Del Norte County Property Tax Records

Del Norte County property tax records are available through the Assessor's Office and Tax Collector in Crescent City. These offices manage assessments, billing, and collection for all county properties. Property is valued on January 1 each year under Proposition 13. Tax bills are mailed twice a year. First installment is due November 1, late after December 10. Second installment is due February 1, late after April 10. Ten percent penalty applies to late payments. Property owners can contact the county offices at 981 H Street, Suite 120, in Crescent City for tax bills, assessment data, and payment information.

Del Norte County Assessor

The Del Norte County Assessor establishes the value of all taxable property. Assessor phone is 707-464-7200. The office is at 981 H Street, Suite 120, in Crescent City. All property is valued as of January 1 each year. The Assessor records ownership transfers and reassesses new construction. Major improvements trigger reassessment at current market value.

Property owners can file for the Homeowners' Exemption through the Assessor. This reduces assessed value by $7,000. You must own and live in the property as your main home. File by February 15. Forms are at the Assessor's office. Once approved, it renews each year. You only reapply if you move to a new home.

Veterans with disabilities can apply for exemptions. The amount varies by disability rating and income. Totally disabled low-income veterans may get full exemptions. You need VA proof of disability. Disabled non-veterans may also qualify. Call 707-464-7200 for forms and eligibility rules.

Tax Collector Services

The Del Norte County Tax Collector handles billing and collection. Tax Collector phone is 707-464-7283. The office is in Crescent City. Tax bills are mailed in October and February. You can pay by mail or in person. Office hours are Monday through Friday during business hours.

First installment is due November 1. Late after December 10 means a ten percent penalty. Second installment is due February 1. Late after April 10 means another ten percent penalty plus costs. Unpaid taxes after June 30 go into default. The county can pursue collection and foreclosure. Pay on time to avoid penalties.

Mail payments with your stub to the address on your bill. Write your parcel number on the check. The county must get payment by the due date. Postmarks do not count. Use certified mail if close to the deadline. In-person payments are accepted at the Tax Collector office with cash, check, or money order.

Getting Tax Information

Contact the Del Norte County Tax Collector at 707-464-7283 for copies of your tax bill. Have your address or parcel number ready. The office can tell you the amount due, due dates, and payment status. You can also ask for copies of prior year bills and receipts.

For property assessment details like value, square footage, or improvements, contact the Assessor at 707-464-7200. The Assessor keeps detailed records for all parcels. This data is public and available to property owners. The office can explain how your property was valued and what factors were used.

Your tax bill includes the base one percent property tax plus any voter-approved bonds and special assessments. These might be school bonds, fire fees, or water charges. Each appears separately on your bill. Contact the Tax Collector if you have questions about charges on your bill.

Exemptions and Tax Relief

The Homeowners' Exemption saves money for owner-occupants. It cuts assessed value by $7,000. You must live in the home as your primary residence. File by February 15 with the Assessor. Once approved, it continues automatically. You only reapply when you buy a different home.

Disabled veterans qualify for exemptions based on VA disability rating and income. Low-income veterans with total disability can get larger exemptions. You must provide VA documentation. The Assessor can tell you what papers you need and if you meet income limits. Disabled persons who are not veterans may also apply under specific rules.

Seniors age 62 and older can defer taxes through the state Property Tax Postponement Program. The California State Controller's Office runs this program. The state pays your county taxes and puts a lien on your home. You repay with five percent interest when you sell. Income and equity limits apply. Applications are available each fall from October through February.

Note: File exemption claims by February 15 to get them for that tax year.

Assessment Appeals

Property owners can appeal assessments they believe are too high. The Del Norte County Assessment Appeals Board hears appeals. File from July 2 to September 15 each year. Some counties extend to November 30. Check with the Clerk of the Board for exact dates.

Get a form from the Assessor or Appeals Board. Fill it out with property details, your value opinion, and reasons for appeal. Attach evidence like recent sales of similar homes, appraisals, or photos of damage. A filing fee may apply.

The Board sets a hearing and notifies you at least 45 days ahead. At the hearing, present your case. The Assessor presents theirs. The Board decides the correct value. If you win, taxes drop for that year. If you lose, the assessment stays. You can file again next year.

California Property Tax Resources

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

The Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office helps with disputes. Call 916-274-3400 or email traoffice@boe.ca.gov. The Advocate can assist with assessor issues or property tax questions. This is a free state service available to all taxpayers.

Key Tax Dates

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

July 2 to September 15 is the appeal period. Unpaid taxes after June 30 go into default. Business statements are due April 1. Contact Del Norte County offices for questions. Assessor is 707-464-7200. Tax Collector is 707-464-7283.

Nearby Counties

Del Norte County borders other California counties and Oregon. Each has its own tax system.