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

First Installment
Nov 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Feb 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
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 taxes are additional property tax bills issued when there is a change in ownership or completion of new construction that increases a property's assessed value during the tax year. When property changes hands, it is reassessed to current market value as of the transfer date, often resulting in a significant increase from the previous Proposition 13-protected assessed value.

The supplemental tax is calculated as the difference between the old assessed value and new assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, prorated for the remaining months in the fiscal year. For example, if a property sells in January for $400,000 but was previously assessed at $250,000, the supplemental tax would be calculated on the $150,000 difference for the remaining four months of the fiscal year (January through June). These bills are issued separately from regular property tax bills and have different due dates, typically 30 days from the issue date.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less: Homeowner's Exemption: -$7,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $293,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.10% (example rate area)
  • Annual Tax: $3,223
  • Monthly Escrow: $268

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less: Homeowner's Exemption: -$7,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.15% (example rate area)
  • Annual Tax: $6,820
  • Monthly Escrow: $568

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less: Homeowner's Exemption: -$7,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $993,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.20% (example rate area)
  • Annual Tax: $11,916
  • Monthly Escrow: $993

Note: Homeowner's Exemption requires annual application and provides $7,000 reduction in assessed value. Additional exemptions may be available for veterans, seniors, or disabled persons but require separate applications with specific deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax payments to be made through an escrow account, where monthly payments are collected along with your mortgage payment and held until tax bills are due. Lenders typically collect 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill each month, plus an additional cushion amount as allowed by federal law. The lender pays your property taxes directly to Del Norte County on the November 1 and February 1 due dates.

Property owners should verify that their lender has the correct tax information and is paying the full amount due on time. You can monitor your tax payments through the Del Norte County Tax Collector's website or by calling (707) 464-7283. If your lender fails to pay on time, you remain ultimately responsible for any penalties or interest charges. When refinancing or paying off your mortgage, ensure there are sufficient funds in escrow to cover the next tax installment, as you'll become responsible for direct payment to the county.

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 for FY 2024-2025? A: The first installment is due November 1, 2024, with a penalty applied after December 10, 2024. The second installment is due February 1, 2025, with penalties after April 10, 2025. Additional penalties accrue after June 30, 2025.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The Homeowner's Exemption provides a $7,000 reduction in assessed value and requires annual application. Veterans' exemptions, senior citizen property tax assistance, and disabled persons' exemptions are also available but each requires separate application with specific deadlines and eligibility requirements.

Q: How does the Homestead protection work in California? A: California's homestead protection primarily limits assessment increases to 2% annually under Proposition 13, rather than reducing current market value. Proposition 19 (2020) provides additional protections for seniors and disaster victims but requires application and has specific eligibility criteria.

Q: When does the county reassess my property? A: Properties are reassessed to current market value when sold or transferred. Otherwise, assessments can only increase by a maximum of 2% annually. New construction is assessed when completed and added to the existing land value.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Del Norte County Assessment Appeals Board between July 2 and September 15. Contact the Assessor's Office at (707) 464-7281 for appeal forms and procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: A 10% penalty applies to the first installment if paid after December 10, and to the second installment if paid after April 10. Additional penalties and costs accrue after June 30, and the property may eventually be subject to tax sale.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Del Norte County accepts online payments by credit card or e-check through their website. Contact the Tax Collector's Office at (707) 464-7283 for payment options and any associated convenience fees.

Q: Why did I receive a supplemental tax bill? A: Supplemental taxes are issued when property changes ownership or new construction is completed, triggering a reassessment during the tax year. These are separate from your regular tax bills and have different due dates, typically 30 days from issue.

Verified Sources

Backed by 8 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
Taxes - County of Santa Barbara Onlinetaxes.co.santa-barbara.ca.us
02
County
County of Del Norte, California - Tax Collectorco.del-norte.ca.us
03
Tax Doc
Explanation of Tax Rate Changes Operative April 1, 2025cdtfa.ca.gov
04
County
County of Del Norte, California - Tax Payments Due Datesco.del-norte.ca.us
05
County
County of Del Norte, California - Assessorco.del-norte.ca.us
06
SB 308 Senate Bill - Bill Analysisleginfo.ca.gov
07
Disaster Relief - Homeowners' Exemptionboe.ca.gov
08
County
Del Norte County Supplemental Assessment Practices Surveyboe.ca.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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