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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Solano County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Solano 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
Average 1.3% of assessed value (varies by special districts and CFDs)
1st Due
Nov 1
2nd Due
Feb 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Solano County property taxes fund essential local services including schools, fire protection, law enforcement, libraries, and county operations. The county encompasses cities like Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, Suisun City, Benicia, Dixon, and Rio Vista, along with unincorporated areas. Property taxes are calculated based on assessed value multiplied by the total tax rate, which varies by location within the county depending on which special taxing districts serve each property.

For Fiscal Year 2025-2026, the effective property tax rate in Solano County averages approximately 1.3% of assessed value, though this varies significantly by location due to different combinations of school districts, city bonds, special districts, and Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts (CFDs). Some areas may have rates as low as 1.1% while others exceed 1.5%. Under California's Proposition 13, the base county-wide rate is limited to 1% of assessed value, with additional voter-approved bonds and assessments added on top.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRate RangeDescription
Base Levy (Prop 13)1.00%County, cities, schools, special districts
School Bonds0.10% - 0.25%Varies by school district
City/Municipal Bonds0.05% - 0.15%Varies by city
Special Districts0.02% - 0.10%Fire, water, sanitation, parks
Mello-Roos CFDs0.00% - 0.30%Community facilities in newer developments
Total Effective Rate1.10% - 1.60%FY 2025-2026 depending on location

Note: Rates shown are for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and vary significantly by property location within Solano County. Your specific rate depends on which taxing jurisdictions serve your property address.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Solano 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 property changes ownership or new construction is completed. These taxes cover the difference between the previous assessed value and the new assessed value, prorated for the portion of the tax year remaining after the triggering event.

When you purchase a home, the county assessor establishes a new assessed value based on the purchase price. If this exceeds the previous assessed value, a supplemental tax bill is issued typically 3-6 months after closing. For example, if you buy a home in January 2025 for $500,000 that was previously assessed at $400,000, you'll receive a supplemental bill for the $100,000 difference multiplied by your local tax rate, prorated for January through June (the remainder of the 2024-2025 fiscal year). New construction is assessed when the building permit is finalized, generating supplemental taxes for any added value.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home in Fairfield

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homeowner's Exemption Applied: -$7,000 (saves ~$91/year)
  • Net Taxable Value: $293,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.28%
  • Annual Tax: $3,750
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $313

Example 2: $600,000 Home in Vacaville

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homeowner's Exemption Applied: -$7,000 (saves ~$84/year)
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.22%
  • Annual Tax: $7,235
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $603

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home in Benicia

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homeowner's Exemption Applied: -$7,000 (saves ~$105/year)
  • Net Taxable Value: $993,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.35%
  • Annual Tax: $13,406
  • Monthly (if escrowed): $1,117

Note: Homeowner's Exemption requires annual application and is not automatic. Tax rates vary by specific location within each city.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts, collecting monthly payments along with your mortgage payment and paying taxes directly to the county on your behalf. Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your annual tax bill each month, plus an additional 2-3 months as a cushion. Your lender will receive tax bills directly from Solano County and make payments by the November 1st and February 1st due dates.

You should verify that your lender pays on time, as you remain ultimately responsible for any late penalties. Review your annual escrow analysis statement to ensure adequate funds are being collected. If you pay taxes independently, you can pay online at the Solano County Treasurer-Tax Collector website, by mail, or in person. Remember that a 10% penalty applies to payments received or postmarked after the due dates, and you must contact the office for payment amounts if you don't receive a bill as a new property owner.

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 2025-2026? A: Secured property taxes are due in two installments: first installment by November 1, 2025, and second installment by February 1, 2026. A 10% penalty applies to late payments.

Q: What tax credits are available and do I need to apply? A: The primary tax credit is the Homeowner's Exemption, providing a $7,000 reduction in assessed value for owner-occupied homes. This requires annual application and is not automatic. Disabled veterans may qualify for additional exemptions based on disability rating.

Q: How does the Homeowner's Exemption work? A: This reduces your assessed value by $7,000, typically saving $70-95 annually depending on your local tax rate. You must apply annually with the Assessor's office, and the property must be your primary residence as of January 1st.

Q: When does the county reassess my property? A: Properties are reassessed to current market value only when sold or when new construction is completed. Otherwise, assessed value can only increase by a maximum of 2% annually under Proposition 13.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed between July 2nd and September 15th (or within 60 days of receiving a Notice of Assessed Value). Contact the Solano County Assessment Appeals Board for forms and procedures.

Q: What happens if I pay late? A: A 10% penalty is added to any installment paid after the due date. Additional penalties and potential tax lien sales can occur for extended delinquency.

Q: Can I pay online? A: Yes, visit the Solano County Treasurer-Tax Collector website for online payment options. Credit card processing fees may apply.

Q: Why is my tax rate different from my neighbor's? A: Tax rates vary by location due to different special taxing districts, school districts, city bonds, and Mello-Roos assessments that may serve your specific address differently than nearby properties.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

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

01
County
County assessment roll increases for fourteenth year in a rowsolanocounty.gov
02
County
Solano County Property Taxnacdashboard.nara.gov
03
State
California - Local standards: Housing and utilitiesirs.gov
04
Tax Doc
Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Secured Annual Property Tax Billssolanocounty.gov
05
Common Assessment Types and Filing Deadlinessolanocounty.gov
06
County
Tax Collector | Solano County, Californiasolanocounty.gov
07
Tax Doc
Homeowner's Property Tax Exemptionsolanocounty.gov
08
County
Property Tax Savings | Solano County, Californiasolanocounty.gov
09
County
SOLANO COUNTY - State Controller's Officesco.ca.gov
10
County
Property Tax FAQ | Solano County, Californiasolanocounty.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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