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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Humboldt County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0% to 1.3% of assessed value (1% base rate plus local bonds and assessments, varies by district)
1st Due
Nov 1
2nd Due
Feb 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Humboldt County's property tax system operates under California's Proposition 13 framework, with a base rate of approximately 1% of assessed value plus voter-approved bonds and special assessments. The county serves as the tax collector for all local jurisdictions, including cities, school districts, and special districts throughout the region. Property taxes fund essential services including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, libraries, and county operations.

Effective tax rates in Humboldt County typically range from 1.0% to 1.3% of assessed value, depending on your specific location within the county. The actual rate you pay varies significantly based on special taxing districts such as school bonds, city improvement districts, and community services districts that serve your property. Properties in incorporated cities like Eureka, Arcata, and Fortuna may have different rate combinations than unincorporated county areas.

Under Proposition 13, your assessed value can only increase by a maximum of 2% annually until the property changes ownership or undergoes new construction. This provides predictable tax increases for long-term property owners, even as market values fluctuate more dramatically.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
County Base Rate~0.500%General county operations, per 2025 levy year
School Districts0.200-0.400%Local elementary, high school, and community college districts
City Taxes0.050-0.150%Municipal services (varies by city)
Measure AVariableCountywide assessment approved November 2024
Special Districts0.010-0.200%Fire, water, sewer, lighting, parks districts
Voted Bonds0.100-0.300%School construction, infrastructure bonds
Total Effective Rate1.000-1.300%Varies by Tax Rate Area (TRA)

Rates shown are for fiscal year 2025-2026 and vary by specific Tax Rate Area within Humboldt County. Your property tax bill will show the exact combination of rates that apply to your location. Contact the Assessor's Office at (707) 445-7663 to determine your specific TRA.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Humboldt 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 your property's assessed value changes mid-year due to ownership changes or new construction. When you purchase property, the assessed value typically increases from the previous owner's Proposition 13-protected value to current market value, triggering a supplemental assessment for the remaining months of the fiscal year.

The supplemental tax is calculated as: (New Assessed Value - Old Assessed Value) × Tax Rate × Remaining Months ÷ 12. For example, if you purchase a $500,000 home in October that was previously assessed at $300,000, and your tax rate is 1.2%, your supplemental tax would be: ($500,000 - $300,000) × 1.2% × 9 months ÷ 12 = $1,800.

Supplemental tax bills are issued separately from regular tax bills and have different due dates, typically 30 days from the bill date. These taxes are in addition to your regular property tax bill and cannot be appealed - they represent the pro-rated difference for the current tax year only.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home (Unincorporated Area)

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homeowners' Exemption Applied: -$7,000 (saves ~$84/year, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $293,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.15%
  • Annual Tax: $3,370
  • Monthly Escrow: $281

Example 2: $600,000 Home (Eureka)

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homeowners' Exemption Applied: -$7,000 (requires application)
  • Veterans' Exemption Applied: -$4,000 (if qualified, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $589,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.25%
  • Annual Tax: $7,363
  • Monthly Escrow: $614

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home (Arcata)

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homeowners' Exemption Applied: -$7,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $993,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.28%
  • Annual Tax: $12,710
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,059

All exemptions require annual or initial application and are not automatically applied. Contact the Assessor's Office for application forms and deadlines.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments, collecting monthly deposits and paying taxes on your behalf when due. Your lender estimates annual taxes based on the previous year's bill and divides by 12 for monthly collection. The escrow account typically maintains a cushion of 2-4 months of tax payments to ensure sufficient funds are available.

Property taxes in Humboldt County are paid in two installments with extended due dates compared to most California counties. The first installment covers July through December and is due by April 1st. The second installment covers January through June and is due by April 10th. Your lender will make these payments directly to the county from your escrow account.

At least annually, your lender must provide an escrow analysis showing collections, payments, and any required adjustments to monthly payments. If taxes increase due to reassessment or rate changes, your monthly escrow payment will typically increase. You can verify that payments were made by checking with the Humboldt County Tax Collector's office or viewing your property's payment history online.

How HonestCasa Helps
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Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are property taxes due in Humboldt County for the current fiscal year? A: For fiscal year 2025-2026, the first installment is due April 1st and the second installment is due April 10th. This differs from most California counties that use November 1st and February 1st due dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and how do I apply? A: The Homeowners' Exemption provides $7,000 reduction in assessed value (saving ~$70-84 annually) and requires application with the Assessor's Office. Veterans' Exemption provides up to $4,000 reduction for qualified veterans. Senior Citizens' and Disabled Persons' Property Tax Postponement allows deferring taxes. All credits require application and are not automatic.

Q: How does the Homestead exemption work in California? A: California doesn't have a traditional homestead exemption. The Homeowners' Exemption reduces your assessed value by $7,000, not your tax bill directly. It must be filed initially and transfers automatically to new primary residences when you move.

Q: When does the county assess property values? A: The Assessor establishes values as of January 1st each year for the following fiscal year. Properties are reassessed to market value upon change of ownership or completion of new construction. Otherwise, values can only increase by 2% annually under Proposition 13.

Q: How do I appeal my assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed between July 2nd and September 15th for the current assessment year. File applications with the Assessment Appeals Board. You must demonstrate that your assessed value exceeds fair market value as of the January 1st lien date.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: A 10% penalty applies to late first installments, and 1.5% monthly penalty applies to late second installments. Additional costs may include redemption fees if the property becomes tax-defaulted.

Q: Can I pay property taxes online? A: Yes, Humboldt County offers online payment through their new payment portal. You can pay by electronic check or credit card (processing fees apply). Contact the Tax Collector's Office at (707) 445-7299 for payment options.

Q: What special district taxes might apply to my property? A: Depending on location, you may pay taxes for fire protection districts, community services districts, school bonds, Mello-Roos districts, or city lighting assessments. Your tax bill itemizes all applicable charges by Tax Rate Area (TRA).

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
BOE Tax Rate Area Maps – Humboldt County 2025boe.ca.gov
02
C12_2025gis.data.ca.gov
03
County
Auditor-Controller | Humboldt County, CA - Official Websitehumalertca.gov
04
County
Property Tax Portal | Humboldt County, CA - Official Websitehumalertca.gov
05
County
News Flash • Property Taxes are due for Humboldt Countyhumalertca.gov
06
Tax Doc
Deadline for Second Installment of Property Taxes is April 10humalertca.gov
07
Tax Doc
Summary of 2010 Property Taxes Legislationboe.ca.gov
08
County
Assessor | Humboldt County, CA - Official Websitehumalertca.gov
09
State
Homeowners' Exemption - California State Board of Equalizationboe.ca.gov
10
County
HUMBOLDT COUNTY BETTY T. YEE - State Controller's Officesco.ca.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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