Los Angeles Property Tax Information

Property tax records for Los Angeles are maintained by Los Angeles County. The city does not handle property taxes directly. All assessment and collection functions are managed at the county level through the County Assessor and Treasurer-Tax Collector offices. Residents can search property records online, pay bills, and file exemptions through county portals. Los Angeles also has special assessments and Community Facilities Districts in some areas that add to the base property tax rate.

Which County Handles Los Angeles Property Taxes

Los Angeles is located in Los Angeles County. All property tax functions for the city are handled by county offices. The County Assessor sets property values each year. The Treasurer and Tax Collector office sends bills and collects payments. This is true for all cities in California under Proposition 13.

To search property tax records for Los Angeles addresses, use the Los Angeles County property tax portals. The county maintains online systems where you can look up assessed values, view tax bills, and make payments. These tools cover all properties within city limits.

Contact the Los Angeles County Assessor at 213-974-3211 or toll-free at 1-888-807-2111. The main office is at 500 West Temple Street in downtown Los Angeles. Email questions to helpdesk@assessor.lacounty.gov. The Assessor website at assessor.lacounty.gov has forms and search tools.

For tax bill questions and payments, contact the Treasurer and Tax Collector at 213-974-2011. The office is at 225 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Pay online at propertytax.lacounty.gov or mail payments to P.O. Box 512102, Los Angeles, CA 90054-0018.

Los Angeles Special Assessments and Transfer Taxes

Los Angeles has additional property-related taxes beyond the base county rate. Measure ULA, passed by voters, adds a transfer tax on high-value property sales. Sales between $5.3 million and $10.6 million pay four percent. Sales over $10.6 million pay 5.5 percent. This is in addition to the base transfer tax of 0.45 percent.

Some neighborhoods have Community Facilities Districts or Mello-Roos assessments. These fund infrastructure like schools, roads, and utilities in newer developments. If your property is in a CFD, you will see an additional line item on your tax bill. Contact the city Finance Department at finance.lacity.gov for information about specific districts.

Property owners in Business Improvement Districts may pay additional assessments. These fund local services like street cleaning, security, and marketing. BID assessments appear on your property tax bill but are separate from county property taxes.

How to Search Los Angeles Property Records

Use the Los Angeles County Property Search portal at portal.assessor.lacounty.gov to look up any address in the city. Enter the street address or Assessor Identification Number. The system shows current assessed value, property details, exemptions, and assessment history. This database is free to use.

For tax bills and payment records, visit vcheck.ttc.lacounty.gov. Search by AIN or address to see your current bill, payment status, and any penalties. You can download bill copies in PDF format. The system also shows payment history for prior years.

To pay your property tax bill online, go to the county payment portal at propertytax.lacounty.gov. Credit and debit cards have a 2.22 percent fee with a minimum of $1.49. Electronic checks are free. Each credit card transaction is limited to $75,000 including fees.

You can also pay in person at the Tax Collector office at 225 North Hill Street during business hours. Mail payments to the address on your bill. Make checks payable to Los Angeles County Tax Collector. Include the payment stub with your check.

Property Tax Exemptions for Los Angeles Residents

Los Angeles homeowners can claim the Homeowners' Exemption to reduce assessed value by $7,000. You must own and live in the property as your main home. File the exemption claim by February 15. Once approved, it renews automatically each year. Get the form from the County Assessor or online at assessor.lacounty.gov.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities qualify for additional exemptions based on disability rating and income. Disabled persons under age 62 can also apply for an exemption. Forms and eligibility details are available from the Assessor office. Call 213-974-3211 for help with exemption applications.

Senior citizens may qualify for the Property Tax Postponement Program through the State Controller. This program lets eligible seniors defer property taxes with a lien on the home. Interest accrues at five percent per year. You must be at least 62 years old, have 40 percent equity, and household income under $55,181. Apply between October 1 and February 10 each year at sco.ca.gov.

Property Tax Due Dates

Los Angeles property owners receive two tax bills per year from the county. First installment bills mail in October and are due November 1. They become delinquent at 5:00 pm on December 10 with a ten percent penalty. Second installment bills are due February 1 and delinquent April 10 with another ten percent penalty plus a cost fee.

If you do not receive a bill, you are still responsible for paying on time. Contact the Tax Collector at 213-974-2011 to request a duplicate bill. There may be a small fee for duplicate copies. You can also view and download your bill online through the payment portal.

Note: Payments must be received or postmarked by the due date to avoid late penalties.

Appealing Your Property Assessment

Los Angeles property owners can appeal their assessment if they believe the value is too high. File with the Los Angeles County Assessment Appeals Board between July 2 and September 15. The form is available from the County Assessor or the Clerk of the Board.

Include evidence with your appeal such as recent sales of similar properties, a professional appraisal, or photos showing property damage or defects. The Board schedules a hearing where you present your case. The Assessor also presents their valuation. The Board then decides the correct value.

You do not need a lawyer to file an appeal. Many property owners represent themselves successfully. If you win, your assessed value is reduced for that tax year. This lowers your tax bill. If you lose, the assessment stays the same. You can appeal again in future years.

Local Property Tax Help

The Los Angeles County Assessor has staff who can answer questions about property values and assessments. Call 213-974-3211 or visit the office at 500 West Temple Street. The website at assessor.lacounty.gov has FAQs and instructional videos.

For questions about bills and payments, contact the Treasurer and Tax Collector at 213-974-2011. Staff can explain charges on your bill, help locate payment records, and process duplicate bill requests. The office is at 225 North Hill Street.

The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office at the State Board of Equalization helps with property tax problems. Call 916-274-3400 or email traoffice@boe.ca.gov. This office is independent and works to protect taxpayer rights throughout California.

Nearby Cities in Los Angeles County

Other major cities in Los Angeles County also have their property taxes handled by county offices. Each city may have different special assessments or CFDs.