Ontario Property Tax Records
Ontario property tax records are managed by San Bernardino County. The city does not administer property assessments or tax collection. All property tax activities take place at the county level through the Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk and Treasurer-Tax Collector offices. Ontario residents can search records, pay bills, and apply for exemptions online through county portals. The base property tax rate is one percent of assessed value under Proposition 13. Additional charges may apply through voter-approved bonds and special assessments in certain areas of the city. The county assessor establishes property values annually on January 1, which serves as the lien date for tax purposes.
Ontario Quick Facts
San Bernardino County Manages Ontario Property Taxes
Ontario sits in San Bernardino County. All property tax work for Ontario is done by county offices. The County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk values properties. The Treasurer-Tax Collector bills and collects payments. This is how all California cities operate under Proposition 13.
To search property tax records for Ontario addresses, visit the San Bernardino County website. The county runs free online tools where you can look up assessed values, view tax bills, and make payments. These systems include all properties within Ontario city limits. The county maintains detailed records dating back many years for research and documentation purposes.
Contact the San Bernardino County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk at 909-387-8307 for assessment questions. The main office is at 222 West Hospitality Lane, San Bernardino, CA 92415. Visit arc.sbcounty.gov for forms and search tools. The assessor office can help with questions about property values, exemptions, supplemental assessments, and appeals.
For tax bill questions and payments, contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 909-387-8308. Pay online at mytaxcollector.com or mail payments to the address on your bill. The county accepts various payment methods including credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.
Searching Ontario Property Records Online
Use the San Bernardino County property search portal to look up any Ontario address. Enter the street address or Assessor Parcel Number. The system displays assessed value, property details, and past values. This tool is free and works 24 hours a day.
The county database has detailed information. You can see lot size, square footage, year built, and structures. The system shows exemptions like the Homeowners' Exemption or Veterans' Exemption if filed. Property sales history is also available for most parcels.
To view your tax bill, visit mytaxcollector.com. Search by parcel number or address. The system shows your current bill, past payments, and penalties if any. Download bill copies as PDFs. The portal shows payment history for multiple years.
Pay your property tax bill online through the county portal. Credit cards have a service fee. E-checks are free. The system processes payments right away, giving you instant confirmation. You can also mail a check or pay in person at the tax office.
Exemptions Available to Ontario Homeowners
Ontario homeowners can file for the Homeowners' Exemption. This cuts assessed value by $7,000. You must own and live in the home as your main residence. File by February 15. Once approved, it renews each year on its own.
Veterans with disabilities may get more exemptions based on disability rating and income. The basic veterans' exemption is $4,000. Higher levels of disability may qualify for larger exemptions. Forms are available from the County Assessor at 909-387-8307. Proof of disability and income documentation is required.
Disabled persons under 62 can also apply. Senior citizens age 62 or older may qualify for the State Property Tax Postponement Program. This program lets seniors defer property taxes with a lien on the home. Interest is five percent per year. You need 40 percent equity and income under $55,181. Apply between October 1 and February 10 at sco.ca.gov.
Ontario Property Tax Due Dates
Ontario property owners get two tax bills per year. First installment bills mail in October. They are due November 1. Late after 5:00 pm on December 10 with a ten percent penalty. Second installment bills are due February 1. Late after April 10 with ten percent penalty plus costs.
If you do not get a bill, you still must pay on time. Property owners are responsible even without a bill. Contact the Tax Collector at 909-387-8308 to get a copy. You can also view your bill online at no cost.
Payments must be received or postmarked by the due date. The county rarely grants extensions. If taxes stay unpaid past June 30, the property goes into default. This adds more penalties, costs, and interest. The county can eventually sell the property at a tax sale.
Note: Make sure to check your payment is processed before the deadline to avoid penalties.
Appealing Your Ontario Property Value
Ontario property owners can appeal their assessment if the value seems too high. File with the San Bernardino County Assessment Appeals Board between July 2 and September 15. Some counties extend this to November 30. Check with the Clerk of the Board for exact dates.
Collect evidence to support your appeal. Recent sales of similar homes in Ontario work best. A professional appraisal adds weight. Photos showing damage or poor condition help too. The Board sets a hearing where you show your evidence. The Assessor shows their evidence too. Then the Board decides the value.
You do not need a lawyer to appeal. Many owners do it themselves. If you win, your value drops for that year. This cuts your tax bill. If you lose, the value stays the same. You can appeal again next year.
The law gives the county up to two years to resolve your appeal. You will get notice of your hearing at least 45 days before. Some counties charge a fee to file or process your application. The county will also charge a fee to prepare findings and conclusions after the hearing.
Getting Help with Property Taxes
The San Bernardino County Assessor has staff to answer questions. Call 909-387-8307 or visit 222 West Hospitality Lane. The website at arc.sbcounty.gov has FAQs and forms. Staff can walk you through the exemption process and explain assessment values.
For bill and payment questions, contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 909-387-8308. Staff can explain charges, find payment records, and send duplicate bills. The website has details about payment options and deadlines. You can also set up payment reminders through the online portal.
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 works independently to protect taxpayer rights throughout California. If the county made an error or treated you unfairly, the advocate can investigate and help fix the problem.
Nearby Cities in San Bernardino County
Other cities in San Bernardino County have property taxes handled by the same county offices. Special assessments and bonds may differ by city.