Alpine County Property Tax Records

Alpine County property tax records are managed by the County Assessor and the Tax Collector. Property owners can contact these offices for tax bills, payment information, and assessment data. Alpine County is California's least populous county with just over 1,200 residents. The Assessor values all property as of January 1 each year following Proposition 13 rules. Tax bills are sent twice per year. First installment is due November 1 and late after December 10. Second installment is due February 1 and late after April 10. Each late payment carries a ten percent penalty. Property owners can call the county offices in Markleeville for information about their tax bills and assessments.

Alpine County Assessor and Tax Collector

The Alpine County Assessor determines the taxable value of all property in the county. The office is at 99 Water Street in Markleeville. Phone is 530-694-2283. The Tax Collector handles billing and payments. Tax Collector phone is 530-694-2286. Both offices are in the same building at the county courthouse. Office hours are Monday through Friday.

Alpine County uses the California State Board of Equalization guidelines for property assessment. All real property is valued as of January 1. The Assessor records ownership changes when property is sold or transferred. New construction gets assessed when completed. Major improvements also trigger reassessment at current market value. The Assessor processes exemption claims and maintains property records.

Tax bills are mailed twice a year by the Tax Collector. The first installment goes out in October. The second installment is mailed in February. You can pay by mail or in person at the county office. Include the payment stub with mailed payments. Write your parcel number on your check. The county must receive payment by the due date to avoid penalties.

How to Pay Property Taxes

Alpine County accepts payment by mail or in person. Mail payments to Alpine County Tax Collector, 99 Water Street, Markleeville, CA 96120. Include the stub from your tax bill. Write your assessor's parcel number on the check. Mail early enough for the county to receive it by the due date. Postmarks do not count.

In-person payments are accepted at the Tax Collector office during business hours. The office is at the county courthouse at 99 Water Street. You can pay with check, money order, or cash. Bring your bill or know your parcel number. Call 530-694-2286 with questions about your bill or payment options.

First installment is due November 1. It becomes delinquent at 5:00 pm on December 10. A ten percent penalty is added to late payments. Second installment is due February 1. It becomes delinquent April 10 with another ten percent penalty plus a cost fee. If taxes remain unpaid after June 30, the property goes into default and can face foreclosure.

Property Tax Exemptions

Alpine County property owners can apply 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 Assessor. Forms are available at the Assessor's office. Once approved, the exemption renews automatically each year unless you move or sell.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for exemptions based on disability rating and income. Low-income disabled veterans can receive larger exemptions. You need proof of disability from the VA. Contact the Assessor at 530-694-2283 for forms and eligibility requirements. Disabled persons who are not veterans may also qualify under certain conditions.

Senior citizens age 62 and older can use the state Property Tax Postponement Program if they meet the requirements. This program allows eligible seniors to defer property tax payments. The California State Controller's Office administers this program. The state pays the county and puts a lien on your home. You repay with five percent interest when you sell or transfer the property. Income and home equity requirements apply.

Note: Exemption applications must be filed by February 15 to take effect for that tax year.

California Property Tax Resources

The California State Board of Equalization oversees county assessors and property tax administration. The Board provides guidance on property tax laws and appeals. You can find information at boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/proptax.htm. The site has FAQs, forms, and contact information for property tax questions.

The Board's Property Tax Department acts in an oversight role. They ensure compliance by all 58 county assessors with state laws and regulations. The department develops assessment policies and informational materials to guide assessors and local appeals boards. If you have issues with your county assessor, you can contact the Board for help.

The California State Controller's Office also provides property tax resources. Their website at sco.ca.gov has information on the Property Tax Postponement Program. This program helps eligible seniors and disabled persons defer property taxes. Applications are available each fall with a filing period from October through February.

Assessment Appeals

If you believe your Alpine County property is assessed too high, you can file an appeal. The County Assessment Appeals Board hears these cases. Appeals must be filed between July 2 and September 15 each year. Some counties extend the deadline to November 30. Check with the Clerk of the Board for the exact filing period.

Get an appeal form from the Assessor or the Appeals Board. Fill out the form with your property information. State what you think the correct value should be. Explain why the assessment is wrong. Attach evidence like recent sales of similar properties, appraisals, or photos showing defects or damage. A filing fee may apply.

The Board schedules a hearing after you file. You get at least 45 days notice before the hearing date. At the hearing, present your evidence. The Assessor presents their case. The Board decides the correct value. If you win, your taxes are reduced for that year. If you lose, the assessment stays the same. You can file again next year.

Property Tax Calendar

January 1 is the lien date when all property values are set. February 15 is the deadline to file exemption claims. November 1 is when first installment taxes are due. Late payment after December 10 adds a ten percent penalty. February 1 is the second installment due date. Late payment after April 10 adds another ten percent penalty plus costs.

July 2 to September 15 is the standard appeal filing period. Some counties extend this to November 30. Unpaid taxes after June 30 go into default status. The county can pursue collection and foreclosure. Business property statements are due April 1. Late filings get penalties.

Contact the Alpine County Tax Collector at 530-694-2286 for specific dates and deadlines. The Assessor can be reached at 530-694-2283. Both offices are at 99 Water Street in Markleeville. Office hours are typically Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

Nearby Counties

Alpine County borders several California counties and Nevada. Each county has its own property tax system.