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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Fresno County
Property Tax Guide

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

8 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0% to 1.4% of assessed value
1st Due
Nov 1
2nd Due
Feb 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Fresno County's property tax system operates under California's Proposition 13 framework, with property taxes serving as a critical funding source for local government services, schools, and special districts throughout the county. The system funds essential services including the Fresno County Sheriff's Department, public schools, fire protection districts, water districts, and various municipal services across the county's 15 incorporated cities and unincorporated areas.

Property owners in Fresno County can expect effective tax rates that typically range from 1.0% to 1.4% of assessed value, depending on the specific tax rate area and local assessments. The county's tax rate is built upon California's base rate of approximately 1% established by Proposition 13, with additional voter-approved bonds and assessments varying by location. Fresno County's diverse geography means rural properties may have different assessment districts than urban areas like Fresno, Clovis, or Selma, affecting the total tax burden.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Base County Levy~1.00%Core county services, mandated by Proposition 13
School District Bonds0.15-0.25%Voter-approved bonds for local school districts (Fresno Unified, Clovis Unified, etc.)
City/Municipal Bonds0.05-0.15%City-specific infrastructure and improvement bonds
Community College District0.02-0.05%State Center Community College District bonds
Mello-Roos/CFDs0.10-0.30%Community Facilities Districts for newer developments
Special Assessments0.01-0.10%Fire districts, water districts, lighting districts
Total Effective Rate1.0-1.4%Combined rate varies by Tax Rate Area (TRA)

Note: Exact rates vary by Tax Rate Area within Fresno County. Properties in newer developments may have higher rates due to Mello-Roos districts.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Fresno 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 in Fresno County are triggered by two main events: change in ownership and completion of new construction or major improvements. When property changes hands, the Fresno County Assessor reassesses the property to current market value, often resulting in a higher assessed value than the previous Proposition 13-protected assessment. Similarly, when new construction is completed or substantial improvements are made, the added value becomes subject to supplemental assessment.

The supplemental tax is calculated as the difference between the new assessed value and the previous assessed value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate, and prorated for the remaining months in the tax year. For example, if a home in Fresno sells for $500,000 in January but was previously assessed at $300,000, the supplemental tax would apply to the $200,000 difference for the remaining 11 months of the fiscal year. The Fresno County Tax Collector issues supplemental tax bills separately from regular property tax bills, typically 8-12 weeks after the triggering event.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Central Fresno

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homeowner's Exemption: -$7,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $293,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.15%
  • Annual Tax: $3,370
  • Monthly Escrow: $281

Example 2: $600,000 Home in Clovis

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homeowner's Exemption: -$7,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.25%
  • Annual Tax: $7,413
  • Monthly Escrow: $618

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home in North Fresno

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homeowner's Exemption: -$7,000
  • Net Taxable Value: $993,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.35%
  • Annual Tax: $13,406
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,117

Rates vary by specific Tax Rate Area and local assessments

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Fresno County homeowners with mortgages have their property taxes collected through escrow accounts managed by their lenders. Lenders collect monthly escrow payments along with principal and interest, then pay the Fresno County Tax Collector directly when taxes are due. The lender typically collects 1/12th of the estimated annual tax bill each month, plus a small cushion to account for potential increases.

Property tax payments from escrow accounts are made according to Fresno County's installment schedule: the first installment (covering July-December) is due November 1st and becomes delinquent December 10th, while the second installment (covering January-June) is due February 1st and becomes delinquent April 10th. Homeowners should verify their lender is making timely payments by checking with the Fresno County Tax Collector's office or online portal. If your assessed value increases significantly due to reassessment, you may need to increase your monthly escrow payment to avoid a shortage.

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 Fresno County property taxes due? A: First installment is due November 1st (delinquent December 10th), second installment is due February 1st (delinquent April 10th).

Q: How do I apply for the homeowner's exemption in Fresno County? A: File Form BOE-266 with the Fresno County Assessor's office by February 15th. The $7,000 exemption saves approximately $70-135 annually depending on your tax rate area.

Q: What disabled veterans exemptions are available? A: Qualifying disabled veterans may receive partial or complete property tax exemptions. Contact the Fresno County Assessor's office with your VA disability rating documentation.

Q: How can I pay my Fresno County property taxes online? A: Visit the Fresno County Tax Collector website to pay by electronic check or credit card. Convenience fees apply for credit card payments.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late in Fresno County? A: A 10% penalty is added immediately after the delinquent date. Additional penalties and costs accumulate, and properties can eventually go to tax sale.

Q: How do I appeal my Fresno County property assessment? A: File an application with the Fresno County Assessment Appeals Board between July 2nd and September 15th (or within 60 days of a supplemental assessment notice).

Q: Will my taxes increase each year in Fresno County? A: Under Proposition 13, assessed value can only increase 2% annually unless there's new construction or change of ownership. However, voter-approved bonds may affect tax rates.

Q: How do Mello-Roos taxes work in Fresno County? A: Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts fund infrastructure in newer developments. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and typically last 20-40 years.

Q: Can I get a reduction if my property value has declined? A: Yes, under Proposition 8, you can request a decline-in-value review if your property's market value has dropped below its Proposition 13 assessed value.

Q: Where can I find my Tax Rate Area (TRA) in Fresno County? A: Your TRA number appears on your property tax bill and determines your exact tax rate. You can also look it up on the Fresno County Assessor's website using your parcel number.

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