Kern County Tax Collector Services

Kern County property tax records are available through the Treasurer-Tax Collector and Assessor-Recorder offices. Property owners can search assessed values, view tax bills, and make payments through online portals. The county serves Bakersfield and surrounding areas in California's southern Central Valley. The Treasurer-Tax Collector can be reached at 661-868-3490 with a mailing address at P.O. Box 541004, Los Angeles, CA 90054-1004. The Assessor-Recorder office is at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield with phone support at 661-868-3485. Email assessor@kerncounty.com for assistance with assessment questions through the county office system.

Treasurer-Tax Collector Office

The Kern County Treasurer-Tax Collector bills and collects property taxes. Secured property tax bills mail in October each year. First installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent December 10 at 5:00 pm. Second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent April 10 at 5:00 pm. Each late installment receives a ten percent penalty.

Contact the Tax Collector at 661-868-3490. Mail payments to P.O. Box 541004, Los Angeles, CA 90054-1004. The official website at kcttc.co.kern.ca.us offers online payment options and tax information. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.

Check the website for current payment processing fees. Electronic check payments typically have lower fees than credit or debit card payments. Choose the payment method that works best for your situation.

Assessor-Recorder Office

The Kern County Assessor-Recorder combines property assessment and document recording functions. The Assessor determines the value of all taxable property each January 1. They also process exemption claims and handle ownership changes. The office maintains detailed records for all parcels throughout Kern County.

The main office is at 1115 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Call 661-868-3485 for assistance. Email assessor@kerncounty.com with questions. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The official website at kerncounty.com/government/departments/assessor-recorder provides property search tools and forms.

Property records are searchable online through the county portal. Look up any parcel by address, parcel number, or owner name. The database shows assessed value, property details, exemptions, and sales history. This service is free to use.

Property Tax Payment Options

Pay Kern County property taxes online at kcttc.co.kern.ca.us. Enter your parcel number or property address to find your bill. The portal shows both installments, due dates, payment history, and any penalties. Select your payment method and complete the transaction.

Mail payments to P.O. Box 541004, Los Angeles, CA 90054-1004. Include the payment stub with your check or money order. Postmarks on the due date count as on-time payment. Use certified mail if mailing close to the deadline for proof of mailing. Keep receipts and mailing documentation as proof of payment.

In-person payments may be available at county offices. Call 661-868-3490 to confirm office locations that accept tax payments and their hours of operation. Some offices take cash, checks, money orders, and debit cards at the counter.

Property Tax Exemptions

The Homeowners' Exemption provides a $7,000 reduction in assessed value. You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence. File the claim with the Assessor by February 15 to receive the exemption for that tax year. Once approved, it renews automatically each year. Notify the Assessor if you move or rent out the property.

Veterans with disabilities qualify for exemptions based on disability rating and income. Basic exemption is $4,000 off assessed value. Low-income veterans with 100 percent disability can receive up to $138,173 exemption. Disabled persons under age 62 also qualify with income limits. Call 661-868-3485 or email assessor@kerncounty.com for assistance with exemption applications.

Religious organizations, schools, hospitals, and charities can apply for welfare exemptions on property used for exempt purposes. These require annual filing by February 15 with documentation showing exempt use of the property. Contact the Assessor for forms and eligibility requirements.

Oil and Agricultural Property

Kern County has significant oil production and agricultural operations. The Assessor values oil and gas properties, farmland, orchards, and ranch property under special rules. These industries are major components of the county's property tax base.

Agricultural land may qualify for Williamson Act contracts. Oil and gas properties have unique valuation methods. Property owners in these industries should contact the Assessor about proper classification and valuation procedures. Correct classification can affect property tax amounts significantly.

Assessment Appeals

Property owners can appeal their assessment if they believe the value is too high. File your appeal between July 2 and September 15 for regular assessment appeals. Some decline-in-value appeals have extended deadlines to November 30. Check with the Clerk of the Assessment Appeals Board to confirm which deadline applies.

Get the appeal form from the Assessor or the Clerk of the Board. Complete property information, state your opinion of value, and explain why the current assessment is wrong. Attach supporting evidence like recent appraisals, comparable sales, or photos. Some counties charge a filing fee to cover administrative costs.

The Board schedules a hearing after you file. You receive written notice at least 45 days before the hearing date. At the hearing, present your case with evidence. The Assessor presents their valuation. The Board considers both sides and issues a written decision.

Major Cities in Kern County

Kern County includes Bakersfield and surrounding communities. The County Assessor and Tax Collector handle property taxes for all cities.

Nearby Counties

Kern County borders Tulare, Inyo, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, Ventura, and San Luis Obispo counties. Each county operates its own property tax system.