Property Tax Records in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County property tax records are managed by the County Assessor and the Treasurer and Tax Collector. Property owners can search tax bills, check payment history, and view assessed values through online portals. The Assessor determines property values each year as of January 1. The Tax Collector sends bills twice a year and processes payments. Most property tax information is available online for free. You can search by address, parcel number, or owner name through county systems.

Los Angeles County Assessor Office

The LA County Assessor values all property in the county. This office handles over 2.4 million parcels. Values are set each January 1 under Proposition 13 rules. The Assessor also processes exemption claims and handles ownership changes. Property owners can appeal assessments if they believe values are too high.

You can reach the Assessor by phone at 213-974-3211 or toll-free at 1-888-807-2111. Email questions to helpdesk@assessor.lacounty.gov. The main office is at 500 West Temple Street in downtown Los Angeles. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The website at assessor.lacounty.gov has forms, FAQs, and online tools for property owners.

The Assessor provides a Property Assessment Information System where you can look up any parcel. Search by address or Assessor Identification Number. The portal at portal.assessor.lacounty.gov shows current assessed value, exemptions, property details, and assessment history. This tool is free to use.

Treasurer and Tax Collector

The Treasurer and Tax Collector office handles billing and payments for Los Angeles County. Property tax bills go out twice per year. First installment bills mail in October and are due November 1. They become delinquent at 5:00 pm on December 10 with a ten percent penalty. Second installment bills are due February 1 and delinquent April 10 with another ten percent penalty plus a cost fee.

Contact the Tax Collector at 213-974-2011. The office is at 225 North Hill Street, First Floor Lobby, Los Angeles, CA 90012. Mail payments to P.O. Box 512102, Los Angeles, CA 90054-0018. The main website is ttc.lacounty.gov where you can find payment options, forms, and contact information.

Los Angeles County offers a dedicated Property Tax Portal at propertytax.lacounty.gov for tax bill lookup and payments. This system lets you search for your property, view bills, see payment history, and make online payments. The portal accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.

Search LA County Property Records Online

Los Angeles County has multiple online systems for property information. Start with the Property Search portal at portal.assessor.lacounty.gov. Enter an address or AIN to see assessed value, square footage, year built, and tax exemptions. This database covers all parcels in the county.

For tax bills and payment info, use the payment portal at vcheck.ttc.lacounty.gov. You can view your current bill, past payments, and any penalties. The system shows both installments for the current tax year. Downloadable PDFs of bills are available.

To search effectively, you need one of these:

• Property street address with city or zip code
• Assessor Identification Number or AIN
• Property owner name for name-based searches
• Parcel number in some cases

Both portals are free to search. Only payments have fees if you use a credit card.

How to Pay Property Taxes

Los Angeles County accepts payments online, by mail, in person, and by phone. Online payment through the county portal is the fastest method. Credit and debit cards have a fee of 2.22 percent of the payment amount. The minimum fee is $1.49. Each transaction is limited to $75,000 including the service fee. Electronic checks are free with no service charge.

Mail payments to the address on your bill or to P.O. Box 512102, Los Angeles, CA 90054-0018. Include the payment stub from your bill. Use certified mail for proof of payment if mailing close to the deadline. In-person payments are accepted at the Tax Collector office at 225 North Hill Street during business hours.

You can also pay at authorized locations throughout LA County. Many banks and check-cashing businesses accept property tax payments. Call 213-974-2011 to find locations near you. Some locations charge their own fees for this service.

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

Property Tax Exemptions in LA County

Homeowners in Los Angeles County can claim a $7,000 reduction in assessed value with the Homeowners' Exemption. You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence. File by February 15 to receive the exemption for that tax year. Once approved, it renews each year unless you move or sell the property.

Veterans with disabilities may qualify for additional exemptions. The amount varies based on disability rating and income. Disabled persons under age 62 can also apply for an exemption. Forms are available from the Assessor or online at assessor.lacounty.gov.

Religious and charitable organizations can apply for exemptions on properties used for exempt purposes. These require annual filing and documentation of exempt use. Business equipment and inventory also have exemptions in some cases. Contact the Assessor at 213-974-3211 for details on eligibility.

Filing Assessment Appeals

Property owners who believe their assessment is too high can file an appeal. The Los Angeles County Assessment Appeals Board hears these cases. File your appeal between July 2 and September 15 for regular assessment appeals. Some counties allow filing until November 30 but check the deadline with the Clerk of the Board.

Get the appeal form from the Assessor or the Assessment Appeals Board. The form asks for property information, your opinion of value, and the reason for your appeal. You may need to pay a filing fee. Attach evidence like recent sales of similar properties, appraisals, or photos showing property condition.

The Board schedules a hearing after you file. You will get at least 45 days notice before the hearing date. At the hearing, present your case and evidence. The Assessor will also present their valuation. The Board then decides the correct value. If you win, your taxes are reduced for that year. If you lose, the assessment stays the same.

Major Cities in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County includes many cities over 100,000 population. Property taxes for these cities are handled by the County Assessor and Tax Collector. Some cities have special assessments or Community Facilities Districts that add to the base property tax.

Nearby Counties

Los Angeles County borders several other California counties. Each county manages its own property tax system.