What are the consequences if I fail to make a timely property tax payment?

If you do not pay the first installment of your annual tax bill at the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office by 5 p.m. on December 10* or payment is not postmarked by that date, then the taxes become delinquent and a 10% delinquent penalty is added to any unpaid balance. If you fail to pay the second installment by 5 p.m. on April 10,* or payment is not postmarked by that date, it becomes delinquent and a 10% penalty plus a charge of $10 is added to the unpaid balance. If you fail to pay either or both installments at the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office by 5 p.m. on June 30,** or payment is not postmarked by that date, then the property becomes tax defaulted and additional penalties and costs accrue.

  • *If either December 10 or April 10 falls on a weekend or holiday, taxes are not delinquent until 5 p.m. the next business day. 
  • **If June 30 falls on a weekend or holiday, taxes must be paid by 5 p.m. of the preceding business day or the property will be tax defaulted.

If your property is part of a Mello-Roos or Assessment District, your property may be subject to an accelerated foreclosure lien. This can result in additional interest, penalties, collection costs and legal fees if you don’t pay your tax bill on time. If your property is in one of these special financing districts, you should make every effort to pay your bill on time. Or, you should contact the District and attempt to pay that portion of your bill separately to avoid any accelerated foreclosure action.

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1. What are the important tax bill dates?
2. What are all of these charges on my property tax bill?
3. What if I don’t agree with the assessed valuation of my property?
4. How do property taxes affect the value and marketability of my home?
5. What is Mello-Roos and why do I have to pay it?
6. Can a Mello-Roos district foreclose on my home?
7. Is my property subject to 180 day accelerated foreclosure?
8. Why do I have to give a buyer a Notice of Special Tax when I sell my property?
9. What is a 1915 Act Bond?
10. How are tax rates determined?
11. Is there any way I can reduce the amount of property taxes I pay?
12. What is a Homeowner’s Exemption?
13. Why did I receive a supplementary tax bill after purchasing my new home?
14. Will I receive a tax bill if I pay taxes through an impound account?
15. What are the consequences if I fail to make a timely property tax payment?