Find San Diego Property Tax Information

All property tax records in San Diego are handled by San Diego County offices, not the city itself. The County Assessor evaluates properties and sets values. The County Treasurer and Tax Collector sends bills and takes payments. This system applies to all California cities under Proposition 13. San Diego residents can search property records online through county portals, pay bills electronically, and file for exemptions. The 2025 tax roll for San Diego County broke records with $806 billion in total assessed value. Property owners in some neighborhoods may also have Community Facilities Districts or Mello-Roos charges on their bills. These special assessments fund local infrastructure and appear as separate line items.

San Diego County Property Tax Administration

San Diego is in San Diego County. All property tax work for the city goes through county offices. The County Assessor sets home values each year based on purchase price and new construction. They also process exemption claims and handle change of ownership filings. The Treasurer and Tax Collector office bills and collects taxes from all property owners twice per year.

For San Diego property records, use the San Diego County systems. The county maintains online tools where you can search assessed values, view current and past tax bills, and submit payments. These databases cover every parcel within city limits as well as unincorporated areas.

Contact the San Diego County Assessor at 619-236-3771. The main office is at 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 103, San Diego, CA 92101. Send emails to ARCCHELP@sdcounty.ca.gov. The Assessor website at sdarcc.gov has forms, search tools, and FAQs.

For tax bills and payments, reach the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 1-855-829-3773. The office is at 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 162, San Diego. You can also email taxman@sdcounty.ca.gov. Pay online at sdttc.com using electronic check for free or credit card with a fee.

Community Facilities Districts in San Diego

Many San Diego neighborhoods have CFDs that charge annual fees. These include Miramar Ranch North, Santaluz, Liberty Station, and Black Mountain Ranch. A CFD pays for roads, parks, schools, and utilities in newer areas. If your property is in one of these districts, you will see an extra charge on your tax bill.

NBS Government Finance Group administers most San Diego CFDs. Call 619-235-5840 for questions about specific district charges. The city Finance Department can also provide information about which properties are in CFD boundaries. Visit sandiego.gov/finance to access maps and district lists.

CFD charges vary by district and property type. Some districts have set annual amounts while others calculate based on square footage or lot size. The charges usually decrease over time as bonds are paid off. Your tax bill shows the district number and the amount due.

How to Search San Diego Property Values

Use the San Diego County Assessor portal to look up any address in the city. Enter the street address, Assessor Parcel Number, or owner name. The system displays current assessed value, property characteristics, sales history, and exemptions. This tool is free and available 24 hours a day.

To view tax bills and payment records, visit the Tax Collector website at sdttc.com. Search by parcel number or address to see current bills, payment history, and any penalties or fees. You can download bill copies and print payment receipts. The system also shows secured and unsecured tax information.

Pay property taxes online through the county payment portal. Electronic checks are free. Credit and debit cards have processing fees that vary by payment amount. You can also pay in person at the Tax Collector office during business hours or mail checks to the address printed on your bill.

Request an Informal Assessment Review

San Diego County offers an informal review process for property owners who question their assessed value. Between December 1 and April 30, you can submit a request for review to the Assessor office. This is less formal than an assessment appeal and often resolves issues quickly.

The Assessor staff will look at your property information and compare it to similar properties. They may adjust your value if they find an error or new information. If you are not happy with the informal review result, you can still file a formal appeal with the Assessment Appeals Board between July 2 and September 15.

To request an informal review, contact the Assessor at 619-236-3771 or visit sdarcc.gov to download the form. Include evidence such as recent sales data, photos of property condition, or information about needed repairs. The informal review is free and does not prevent you from filing a formal appeal later.

Exemptions for San Diego Homeowners

The Homeowners' Exemption reduces your assessed value by $7,000. You must own and occupy the home as your primary residence. File by February 15 with the County Assessor. Once granted, the exemption continues automatically each year unless your use changes. The form is available online or at the Assessor office.

Veterans with disabilities may qualify for additional exemptions. The amount depends on your disability rating and household income. Contact the Assessor at 619-236-3771 for forms and eligibility requirements. Disabled persons under age 62 can also apply for a separate exemption.

Seniors may defer property taxes through the state Property Tax Postponement Program. This program requires at least 40 percent equity and household income under $55,181. Interest accrues at five percent per year. Apply between October 1 and February 10 at sco.ca.gov.

Note: Always file exemption claims before the February 15 deadline to avoid delays in processing.

When San Diego Property Taxes Are Due

San Diego property owners get two tax bills per year. The first installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent at 5:00 pm on December 10. A ten percent penalty applies to late payments. The second installment is due February 1 and delinquent April 10 with another ten percent penalty plus additional costs.

If you do not receive a bill, you must still pay on time. Call 1-855-829-3773 to request a duplicate. You are responsible for knowing your due dates even if the bill does not arrive. Online access through the Tax Collector website lets you view and print bills anytime.

Payments can be made online, by mail, or in person. Online payments must be completed by 5:00 pm on the due date. Mailed payments must be postmarked by the due date. In-person payments are accepted until 5:00 pm at the Tax Collector office.

File an Assessment Appeal

Property owners can appeal their assessed value through the San Diego County Assessment Appeals Board. File between July 2 and September 15 each year. Get the form from the Assessor office or the Clerk of the Board. There may be a filing fee depending on the property type and value.

Include evidence with your appeal. Recent sales of similar homes help support your case. A professional appraisal carries weight but is not required. Photos showing damage or poor condition can also be useful. The more documentation you provide, the better your chances of success.

The Board schedules a hearing where you present your evidence. The Assessor also presents their valuation method and data. The Board members review both sides and decide the correct value. You can represent yourself or hire a professional. Many property owners handle appeals without legal help.

Property Tax Help in San Diego

The San Diego County Assessor offers help with questions about property values and assessments. Call 619-236-3771 or visit the office at 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 103. The website has instructional videos, FAQs, and downloadable forms at sdarcc.gov.

For payment questions, contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 1-855-829-3773. Staff can explain charges on your bill, help find payment records, and process payment plans if you have trouble paying on time. The office is at 1600 Pacific Highway, Room 162.

The California Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office helps resolve disputes with tax agencies. This independent office works to protect taxpayer rights statewide. Call 916-274-3400 or email traoffice@boe.ca.gov for assistance with property tax problems.

Other Large Cities in Southern California

Other major cities near San Diego also rely on county offices for property tax administration. Each city may have different special assessments or CFD charges.