Q: When are Tulare County property taxes due for fiscal year 2025-26?
A: The first installment is due December 10, 2025, and the second installment is due April 10, 2026. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payments postmarked by the due date are considered timely.
Q: What homeowner tax credits are available and do they require application?
A: The primary benefit is the Homeowner's Exemption, which reduces your assessed value by $7,000 (saving approximately $70-84 annually). This requires a one-time application with the Tulare County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder's Office and is not automatic.
Q: How does the homestead exemption work in California?
A: California doesn't have a traditional homestead exemption. The Homeowner's Exemption provides a $7,000 assessed value reduction for owner-occupied primary residences. Additionally, Proposition 13 caps annual assessment increases at 2% for all properties, providing long-term tax predictability.
Q: When does the county reassess property values?
A: Properties are reassessed to market value upon change of ownership or completion of new construction. Otherwise, assessed values can only increase by a maximum of 2% annually under Proposition 13. The assessment date is January 1st of each year.
Q: How do I appeal my property assessment?
A: Assessment appeals must be filed between July 2nd and September 15th (or November 30th in certain circumstances) with the Tulare County Assessment Appeals Board. Contact the Clerk of the Board at (559) 636-5000 for appeal forms and procedures.
Q: What are the penalties for late property tax payments?
A: A 10% penalty is added to the first installment if paid after December 10th, and 10% is added to the second installment if paid after April 10th. Additional penalties and costs accrue on delinquent taxes, and properties may eventually be sold at tax sale.
Q: Can I pay my property taxes online?
A: Yes, Tulare County offers online property tax payments through their official website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments typically include processing fees.
Q: What are Mello-Roos taxes and how do I know if my property is subject to them?
A: Mello-Roos are special assessments from Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) that fund infrastructure in newer developments. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and typically range from 0.10% to 0.50% of assessed value. Check your preliminary title report or contact the County Assessor to determine if your property is in a CFD.
Q: Why did I receive multiple tax bills as a new homeowner?
A: New homeowners typically receive the regular annual tax bill plus supplemental tax bills that account for the reassessment from the previous owner's Proposition 13-protected value to your purchase price. You may also receive escape assessment bills if the property was previously under-assessed.
Q: How do special district taxes work in unincorporated vs. incorporated areas?
A: Properties in incorporated cities may be subject to city bond assessments and municipal service taxes that don't apply to unincorporated areas. Conversely, some county service districts may only apply to unincorporated properties. Your specific tax rate depends on your exact location and which districts provide services to your address.
