Imperial County Tax Records and Assessment Data

Imperial County property tax records are managed by the Assessor and Treasurer-Tax Collector offices. Property owners search tax bills, view assessed values, and make payments through county online systems. The Assessor determines property values each year on January 1 under California Proposition 13 rules. Tax bills are issued twice annually with payment due dates in November and February. Property tax information is public record available at no cost through county portals. Search by parcel number, property address, or owner name to access current bills, payment history, and assessment details for properties throughout Imperial County.

Imperial County Assessor Office

The Imperial County Assessor determines the value of all taxable property in the county. Values are established each January 1 based on market conditions and property characteristics. New purchases are valued at sale price. Existing properties can increase by a maximum of two percent per year under Proposition 13. The Assessor also processes exemption applications and handles ownership change assessments.

Contact the Assessor at 442-265-1300 for information about property values, exemptions, or ownership changes. Send email to assessor@co.imperial.ca.us for assistance. The office is located at 940 West Main Street, Suite 115, El Centro, CA 92243. Staff can provide property information including land size, building details, assessed value, and current exemptions.

The Assessor maintains detailed records on every parcel in Imperial County. Property owners can request assessment information or review property cards at the office. The office also provides forms for exemption claims and ownership change filings.

Treasurer-Tax Collector Services

The Imperial County Treasurer-Tax Collector handles property tax billing and collection for the entire county. Secured property tax bills are mailed in October and January. First installment payments are due November 1 and become delinquent at 5:00 pm on December 10. A ten percent penalty applies to late first installment payments. Second installment bills are due February 1 and delinquent at 5:00 pm on April 10 with another ten percent penalty.

Reach the Tax Collector at 442-265-1270 for help with bills, payments, or account information. Send email to taxcollector@co.imperial.ca.us for questions about property taxes. The office is at 940 West Main Street, Suite 106, El Centro, CA 92243. Staff can provide duplicate bills, payment receipts, and information about tax sales or delinquent accounts.

Imperial County provides an online payment portal at common2.mptsweb.com/mbc/imperial/tax/search for convenient tax bill lookup and payment processing. The portal is available 24 hours a day.

Using the Online Tax Portal

The Imperial County tax portal provides free access to property tax information. Search by entering your Assessor's Parcel Number from your tax bill. You can also search using the property street address. Include the house number, street name, and city for best results. Some searches work with property owner names if you know the exact name on record.

Search results display your current tax bill with both installment amounts shown. The portal indicates payment status and deadlines for each installment. View past year bills and payment history going back several years. Download bills in PDF format to save or print for your records.

The system shows all charges on your bill including the base tax, special assessments, and voter-approved bonds. Each item has a description and amount. The total includes all charges that apply to your property based on its location within the county.

How to Pay Property Taxes

Imperial County accepts property tax payments online, by mail, and in person. Online payment through the county portal is available 24 hours a day. Check the portal for current fees on different payment methods. Electronic payments typically have lower fees than credit card payments. The portal processes payments immediately and provides instant confirmation.

Mail your check or money order to Imperial County Treasurer-Tax Collector, 940 West Main Street, Suite 106, El Centro, CA 92243. Include the payment stub from your tax bill. Write your parcel number on the check. Allow time for mail delivery before the deadline. The postmark date determines if payment is timely.

Pay in person at the Tax Collector office in El Centro during regular business hours. Bring your tax bill. The office accepts cash, checks, money orders, and possibly credit or debit cards. Ask staff about current payment methods and any fees for in-person card payments.

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

Available Property Tax Exemptions

Imperial County homeowners can claim the Homeowners' Exemption for a $7,000 reduction in assessed value. The property must be your principal residence where you live most of the year. File the exemption claim by February 15 to receive it for that tax year. Once approved, the exemption automatically renews each year unless you move or sell the property. This exemption saves approximately $70 per year on your tax bill.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities qualify for exemptions based on disability rating and household income. Disabled persons under age 62 may also qualify for an exemption if they meet requirements. Contact the Assessor at 442-265-1300 for details about veteran and disability exemptions, including required documentation and application procedures.

Senior citizens age 62 and older with limited income may qualify for property tax postponement through the California State Controller's Office. This program defers current year property taxes if you meet income and equity requirements. Interest accrues at five percent annually on postponed amounts. Call 800-952-5661 for State Controller program information.

Assessment Appeals Process

Property owners can appeal assessments they believe are incorrect. File appeals with the Imperial County Assessment Appeals Board. Regular assessment appeals must be filed between July 2 and September 15 each year. Some counties extend the deadline to November 30. Contact the Clerk of the Board to verify filing deadlines for your situation.

Obtain an appeal application from the County Assessor or the Assessment Appeals Board. Fill out the form with property details, your estimate of value, and reasons for the appeal. Attach supporting documents like recent sales of similar properties, professional appraisals, or photos. The county may charge a filing fee for processing the appeal.

The Board schedules a hearing after you file. You get written notice at least 45 days before the hearing date. At the hearing, present your evidence and testimony. The Assessor also presents their valuation. The Board reviews all information and makes a decision on the correct value. Successful appeals reduce your tax for that year. File a new appeal each year if you continue to disagree with the assessment.

Agricultural Property in Imperial County

Imperial County has extensive agricultural land use. The Imperial Valley is one of California's most productive farming areas. Agricultural property may qualify for reduced assessment under the Williamson Act or California Land Conservation Act. This program values farmland based on agricultural use rather than development potential.

To qualify, property must be in agricultural production. Owners sign contracts committing to agricultural use for ten years. The contracts automatically renew unless canceled. Breaking the contract triggers penalty taxes. Contact the County Assessor for information about agricultural preserve enrollment and requirements.

Farm buildings, equipment, and irrigation systems are assessed separately from land. Only land in actual agricultural production qualifies for agricultural valuation. The Assessor determines the correct assessment for each property component based on use.

Property Taxes in Desert Climate

Imperial County is located in the Colorado Desert region with hot, dry climate. Properties in the desert have unique characteristics that affect value. The Assessor considers factors like irrigation availability, soil conditions, and climate when valuing properties. Desert properties follow the same tax rules as properties elsewhere in California under Proposition 13.

Some areas have special assessment districts for irrigation, drainage, or water services. These charges appear as separate line items on property tax bills. The charges fund local water districts and irrigation systems. Contact the Tax Collector if you have questions about specific charges on your bill.

About Imperial County

Imperial County is located in the southeastern corner of California bordering Arizona and Mexico. The county includes cities like El Centro, Calexico, and Brawley. No cities exceed 100,000 population. All property taxes are collected by the County Treasurer-Tax Collector regardless of whether properties are in incorporated cities or unincorporated areas.

Property tax rates vary by location within the county due to different special districts and voter-approved bonds. The base rate is one percent of assessed value throughout the county. Additional charges for schools, water districts, and other services add to the base rate in some areas.

Nearby Counties

Imperial County borders other California counties and Arizona. Each California county manages its own property tax system.