Search Kings County Property Tax Records

Kings County property tax records are available through the Assessor and Tax Collector offices in Hanford. These offices manage property assessments, billing, and tax collection for all properties in the county. Property is valued on January 1 each year under California Proposition 13. Tax bills are sent twice per year. First installment is due November 1, late after December 10. Second installment is due February 1, late after April 10. Each late payment gets a ten percent penalty. Property owners can contact the county offices at 1400 W. Lacey Boulevard in Hanford for tax bills, assessment data, and payment information.

Kings County Assessor Office

The Kings County Assessor establishes the taxable value of all property. Assessor phone is 559-852-2486. The office is at 1400 W. Lacey Boulevard in Hanford. All property is valued as of January 1 each year. The Assessor records ownership transfers when property is sold. New construction and major improvements get reassessed at current market value when complete.

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 main residence. File by February 15. Forms are available at the office or by phone at 559-852-2486. Once approved, the exemption renews each year. You only reapply if you move to a new home.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities can apply for property tax exemptions. The amount varies based on disability rating and household income. Totally disabled low-income veterans may get full exemptions. You need VA documentation showing your disability percentage. Disabled non-veterans may also qualify under certain rules. Contact the Assessor for forms and eligibility information.

Tax Collector Services

The Kings County Tax Collector handles billing and collection of property taxes. Tax Collector phone is 559-852-2479. The office is at 1400 W. Lacey Boulevard in Hanford. Tax bills are mailed in October and February. You can pay by mail or in person. Office hours are Monday through Friday during standard business hours.

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. The county can pursue collection actions and eventual foreclosure. Interest and penalties continue to add up on unpaid amounts.

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

Getting Tax Information

Contact the Kings County Tax Collector at 559-852-2479 for copies of your tax bill. Have your property address or parcel number ready. The office can tell you the amount due, due dates, and payment status. 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 1400 W. Lacey Boulevard in Hanford. Bring your bill or know your parcel number. You can pay with cash, check, or money order. Call ahead to verify office hours and accepted payment methods.

For assessment information like property value, square footage, or land use, contact the Assessor at 559-852-2486. 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 Kings County. It reduces your assessed value by $7,000 statewide. You must own and live in the home as your primary 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 Kings 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.

Key Property Tax Dates

January 1 is the lien date when all property values are set for the tax year. February 15 is the deadline to file homeowner exemptions and other claims. November 1 is the first installment due date. December 10 at 5:00 pm is when first installment becomes delinquent with ten percent penalty. February 1 is the second installment due date. April 10 at 5:00 pm is when second installment becomes delinquent with ten percent penalty plus costs.

July 2 to September 15 is the standard appeal filing period. Unpaid taxes after June 30 go into default status. Business property statements are due April 1. For questions about deadlines, contact the Assessor at 559-852-2486 or Tax Collector at 559-852-2479.

Nearby Counties

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