Santa Clarita Property Tax Records

Los Angeles County administers all property tax records for Santa Clarita. California cities cannot operate their own property tax systems under state law. The County Assessor determines property values based on market sales, new construction, and changes in ownership. The Treasurer-Tax Collector office sends bills twice annually and processes payments. Santa Clarita residents can search property records, apply for exemptions, and pay bills through county portals. This system is uniform statewide under Proposition 13. The base tax rate is one percent of assessed value, with additional charges for voter-approved bonds and special districts in some areas.

Los Angeles County Tax Office

Santa Clarita is in Los Angeles County. The county handles all property tax administration. The County Assessor sets values each January 1. The Treasurer and Tax Collector manages billing and collections. This is standard across California.

To search property tax records for Santa Clarita, visit the Los Angeles County portals. You can look up values, view bills, and make payments online. Enter your address or Assessor Identification Number to find your property. The county maintains complete records for properties in the city.

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

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. Electronic checks are free. Credit cards have a 2.22 percent fee with a $1.49 minimum.

How to Search Santa Clarita Records

Use the Los Angeles County Property Search at portal.assessor.lacounty.gov to look up Santa Clarita properties. Enter your street address or Assessor Identification Number. The system shows assessed value, property details, exemptions, and history. This database is free to use and available 24/7.

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

Pay your property tax bill online at propertytax.lacounty.gov. Credit and debit cards cost 2.22 percent 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 225 North Hill Street or mail payments to P.O. Box 512102, Los Angeles, CA 90054-0018.

Community Facilities Districts

Some Santa Clarita neighborhoods have Community Facilities Districts that fund local infrastructure. These CFDs, also called Mello-Roos assessments, appear as separate charges on your tax bill. They fund schools, roads, parks, and utilities in newer developments.

CFD rates vary by neighborhood. Newer areas often have higher charges. These assessments typically last 20 to 40 years until bonds are paid off. Check your tax bill to see if you have a CFD charge. The amount is listed separately from the base property tax.

Contact the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector at 213-974-2011 for information about specific CFDs. Staff can tell you about the district, what it funds, and when it expires.

Claiming Property Tax Exemptions

Santa Clarita homeowners can claim the Homeowners' Exemption to reduce assessed value by $7,000. You must own and live in the property as your primary residence. File by February 15. Once approved, it renews automatically each year. Get the form at assessor.lacounty.gov.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities qualify for extra exemptions. The amount depends on disability rating and income. Disabled persons under age 62 may also apply. Call the Assessor at 213-974-3211 for forms and eligibility help.

Seniors age 62 and older can defer property taxes through the state Property Tax Postponement Program. You need 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.

Tax Bill Due Dates

Los Angeles County sends two property tax bills per year for Santa Clarita properties. 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 at 5:00 pm on April 10 with another ten percent penalty plus a cost fee. If taxes remain unpaid past June 30, the property goes into default with additional penalties and fees.

You are responsible for paying on time even if you do not receive a bill. 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 at no charge.

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

Appealing Your Assessment

Santa Clarita property owners can appeal their assessment if they believe the value is incorrect. 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 help establish market value. A professional appraisal provides strong support. Photos showing property damage or defects also help. The Board schedules a hearing where you present your case. The Assessor 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 if needed.

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 toll-free 1-888-807-2111. Visit the office at 500 West Temple Street in 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 State Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office helps with property tax problems. Call 916-274-3400 or email traoffice@boe.ca.gov. This independent office works to protect taxpayer rights throughout California.

Nearby Los Angeles County Cities

Other major cities in Los Angeles County also have property taxes handled by county offices.