Santa Clara County
Property Tax Guide

Santa Clara County operates under California's property tax system, which is governed by Proposition 13 and provides significant protections for homeowners through assessed value caps and transfer restrictions. Property taxes in Santa Clara County fund essential local services including public schools, fire protection, police services, libraries, parks, and county government operations. The county's Department of Tax and Collections (DTAC) manages the billing and collection process for all property taxes within the county's boundaries.

What makes Santa Clara County's property tax system unique is the combination of California's Proposition 13 protections with the county's high property values and diverse special assessment districts. The county includes 15 incorporated cities, numerous school districts, and various special districts that each levy their own portions of the total property tax bill. Additionally, Santa Clara County has specific parcel taxes and special assessments that can vary significantly by location, making it essential for homeowners to understand both the base property tax calculation and any additional local levies that may apply to their specific property.

The county follows California's fiscal year schedule, with tax bills covering the period from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Property tax bills for fiscal year 2025-26 are mailed starting October 1, 2025, with payment due dates that allow homeowners to pay in two installments or as a single annual payment.

Based on 2025 data, the City of Campbell saw its rate increase from 9.375% to 9.875% due to a new 0.500% city tax. However, this data appears to reference sales tax rates rather than property tax rates. For property taxes, Santa Clara County's actual effective rates typically range from 1.15% to 1.40% of assessed value, depending on the specific location and applicable special assessments.

The base rate of 1.000% is set by Proposition 13 and applies countywide. Additional rates are determined by:

• School Districts: Voter-approved bond measures for capital improvements
• Cities: Municipal bonds and special assessments for city services
• Special Districts: Fire protection, water, sanitation, and transportation districts
• Parcel Taxes: Fixed-dollar amounts per parcel for specific services

Your specific tax rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property. Urban areas typically have higher rates due to more special districts and municipal services, while unincorporated areas may have lower rates but different service levels.