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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Yolo County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
Average $12.08 per $1,000 assessed value (varies by city and district)
1st Due
Nov 1
2nd Due
Feb 1
Exemptions
5+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Property taxes in Yolo County, California, serve as the primary funding source for essential local services including public schools, fire protection, law enforcement, libraries, and county operations. The county follows California's Proposition 13 framework, which establishes a base tax rate of approximately 1% of assessed value, with annual assessment increases capped at 2%. However, actual tax rates in Yolo County are higher due to voter-approved bonds, special assessments, and community facilities districts that fund specific local improvements and services.

The effective property tax rate in Yolo County for fiscal year 2024-25 averages around $12.08 per $1,000 of assessed value, though this varies significantly by location within the county. Properties in different cities, school districts, and special taxing districts will have different total rates based on the specific bonds and assessments that apply to their area. Rural properties may have different rates than those in incorporated cities like Davis, West Sacramento, Woodland, or Winters, as each jurisdiction may have its own voter-approved taxes and special district assessments.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

The following table shows the typical components of Yolo County property tax rates for fiscal year 2024-25:

ComponentRate per $1,000Description
Base County Tax~$10.00General county operations, mandated by Proposition 13
School District Bonds$1.50-$3.00Varies by school district; funds construction and improvements
City/Municipal Bonds$0.50-$1.50Varies by city; funds local infrastructure projects
Community Facilities Districts$0.25-$2.00Special assessments for specific neighborhoods or developments
Other Special Districts$0.25-$1.00Fire districts, library districts, hospital districts
Total Effective Rate$12.08Average countywide rate (varies by location)

Note: Rates shown are representative averages for FY 2024-25. Your actual rate depends on the specific taxing districts where your property is located. Properties within the same county can have significantly different rates based on local bonds and special district assessments.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Yolo 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 Yolo County are triggered when property undergoes a change in ownership or new construction is completed. Under California law, these events cause the property to be reassessed at current market value, potentially creating a significant difference between the old Proposition 13-protected assessed value and the new market-based assessment. When this occurs, the county issues a supplemental tax bill for the difference.

The supplemental tax is calculated by taking the increase in assessed value and applying the current tax rate, then prorating it for the remaining months in the fiscal year (which runs from July 1 to June 30). For example, if you purchase a home in January for $500,000 that was previously assessed at $300,000, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,208 (the $200,000 increase × 0.01208 rate) prorated for the remaining 5 months of the fiscal year, resulting in a supplemental bill of about $503.

Example Calculation

Here are three examples of annual property tax calculations for Yolo County properties, assuming the average countywide rate of $12.08 per $1,000 assessed value for FY 2024-25:

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homeowner's Exemption Applied: -$7,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $293,000
  • Annual Tax: $293,000 × 0.01208 = $3,540
  • Monthly Payment: $295

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homeowner's Exemption Applied: -$7,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,000
  • Annual Tax: $593,000 × 0.01208 = $7,164
  • Monthly Payment: $597

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homeowner's Exemption Applied: -$7,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $993,000
  • Annual Tax: $993,000 × 0.01208 = $12,000
  • Monthly Payment: $1,000

Note: The Homeowner's Exemption reduces assessed value by $7,000 but requires annual application. Rates may vary based on your specific location within Yolo County due to different special district assessments.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most homeowners in Yolo County with mortgages have their property taxes collected monthly through an escrow account managed by their lender. The lender estimates your annual tax bill, divides it by 12, and collects this amount along with your monthly mortgage payment. The servicer then pays your property taxes directly to Yolo County when the installments are due.

Property taxes in Yolo County are billed annually but paid in two installments. The first installment covers the first half of the fiscal year and is due December 10th, while the second installment covers the second half and is due April 10th. Lenders typically maintain a cushion in your escrow account to ensure sufficient funds are available for these payments. You should receive an annual escrow statement from your lender showing the tax payments made on your behalf and any adjustments to your monthly escrow payment based on actual tax bills versus estimates.

If you don't have an escrow account, you're responsible for paying the county directly by the due dates. You can verify that payments have been properly credited to your account through the Yolo County Tax Collector's online portal or by contacting their office directly.

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 in Yolo County for FY 2024-25? A: The first installment is due December 10, 2024, and the second installment is due April 10, 2025. Payments must be received by 5:00 PM on these dates to avoid penalties.

Q: What is the Homeowner's Exemption and how do I apply? A: The Homeowner's Exemption reduces your assessed value by $7,000 if your property is your primary residence. You must apply annually between January 1 and February 15, or within 30 days of receiving a Notice of Supplemental Assessment. This is NOT automatic and requires filing form BOE-266 with the Assessor's office.

Q: Are there property tax credits available for seniors or disabled veterans? A: Yes, qualifying disabled veterans rated 100% disabled may be eligible for property tax exemptions. Senior citizens may qualify for assessment transfer benefits under certain circumstances. These require separate applications and have specific eligibility requirements. Contact the Yolo County Assessor's office for details and application forms.

Q: How do I know which special districts apply to my property? A: Your annual property tax bill itemizes all the taxing districts and their rates. You can also contact the Yolo County Assessor's office or use their online property search tool to identify the specific districts that apply to your address.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: Late payments incur penalties. A 10% penalty is added if the first installment is paid after December 10th, and the second installment becomes delinquent after April 10th with additional penalties applied.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, Yolo County offers online payment options through their Tax Collector's website. You can pay by electronic check or credit card, though credit card payments may include processing fees.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed with the Yolo County Assessment Appeals Board between July 2 and September 15 for the current assessment roll year. You must demonstrate that your property's assessed value exceeds its fair market value.

Q: What triggers a supplemental tax assessment? A: Supplemental taxes are triggered by changes in ownership (sales, transfers) or completion of new construction. The property is reassessed to current market value, and you receive a separate bill for the tax on the increased value, prorated for the remainder of the fiscal year.

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