Madera County Property Tax Records

Property tax records in Madera County are maintained by the County Assessor and the Tax Collector. These offices work together to value property, bill owners, and collect payments. The Assessor values each parcel as of January 1 each year. The Tax Collector sends bills in two installments and processes all payments. You can search property information, view your tax bill, and make payments online through county systems. Most records are public and available for free search. The county follows California Proposition 13 rules for property tax administration.

Madera County Assessor Office

The Madera County Assessor values all real and personal property within the county. The office is located at 200 W. 4th Street in Madera. You can call them at 559-675-7710 during business hours. Property values are set each January 1 based on market conditions and ownership changes. The Assessor also handles exemption applications for homeowners, veterans, and disabled persons.

Under California law, property is taxed at one percent of assessed value plus voter-approved bonds and assessments. When you buy property or build new improvements, the Assessor revalues it to current market value. Otherwise, values can only increase by up to two percent per year under Proposition 13. This keeps tax bills stable for most owners.

The Assessor maintains records on every parcel. These include property location, size, improvements, and ownership. You can request copies of assessment rolls or parcel maps. Some records are online while others require an in-person visit or written request.

Tax Collector and Payment Options

Madera County Tax Collector handles all property tax billing and collection. The office can be reached at 559-675-7713. They send out bills twice each year for secured property taxes. First installment bills mail in October and are due by November 1. Second installment bills are due February 1. Both installments become delinquent if not paid on time.

When the first installment is not paid by December 10 at 5:00 pm, a ten percent penalty applies. The second installment gets a ten percent penalty plus a $55 cost if not paid by April 10 at 5:00 pm. These penalties and costs are mandatory. There are no exceptions or waivers for late payment.

You have several ways to pay your property taxes. Online payments are accepted through the county website. Mail payments to the address shown on your bill. Pay in person at the Tax Collector office at 200 W. 4th Street in Madera. Some banks and authorized locations also accept property tax payments.

For online payments, the county may charge a convenience fee for credit or debit cards. Electronic checks typically have no fee or a lower fee. Check the county website at the time of payment for current fee amounts. Keep your receipt as proof of payment.

Search Property Tax Records

Madera County property tax information is available through the Tax Collector. You can search by parcel number, property address, or owner name. The system shows current and past tax bills, payment history, and delinquency status. This is a free service provided by the county.

To find your parcel number, look at a prior tax bill or deed. The parcel number is also called an Assessor's Parcel Number or APN. It is a unique number for each piece of property. You can also search using a street address in many cases.

Property tax records show the assessed value, exemptions applied, and total tax amount. They also list special assessments for things like bonds, districts, or direct charges. All these amounts add up to your total bill.

Property Tax Exemptions

Madera County offers several property tax exemptions. The Homeowners' Exemption reduces assessed value by $7,000 for owner-occupied homes. You must file by February 15 to get the exemption for that year. Once granted, it renews each year as long as you still own and live in the home.

Veterans with disabilities can apply for a Disabled Veterans' Exemption. The exemption amount depends on disability rating and income. Disabled persons under 62 can also qualify for an exemption with income limits. All exemption applications go through the Assessor office.

Churches and nonprofits may qualify for exemptions on property used for religious or charitable purposes. These require annual filing and proof of exempt use. Business equipment sometimes qualifies for exemptions too. Contact the Assessor at 559-675-7710 for forms and requirements.

Assessment Appeals Process

If you think your property value is too high, you can file an appeal. The Madera County Assessment Appeals Board reviews these cases. Appeals must be filed between July 2 and September 15 for the current tax year. Some counties extend the deadline to November 30 but verify the exact date with the Clerk of the Board.

Get an appeal form from the Assessor or the Clerk of the Board. Fill out the form completely. Include your opinion of the correct value and why you think the assessment is wrong. You can attach evidence like recent sales of similar homes, an appraisal, or photos of damage or defects.

The Board will schedule a hearing after you file. You get notice at least 45 days before the hearing. At the hearing, you present your case. The Assessor presents theirs. The Board decides the value after hearing both sides. Their decision applies to that tax year only.

California Property Tax Law

Property taxes in California are governed by Proposition 13. This constitutional amendment limits the tax rate to one percent of assessed value. It also limits annual value increases to two percent unless property changes hands or gets new construction. Proposition 13 is codified in the California Constitution Article XIII A.

The California Revenue and Taxation Code contains detailed rules for assessors and tax collectors. Section 218 covers the Homeowners' Exemption. Sections 1601 through 1604 govern the assessment appeals process. These laws apply to all 58 counties including Madera County.

The California State Board of Equalization oversees county assessors. They conduct compliance audits and issue guidance on assessment practices. The Board also hears some appeals from local assessment appeals board decisions. More information is available at boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/proptax.htm.

Key Property Tax Dates

Several dates matter for property taxes in Madera County. January 1 is the lien date when values are set. February 15 is the deadline to file for homeowner and other exemptions. The first installment is due November 1 and delinquent December 10. The second installment is due February 1 and delinquent April 10.

Appeals must be filed between July 2 and September 15 in most cases. Business property statements are due April 1 each year. If you miss a deadline, penalties apply in most cases. Mark your calendar so you do not miss important dates.

Note: All deadlines are at 5:00 pm Pacific Time on the date specified.

Nearby Counties

Madera County borders several other California counties. Each county manages its own property tax system with separate assessors and tax collectors.