San Jose Property Tax Search

San Jose property tax records are maintained by Santa Clara County, not the city government. The County Assessor determines property values and the Department of Tax and Collections handles billing and payments. This structure is standard across California under Proposition 13. San Jose homeowners can access property records through county online portals, pay bills electronically, and apply for available exemptions. The city has multiple Community Facilities Districts that fund local infrastructure in various neighborhoods. These CFD charges appear on your property tax bill as separate assessments. San Jose has active CFDs numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5B, and 8, plus districts 11 through 17 in different parts of the city.

Santa Clara County Handles San Jose Property Taxes

San Jose sits in Santa Clara County. All property tax functions are handled at the county level. The Assessor evaluates all real estate each year and applies any applicable exemptions. The Department of Tax and Collections sends bills twice yearly and processes payments. This applies to every city in California based on state law.

To search San Jose property records, visit Santa Clara County online portals. The county provides free access to assessment data, tax bills, payment history, and parcel maps. These systems cover all properties in San Jose and other cities throughout the county.

Contact the Santa Clara County Assessor at 408-299-5500. The main office is at 130 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. For exemption questions, call the Exemption Unit at 408-299-6460. Visit sccassessor.org for forms and online tools.

For tax bill questions and payments, reach the Department of Tax and Collections at 408-808-7900. The office is at 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Pay online through the county portal at dtac.santaclaracounty.gov using electronic check for free or card with a fee.

Community Facilities Districts in San Jose

San Jose has more than fifteen active CFDs. These special districts fund infrastructure like streets, sewers, parks, and public facilities. Properties within CFD boundaries pay annual assessments. The amount varies by district and property characteristics. Some common districts include CFD 1, 2, 3, 4, 5B, 8, and districts 11 through 17.

Your property tax bill shows any CFD charges as separate line items. The city Public Works Department manages information about special districts. Call 408-535-3555 or visit sanjoseca.gov to learn which properties are in each district.

CFD bonds typically last 25 to 40 years. As bonds are paid off, the annual charges decrease or end. You can request information about your specific CFD, including the estimated payoff date and remaining balance. This helps when planning long-term housing costs.

Look Up San Jose Property Information

Use Santa Clara County online systems to search any San Jose address. Enter the street address, Assessor Parcel Number, or owner name. The database shows current assessed value, property details, exemptions, and sales history. Access is free and available around the clock.

To view tax bills, visit the Department of Tax and Collections website at dtac.santaclaracounty.gov. Search by parcel number or address. The system displays current bills, payment status, prior year records, and any penalties. You can download bills and payment receipts as PDF files.

Pay property taxes online through the county portal. Electronic checks are free. Credit and debit cards have processing fees based on payment amount. In-person payments are accepted at the Tax Collector office during business hours. Mail payments to the address on your bill with the payment stub.

Property Tax Exemptions for San Jose Owners

San Jose homeowners qualify for the Homeowners' Exemption. This reduces assessed value by $7,000. You must own and live in the property as your main home. File the claim by February 15 with the County Assessor. Once approved, it renews each year automatically. Get the form at sccassessor.org or the Assessor office.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities can apply for additional exemptions. The amount depends on disability rating and income level. Disabled persons under 62 also qualify for an exemption. Call the Exemption Unit at 408-299-6460 for forms and eligibility details.

Senior citizens may postpone property tax payments through the state program. You must be at least 62 years old with 40 percent home equity and household income under $55,181. Interest accrues at five percent yearly. Apply from October 1 to February 10 at sco.ca.gov.

Note: File all exemption claims before the February 15 deadline each year.

San Jose Property Tax Due Dates

Property tax bills come twice per year from Santa Clara County. First installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent at 5:00 pm 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.

You are responsible for paying on time even if you do not get a bill. Request a duplicate by calling 408-808-7900. The county mails bills to the owner of record as of January 1. If you bought property during the year, check with the Tax Collector to confirm your payment responsibility.

Make online payments by 5:00 pm on the due date. Mail payments must be postmarked by the due date. The county accepts in-person payments until 5:00 pm at the Tax Collector office. Keep receipts and confirmation numbers for your records.

Appeal Your Assessment Value

San Jose property owners can appeal assessed values through the Santa Clara County Assessment Appeals Board. The filing period is July 2 to September 15 each year. Get forms from the County Assessor or the Clerk of the Board. Some counties charge a filing fee based on property value.

Gather evidence before filing. Recent sales of comparable properties support your case. Professional appraisals help but are not required. Photos showing damage, needed repairs, or adverse conditions add weight to your appeal. The more documentation you provide, the stronger your position.

The Appeals Board schedules a hearing. You present your evidence and the Assessor presents their valuation. Board members review both sides and decide the correct value. You can represent yourself or hire help. Many owners successfully handle appeals without professional representation. If you win, your assessed value drops for that year, reducing your tax bill.

Get Help with San Jose Property Taxes

The Santa Clara County Assessor staff answers questions about assessments and values. Call 408-299-5500 or visit 130 West Tasman Drive in San Jose. The website at sccassessor.org has FAQs, forms, and instructional materials.

For bill and payment help, contact the Department of Tax and Collections at 408-808-7900. Staff can explain charges, locate payment records, and set up payment plans if needed. The office is at 110 West Tasman Drive.

The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office at the California Board of Equalization helps with property tax disputes. This independent office protects taxpayer rights statewide. Call 916-274-3400 or email traoffice@boe.ca.gov for assistance.

Other Cities in Santa Clara County

Other large cities in Santa Clara County also have property taxes handled by county offices. Each may have different CFDs or special assessments.