Colusa County Property Tax Records

Colusa County Assessor and Tax Collector

The Colusa County Assessor values all taxable property in the county. Assessor phone is 530-458-0450. The office is at 547 Market Street in Colusa. Property is valued as of January 1 each year. The Assessor records ownership changes and reassesses new construction at market value. The office also processes exemption claims and maintains property records.

The Tax Collector handles billing and collection. Tax Collector phone is 530-458-0440. Both offices are at the same address in Colusa. Tax bills go out in October and February. You can pay by mail or in person. Office hours are Monday through Friday during standard business hours. Contact these offices with questions about your tax bill or property assessment.

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 costs. If taxes remain unpaid after June 30, the property goes into default and can face foreclosure proceedings.

Paying Property Taxes

Colusa County accepts tax payments by mail and in person. To pay by mail, send a check or money order with your payment stub. Write your parcel number on the check. Mail to Colusa County Tax Collector, 547 Market Street, Colusa, CA 95932. The county must receive payment by the due date. Postmarks do not extend the deadline.

In-person payments are accepted at the Tax Collector office at 547 Market Street. You can pay with cash, check, or money order. Bring your bill or have your parcel number ready. Call 530-458-0440 to verify office hours before visiting. If mailing close to the deadline, use certified mail for proof of delivery.

Late payments cost you extra. Each installment gets a ten percent penalty if late. The second installment also gets a cost charge added to the penalty. Unpaid taxes after June 30 go into default with additional fees and interest. Pay on time to avoid all extra charges. Set reminders for the November 1 and February 1 due dates.

Property Tax Exemptions

Colusa County homeowners can claim the Homeowners' Exemption. This reduces assessed value by $7,000. You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence. File by February 15 with the Assessor. Forms are available at 547 Market Street or by calling 530-458-0450. Once approved, the exemption renews automatically each year unless you move or sell.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for additional exemptions. The amount depends on disability rating and income. Low-income totally disabled veterans can receive larger exemptions. You need VA documentation showing your disability percentage. Contact the Assessor at 530-458-0450 for forms and eligibility rules. Disabled non-veterans may also qualify under certain conditions.

Senior citizens age 62 and older can defer taxes through the state Property Tax Postponement Program. This program is administered by the California State Controller's Office. The state pays your county taxes and places a lien on your home. You repay with five percent interest when you sell. Income and equity requirements apply. Applications are available each fall.

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

Understanding Your Assessment

Your property assessment is based on the value of your property. Under Proposition 13, your assessed value is set when you buy the property. It can go up by a maximum of two percent per year. When you sell, the new owner's assessed value is their purchase price. New construction and major improvements get reassessed at current market value.

The Assessor reviews building permits to find new construction and remodels. Minor repairs and routine maintenance do not change your assessment. Only substantial improvements that add value trigger reassessment. If you have questions about how changes to your property affect your taxes, contact the Assessor at 530-458-0450.

Your tax bill may include charges beyond the base one percent property tax. These are voter-approved bonds and special assessments. They can include school bonds, fire fees, water charges, and other local levies. Each appears as a separate line item on your bill. The Assessor can explain these charges and where to find more information.

Filing an Assessment Appeal

Property owners can appeal their assessments if they believe the value is too high. The Colusa County Assessment Appeals Board hears these cases. Appeals must be filed from July 2 to September 15 each year. Some counties extend this to November 30. Confirm the deadline with the Clerk of the Board before filing.

Get an appeal form from the Assessor or the Appeals Board. Complete the form with property details, your opinion of value, and reasons for disagreement. Attach evidence like recent sales of similar properties, appraisals, photos of damage, or repair estimates. A filing fee may apply when you submit the application.

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

California Property Tax Resources

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

The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office helps resolve disputes between taxpayers and the Board of Equalization. Contact the office at 916-274-3400 or email traoffice@boe.ca.gov. The Advocate can assist with county assessor issues or help you understand property tax laws. This is a free state service.

Key Property Tax Dates

January 1 is the lien date when property values are set. February 15 is the deadline for exemption filings. November 1 is the first installment due date. December 10 at 5:00 pm is when first installment becomes delinquent. February 1 is the second installment due date. April 10 at 5:00 pm is when second installment becomes delinquent.

July 2 to September 15 is the standard appeal filing period. Unpaid taxes after June 30 go into default. Business property statements are due April 1. For questions about deadlines, contact the Assessor at 530-458-0450 or the Tax Collector at 530-458-0440.

Nearby Counties

Colusa County borders several California counties. Each has its own property tax system.