Pasadena Property Tax Search

Property tax records for Pasadena are managed by Los Angeles County. The city plays no direct role in property tax assessment or collection. Los Angeles County handles all property tax functions for Pasadena and every other city in the county under California law. The County Assessor determines property values annually. The Treasurer and Tax Collector office sends bills and collects payments. Pasadena homeowners and business owners can search property records, pay taxes, and apply for exemptions through county portals. Proposition 13 sets the base property tax rate at one percent of assessed value. Additional assessments may apply in certain areas through Community Facilities Districts or special assessment zones.

Los Angeles County Tax Offices

Pasadena is in Los Angeles County. All property tax work for the city is done by county offices. The Assessor sets property values. The Treasurer and Tax Collector bills and collects taxes. This is how California operates under Proposition 13.

To look up Pasadena property tax records, use Los Angeles County online systems. The county provides free portals to search assessed values, view bills, and make payments. All Pasadena properties are in these databases.

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 helpdesk@assessor.lacounty.gov. The Assessor website is assessor.lacounty.gov. Forms and search tools are online.

For tax bill questions and payments, call 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. Mail payments to P.O. Box 512102, Los Angeles, CA 90054-0018.

Property Assessments in Pasadena

The Los Angeles County Assessor values all Pasadena properties each year. When you buy a home, the sale price becomes the assessed value. Each year after purchase, value can go up by two percent under Proposition 13. This protects you from big tax spikes.

New construction adds to your assessed value. If you build an addition, remodel a kitchen, or add a pool, the Assessor increases your value. Building permits alert the county to changes. You get a supplemental tax bill for the added value during the year.

Some property transfers avoid reassessment. Parents can transfer a primary residence to children without triggering a new value. File the claim within three years of the transfer. Grandparents can do the same in certain cases. This keeps the old assessed value instead of resetting to market value.

Homeowners over 55 can transfer their base value to a new home. You must buy within two years of selling. The new home cannot cost more than the old one. File the claim within three years of purchase. This avoids a tax increase when you move to a smaller place.

Disaster relief can lower your value temporarily. If your home is damaged by fire, earthquake, or other disaster, file a claim with the Assessor. The value drops to reflect the damage. When you rebuild, the value returns to where it would have been.

Search Pasadena Property Records

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

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

Pay your property tax bill online at propertytax.lacounty.gov. Credit and debit cards have a 2.22 percent fee with a minimum of $1.49. Electronic checks are free. Credit card transactions are limited to $75,000 including fees. Use eCheck for large bills to avoid the percentage fee.

You can also pay in person at 225 North Hill Street in Los Angeles during business hours or mail a check to the address on your bill. Make checks payable to Los Angeles County Tax Collector. Include the payment stub with your check. Mail early to ensure your postmark is on time.

Special Assessments and Community Facilities Districts

Some Pasadena neighborhoods have Community Facilities Districts or special assessments. These fund local infrastructure like schools, parks, streets, and utilities. CFDs are common in newer developments. The assessment appears as a separate line on your property tax bill.

If your property is in a CFD, you pay the base property tax plus the CFD amount. The county collects both. CFD rates depend on the district and what it funds. Some districts sunset after a set time. Others continue until bonds are paid off.

Check your tax bill to see if you have a CFD assessment. You can also contact the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector at 213-974-2011 for information about districts in Pasadena. CFD assessments transfer with the property when you sell.

Property Tax Exemptions for Pasadena Homeowners

Pasadena 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 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 exemptions based on disability rating and income. Disabled persons under age 62 can also apply if they meet income limits. Forms and eligibility details are on the Assessor website. Call 213-974-3211 for help with exemption applications.

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

Tax Bill Due Dates and Penalties

Los Angeles County mails property tax bills in October. First installment is due November 1 and delinquent at 5:00 pm on December 10 with a ten percent penalty. Second installment is 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. You can also view and download your bill online through the payment portal at no cost.

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

How to Appeal Your Property Assessment

Pasadena 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. Recent sales of similar properties in Pasadena work best. A professional appraisal strengthens your case. Photos showing property damage or defects help. The Board schedules a hearing. You present your case. The Assessor presents their valuation. The Board then decides the correct value.

You do not need a lawyer. 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.

The law allows up to two years for the Board to resolve an appeal. You will get notice of your hearing date at least 45 days in advance. Some counties charge fees for filing or processing. Check with the Clerk about costs. The State Board of Equalization provides appeal guidance at boe.ca.gov.

Local Property Tax Assistance

The Los Angeles County Assessor has staff to answer questions about property values and assessments. Call 213-974-3211 or visit 500 West Temple Street in downtown Los Angeles. 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 large cities in Los Angeles County also have their property taxes handled by county offices. Special assessments and CFDs vary by city.