Calaveras County Property Tax Records

Calaveras County maintains property tax records through the County Assessor and Tax Collector offices. Property owners can get tax bills, assessment information, and payment details by contacting these offices. The Assessor values all real property on January 1 each year following Proposition 13 guidelines. Tax bills are issued twice annually. First installment is due November 1 and late after December 10. Second installment is due February 1 and late after April 10. Each late installment gets a ten percent penalty. Property owners can visit the county offices in San Andreas or call for information about their taxes, assessments, and available exemptions.

County Assessor Office

The Calaveras County Assessor establishes the taxable value of all property in the county. The office is at 891 Mountain Ranch Road in San Andreas. Phone is 209-754-6356. All property is valued as of January 1 each year. The Assessor processes ownership changes when property is bought or sold. New construction gets reassessed when completed. Major improvements also trigger reassessment at current market value.

Homeowners can file for the Homeowners' Exemption through the Assessor. This reduces assessed value by $7,000. You must own and occupy the property as your primary residence. The filing deadline is February 15. Forms are available at the Assessor's office or by phone at 209-754-6356. Once approved, the exemption renews each year automatically. You only need to reapply if you move to a new home.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities can apply for property tax exemptions. The amount depends on disability rating and income level. Totally disabled low-income veterans may receive full or partial exemptions. You must provide VA documentation showing your disability percentage. Disabled persons who are not veterans may also qualify under certain rules. Contact the Assessor for forms and eligibility information.

Tax Collector Services

The Calaveras County Tax Collector handles billing and collection of property taxes. Tax Collector phone is 209-754-6350. The office is at 891 Mountain Ranch Road in San Andreas. Tax bills are mailed twice a year. First installment bills go out in October. Second installment bills are mailed in February. You can pay by mail, in person, or online if available.

First installment is due November 1. Late payment after December 10 adds a ten percent penalty. Second installment is due February 1. Late payment after April 10 adds another ten percent penalty plus a cost charge. If taxes remain unpaid after June 30, the property goes into default. The county can pursue collection actions and eventual foreclosure. Interest and penalties continue to add up on unpaid balances.

To pay by mail, send a check or money order with your payment stub to the address on your bill. Write your parcel number on the check. The county must receive your payment by the due date. Postmarks do not count. Mail early or use certified mail if sending close to the deadline for proof of delivery.

Understanding Property Taxes

California property taxes are based on Proposition 13, passed in 1978. This constitutional amendment limits the base property tax rate to one percent of assessed value. Your assessed value is the purchase price when you bought the property. It can increase by up to two percent per year. When you sell, the new owner pays tax based on their purchase price.

Your total tax bill may be higher than one percent due to voter-approved bonds and special assessments. These can include school bonds, fire district fees, water charges, and other local levies. Each appears separately on your tax bill. The base one percent goes to the county, cities, schools, and special districts based on state formulas.

New construction and ownership changes trigger reassessment at current market value. Major remodels also get reassessed. Minor repairs and maintenance do not change your assessment. The Assessor reviews building permits to identify new construction and improvements. You can check with the Assessor if you have questions about how changes to your property affect your taxes.

How to Pay and Get Information

Contact the Calaveras County Tax Collector at 209-754-6350 for copies of your tax bill or payment information. Have your property address or parcel number ready. The office can tell you the amount due, due dates, and whether payments have been made. You can also request copies of prior year bills and payment receipts.

In-person payments are accepted at the Tax Collector office during business hours. The office is at 891 Mountain Ranch Road in San Andreas. Bring your bill or know your parcel number. You can pay with cash, check, money order, or card if accepted. Check the county website or call ahead to confirm accepted payment methods and office hours.

For assessment information like property value, square footage, or land use details, contact the Assessor at 209-754-6356. The Assessor maintains detailed records for all parcels. This information is public and available to property owners. The office can explain how your property was valued and what factors were considered in the assessment.

Note: Keep copies of paid tax bills for your records and tax preparation purposes.

Exemptions and Relief Programs

The Homeowners' Exemption is the most common property tax exemption in Calaveras County. It reduces your assessed value by $7,000 statewide. You must own and live in the home as your main residence. File the claim form by February 15 with the Assessor. Once granted, it continues automatically unless you move or sell. No annual reapplication is needed.

Disabled veterans can qualify for exemptions based on VA disability rating and household income. Low-income veterans with total disability can receive larger exemptions. You need proof from the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Assessor can explain what documents are required and whether you meet the income limits. Disabled persons who are not veterans may also apply under specific conditions.

Senior citizens age 62 and older can use the Property Tax Postponement Program if eligible. This state program allows you to defer tax payments. The California State Controller's Office runs the 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 equity requirements apply. Applications are available each fall with filing from October through February.

Assessment Appeals Process

Property owners who disagree with their assessed value can file an appeal. The Calaveras County Assessment Appeals Board hears these cases. Appeals must be filed during the appeal period, which runs from July 2 to September 15 each year. Some California counties extend the deadline to November 30. Check with the Clerk of the Board for the exact filing dates.

Get an appeal form from the Assessor or the Appeals Board. Fill out the form completely with property details, your opinion of value, and reasons for the appeal. Attach evidence to support your case. Evidence can include recent sales of comparable properties, professional appraisals, photos showing damage or defects, or repair invoices. A filing fee may be required when you submit the application.

After filing, the Board schedules a hearing. You receive notice at least 45 days before the hearing date. At the hearing, present your evidence and explain why you believe the assessment is wrong. The Assessor also presents their case. The Board then decides the correct value. If you win, your taxes decrease for that year. If you lose, the assessment remains the same. You can file a new appeal the following year.

California Property Tax Resources

The California State Board of Equalization provides oversight of county assessors. The Board ensures uniform and fair property tax administration across the state. Visit boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/proptax.htm for property tax information, FAQs, and forms. The site has guides on exemptions, appeals, and assessment procedures.

The Board's Property Tax Department develops policies and materials to guide county assessors and appeals boards. If you have issues with your county assessor or need help understanding property tax laws, contact the Board. The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office can also assist with disputes. Call 916-274-3400 or email traoffice@boe.ca.gov for help.

Nearby Counties

Calaveras County borders several California counties. Each manages its own property tax system.