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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Plumas County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0% to 1.3% of assessed value (varies by special districts and location)
1st Due
Nov 1
2nd Due
Feb 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Plumas County's property tax system operates under California's Proposition 13 framework, with a base rate of approximately 1% of assessed value plus additional assessments for local services. The county assessor determines property values as of January 1st each year, with annual increases capped at 2% until the property changes ownership. Property taxes in Plumas County fund essential services including schools, fire protection, libraries, county operations, and various special districts throughout the rural mountain communities.

Effective tax rates in Plumas County typically range from 1.0% to 1.3% of assessed value, depending on your specific location within the county. The actual rate varies significantly based on special taxing districts, school bonds, and community facilities districts that serve your property. Properties in incorporated areas like Portola may have different rates than unincorporated areas, and some rural locations may be subject to additional assessments for fire protection or road maintenance districts.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Plumas County Property Tax Components (FY 2025-2026)

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Base County Tax~1.00%Core county services, schools, state-mandated allocations
School Bonds0.01% - 0.15%Varies by school district boundaries
Fire Protection Districts0.05% - 0.25%Rural fire protection services
Cemetery Districts0.01% - 0.03%Local cemetery maintenance
Library Districts0.02% - 0.05%Plumas County Library system
Community Services0.01% - 0.08%Parks, recreation, lighting districts
Total Effective Rate1.05% - 1.30%Varies by Tax Rate Area (TRA)

Note: Rates shown are estimates for FY 2025-2026. Your specific tax rate depends on your Tax Rate Area number, which determines which combination of districts serve your property. Contact the Plumas County Assessor at (530) 283-6380 for your exact TRA and current rates.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Plumas 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 Plumas County are triggered by two main events: change in ownership or completion of new construction. When you purchase property, the county reassesses it at current market value rather than the previous owner's Proposition 13-protected assessed value. The supplemental tax represents the difference between the old assessed value and new assessed value, prorated for your period of ownership during that tax year.

For example, if you purchase a home in June that was previously assessed at $200,000 but sells for $400,000, you'll receive a supplemental tax bill covering July through June of the following year (the remainder of the tax year) based on the $200,000 increase in assessed value. New construction triggers supplemental taxes from the date the assessor determines the addition was completed. These bills are separate from your regular annual property tax bill and typically arrive 8-12 weeks after closing or project completion. Contact the Plumas County Assessor's Office at (530) 283-6260 to verify your supplemental tax status.

Example Calculation

Property Tax Calculations for Plumas County (FY 2025-2026)

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homeowners' Exemption: -$7,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $293,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.15%
  • Annual Tax: $3,370
  • Monthly (with escrow): $281

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homeowners' Exemption: -$7,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.20%
  • Annual Tax: $7,116
  • Monthly (with escrow): $593

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homeowners' Exemption: -$7,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $993,000
  • Tax Rate (estimated): 1.25%
  • Annual Tax: $12,413
  • Monthly (with escrow): $1,034

Note: The Homeowners' Exemption requires annual application and reduces assessed value by $7,000, saving approximately $70-87 annually. Tax rates vary by location within Plumas County based on local districts serving your property.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders in Plumas County require borrowers to maintain an escrow account for property tax payments. Your lender collects 1/12th of your estimated annual property tax bill with each monthly mortgage payment, then pays your tax bills directly to Plumas County when due. Lenders typically collect an initial escrow deposit at closing covering 2-3 months of taxes, and they're required to conduct annual escrow analyses to ensure adequate funding.

Property taxes in Plumas County are paid in two installments: the first installment covers July through December and is due November 1st, while the second installment covers January through June and is due February 1st. However, there appears to be some local variation, as Plumas County also references a December 10th deadline for the first installment. If you're using escrow, verify with your lender that they're aware of Plumas County's specific due dates. You can verify your tax payments and escrow status by contacting the Plumas County Tax Collector at (530) 283-6260 or checking your account online through the county's website.

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

When are Plumas County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? The first installment is due November 1st, with a December 10th penalty date. The second installment is due February 1st. A 10% penalty is added if the first installment isn't paid by December 10th.

What tax credits are available and do they require applications? The primary credit is the Homeowners' Exemption, which reduces assessed value by $7,000 if you own and occupy your home as your primary residence. This requires annual application through the Plumas County Assessor's Office. Additional exemptions may be available for veterans, seniors, or disabled persons, but all require specific applications and eligibility verification.

How does the Homestead Exemption work in California? California doesn't have a traditional homestead exemption that caps assessment increases. Instead, Proposition 13 automatically limits assessment increases to 2% annually until ownership change. The Homeowners' Exemption mentioned above is a different benefit that reduces your assessed value by $7,000.

How often are properties reassessed in Plumas County? Properties are reassessed annually as of January 1st, but increases are capped at 2% under Proposition 13. Full market value reassessment occurs upon change of ownership or completion of new construction. The Assessor's Office may also conduct periodic reviews of comparable sales.

What's the deadline to appeal my property assessment? Assessment appeals must typically be filed between July 2nd and September 15th for the current assessment year. Contact the Plumas County Assessment Appeals Board for specific deadlines and procedures for FY 2025-2026 appeals.

What penalties apply for late payment? A 10% penalty is added if the first installment isn't paid by December 10th. Additional penalties and interest continue to accrue on delinquent amounts, and properties can eventually be sold at tax sale if taxes remain unpaid.

Can I pay my property taxes online? Contact the Plumas County Tax Collector at (530) 283-6260 to verify current online payment options and accepted methods. Many California counties offer online payment systems, but specific options vary by county.

Why do tax rates vary within Plumas County? Your specific tax rate depends on your Tax Rate Area (TRA), which determines which special districts serve your property. Rural properties may have fire protection district taxes, while properties near schools may have different bond assessments. Each TRA has a unique combination of these local taxes added to the base county rate.

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