How to Pay Your Sacramento County Property Tax Bill
Where to send your property tax payment
Sacramento County Assessor-Recorder collects property taxes, but the Auditor-Controller's office is where your payment goes. You can pay in person at the Auditor-Controller's office at 700 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, or by mail to the same address. Online payment through the county's website is also available — you can search "Sacramento County property tax payment" to find the current portal, which accepts credit cards and bank transfers.
Payments by mail should arrive at least five business days before your due date to avoid late fees. The county processes mailed checks in the order they arrive, not the date on the envelope, so early submission matters. If you pay online, the transaction posts immediately, and you receive a confirmation number right away.
Key Takeaways
- Property tax bills in Sacramento County are sent by the Assessor-Recorder, but payments go to the Auditor-Controller's office at 700 H Street or online through the county website.
- Property taxes are due in two installments each year — typically November 1 and February 1 — with penalties starting the day after each due date.
- You can pay by mail, in person, or online; online payment posts immediately and gives you a confirmation number for your records.
- If you miss a payment, the county charges a 10% penalty on the first installment and 1.5% monthly interest on all unpaid amounts, plus potential liens on your property.
- Homeowners over 65, disabled persons, and those with very low income may reduce their tax bill through the Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption or Senior Exemption.
When property taxes are due in Sacramento County
Sacramento County splits property tax bills into two installments per year. The first installment is due November 1, and the second installment is due February 1. These are the dates the county uses to determine whether a payment is on time. A penalty of 10% applies to any first installment that arrives after November 1, and 1.5% monthly interest accrues on unpaid amounts starting the day after the due date.
The second installment follows the same rule: 1.5% monthly interest begins February 2 if the payment is not received by February 1. If you cannot pay by the due date, contact the Auditor-Controller's office before the deadline to discuss your situation. Some property owners are unaware that the county can place a lien on the property if taxes remain unpaid for several years, which affects your ability to sell or refinance.
How to read your property tax bill
Your bill arrives in the mail and shows your parcel number, the assessed value of your property, the tax amount owed, and which installment it covers. The bill also lists the due date clearly at the top. If you own multiple properties in Sacramento County, you receive a separate bill for each one, and each has its own due date and payment requirement.
The assessed value on your bill is set by the Assessor-Recorder's office and is based on the market value of your property as of January 1 of that year. If you believe the assessed value is incorrect, you can file a Proposition 8 application with the Assessor-Recorder to request a reduction. This process is separate from paying your current bill and does not delay your payment deadline.
Payment methods and what to include
Online payment through the county website is the fastest method. You enter your parcel number or property address, and the system shows your current balance and due dates. Credit cards and debit cards incur a processing fee (the county website lists the current fee when you begin payment). Bank transfers (ACH) typically have no fee or a lower fee than cards.
If you pay by check or money order by mail, write your parcel number on the front of the check. Mail it to the Auditor-Controller, 700 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. In-person payments at the office accept cash, check, money order, and card payments. Bring your bill or parcel number so the staff can apply the payment to the correct property.
If you set up automatic payments through your bank, make sure the bank sends the payment to the correct address and allows enough time for it to arrive before the due date. The county does not offer automatic withdrawal directly from your account, so you must arrange this through your own bank's bill-pay service.
What happens if you miss a payment
A 10% penalty applies to the first installment if it is not paid by November 1. The second installment does not have a flat penalty, but 1.5% monthly interest begins accruing the day after February 1. If the bill remains unpaid for several months, the county may file a property tax lien, which is a legal claim against your property. This lien can prevent you from selling or refinancing until the debt is paid.
If you fall behind, contact the Auditor-Controller's office as soon as possible. The county does not typically offer payment plans for property taxes, but staff can explain your options and the total amount owed, including penalties and interest. Paying as soon as you can stops the interest from growing further.
Exemptions and reductions for homeowners
Sacramento County offers the Homeowners' Property Tax Exemption, which reduces the assessed value of your home by $7,000 if you own and occupy it as your primary residence. This exemption is not automatic — you must file a claim with the Assessor-Recorder. The exemption reduces your tax bill each year you own the home, as long as you continue to live there.
The Senior Exemption is available to homeowners age 65 and older with limited income. The Disabled Persons' Exemption is available to those with a disability, regardless of age, also based on income limits. Both of these reduce the assessed value further than the standard homeowners' exemption. You file these claims with the Assessor-Recorder's office, and they take effect in the year after you file.
If you believe you are may have access to to an exemption but have not filed, contact the Assessor-Recorder at 916-874-6500 to request the application. Filing late does not recover past taxes, but it reduces your bill going forward.
If your bill changes or you have questions
If you receive a bill that is significantly higher than the previous year, the assessed value of your property may have changed. This happens when you buy a property, make major improvements, or when the county reassesses after a change in ownership. The bill itself explains the reason for the change. If you disagree with the new assessed value, you can file a Proposition 8 application to request a reduction based on current market conditions.
For questions about your bill, the due date, or payment methods, contact the Auditor-Controller's office at 916-874-6500 or visit the county website. If you are disputing the assessed value or filing for an exemption, contact the Assessor-Recorder at the same number. Both offices can answer questions about your specific property and bill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my property tax bill online with a credit card?
Yes. The Sacramento County website accepts credit and debit card payments, but a processing fee applies — the county website shows the fee amount when you begin payment. Bank transfer (ACH) usually has a lower fee or no fee. Online payment posts immediately and you receive a confirmation number.
What if I own property in Sacramento County but live out of state?
You still owe property taxes and must pay by the same due dates. You can pay online from anywhere, or mail your payment to the Auditor-Controller at 700 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Make sure to mail early enough for the check to arrive by the due date.
Can I set up automatic payments so I don't miss the due date?
The county does not offer automatic withdrawal, but your bank's bill-pay service can send a check automatically each year. Set it up well before the due date and confirm the payment arrives on time. You are responsible if the bank's payment is late.
What if I disagree with the assessed value on my bill?
You can file a Proposition 8 application with the Assessor-Recorder to request a reduction. This does not delay your payment — you still owe the full amount shown on your current bill. The application is separate and takes effect in the following year if approved.
Do I lose the homeowners' exemption if I rent out my property?
Yes. The exemption requires that you own and occupy the property as your primary residence. If you move or rent it out, you must notify the Assessor-Recorder, and the exemption ends. Your assessed value returns to the full amount, and your tax bill increases.