How to Pay Your Los Angeles County Property Tax Online
Where to pay your LA County property tax bill
Los Angeles County property taxes are collected by the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk office. You can pay online through the official LA County property tax website, by mail, in person at a county office, or through an authorized third-party payment processor. The online method is the fastest and most direct — you enter your parcel number or account number, see what you owe, and pay immediately by bank account or card.
The official county website is propertytax.lacounty.gov. This is the only site run directly by LA County for property tax payments. Other websites may offer to process your payment, but they charge fees that the county site does not.
You do not need to create an account or log in to pay online. You can pay a single bill without registration, though creating an account lets you save parcel information and set up reminders for future bills.
Key Takeaways
- The official LA County property tax payment site is propertytax.lacounty.gov, and paying there directly costs nothing extra.
- You need your parcel number or account number to look up your bill online, which appears on your property tax bill or can be found through the Assessor's website.
- Online payments by bank account (ACH) are free; credit or debit card payments include a processing fee set by the county.
- Payments made online typically post to your account within one to two business days.
- If you pay after the bill's due date, penalties and interest begin to accrue immediately, even if your payment is in transit.
How to find your parcel number or account number
Your property tax bill shows both your parcel number and account number at the top. The parcel number is a unique identifier for your property; the account number is specific to your tax bill. Either one works to look up your balance on propertytax.lacounty.gov.
If you do not have your bill, you can find your parcel number through the LA County Assessor's online search tool at assessor.lacounty.gov. Enter your street address, and the tool will return your parcel number and current assessed value. You can also call the Assessor's office at 888-LA-ASSESS (888-522-7377) to confirm your parcel number by phone.
Payment methods and fees
The county accepts two payment methods online: electronic bank transfer (ACH) and credit or debit card. ACH transfers are free and pull money directly from your checking or savings account. Card payments include a processing fee — the exact amount varies depending on the payment processor and your card type, but typically ranges from 2 to 3 percent of the amount paid. The fee is added to your payment total before you confirm.
If you prefer not to pay online, you can mail a check to the address shown on your bill, pay in person at a county office, or use an authorized payment service. Mail payments should arrive at least five business days before the due date to avoid late penalties. In-person payments at county offices are processed immediately.
When payments post and how late fees work
Online payments made by bank account typically post within one to two business days. Payments made by card may take slightly longer depending on the processor. The county considers a payment received on the date you submit it online, not the date it clears your bank.
Property tax bills in Los Angeles County are due on different dates depending on the installment. The first installment is typically due November 1, and the second is typically due February 1. If you pay after the due date, the county adds a 10 percent penalty to the unpaid amount, plus interest that accrues daily. These charges continue to grow until the bill is paid in full. Paying online before the deadline is the surest way to avoid these costs.
What to do if you cannot pay the full amount by the due date
If you cannot pay your full property tax bill by the due date, contact the LA County Tax Collector's office before the deadline. The office may allow you to set up a payment plan or defer payment in certain circumstances, though this typically requires a written request and may involve additional fees or interest.
You can reach the Tax Collector at 213-974-2111 or through the county website. Explain your situation and ask what options are available. Contacting them before you miss a payment is far better than waiting — the county is more likely to work with you if you reach out proactively.
Troubleshooting common payment problems
If your online payment is rejected, the most common reasons are an incorrect parcel number, a typo in your bank account or card information, or insufficient funds in your account. Double-check your parcel number against your bill or the Assessor's website, and verify that your bank details are entered correctly before trying again.
If you receive a notice that your payment did not go through, do not assume the county received it. Log back into propertytax.lacounty.gov and check your account balance to confirm whether the payment posted. If it did not, try again immediately or call the Tax Collector to discuss alternative payment methods. A failed payment does not stop late fees from accruing, so speed matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay someone else's property tax bill online?
Yes. You do not need to own the property to pay the bill online — you only need the parcel number or account number. This is common for tenants paying on behalf of a landlord or for family members helping with a relative's bill. Enter the parcel information and pay as you normally would.
What if I paid online but my bill still shows as unpaid?
Payments typically post within one to two business days. If more than two business days have passed and your account still shows unpaid, log in again to confirm the payment was actually submitted. If it was, contact the Tax Collector at 213-974-2111 with your confirmation number. Do not assume the payment failed — verify first.
Is there a way to avoid paying the credit card processing fee?
Yes. Use the ACH (bank account) payment method instead of a card. ACH transfers are free and pull money directly from your checking or savings account. The only downside is that ACH payments take one to two business days to post, whereas some card payments process faster.
What happens if I miss the property tax deadline?
A 10 percent penalty is added to your unpaid balance, plus daily interest. These charges continue to grow. If the bill remains unpaid for long enough, the county can place a lien on your property or begin foreclosure proceedings. Contact the Tax Collector immediately if you miss a deadline — the sooner you pay, the less interest you will owe.
Can I set up automatic payments for future property tax bills?
The county website does not offer automatic recurring payments. However, you can create an account on propertytax.lacounty.gov to save your parcel information and set up payment reminders. You will still need to log in and authorize each payment manually, but reminders help you avoid missing deadlines.