Find Property Tax Records in Mendocino County

Property tax records in Mendocino County cover all real estate and business property within county boundaries. The Assessor establishes values for tax purposes. The Tax Collector sends bills and accepts payments. Property owners and the public can search these records to find assessed values, tax amounts, and payment status. Most information is available through online portals or by visiting county offices in Ukiah. The county maintains detailed parcel records including ownership, location, and property characteristics. Searches can be done by parcel number, street address, or owner name depending on the system used.

Mendocino County Assessor

The Mendocino County Assessor values property for tax purposes. The office is at 501 Low Gap Road, Room 1020, in Ukiah. You can call 707-234-6800 with questions about your assessment. The Assessor sets values each January 1 based on property condition and ownership at that time.

Under Proposition 13, property is valued at purchase price when it changes hands. After that, values can only increase by two percent per year unless you add new construction. This system keeps tax bills predictable for long-term owners. When you buy property, expect a revaluation to current market value.

The Assessor also processes exemption claims. Homeowners can get a $7,000 reduction by filing for the Homeowners' Exemption. Veterans and disabled persons may qualify for larger exemptions. All exemption forms must be filed by February 15 to apply for that tax year.

Property records at the Assessor office include parcel maps, building descriptions, and ownership history. You can request copies of assessment rolls or specific parcel information. Some records are available online while others require an in-person request or written application.

Tax Collector and Billing

Mendocino County Tax Collector handles all property tax bills and payments. Call them at 707-234-6875. The office is in the same building as the Assessor at 501 Low Gap Road in Ukiah. Tax bills are sent twice per year for secured property.

First installment bills cover the period from July through December. They mail out in October. Payment is due November 1. If not paid by 5:00 pm on December 10, a ten percent penalty is added automatically. There are no exceptions to this penalty.

Second installment bills cover January through June. These are due February 1 and become delinquent at 5:00 pm on April 10. The penalty for late second installment is ten percent plus additional costs. If taxes remain unpaid after June 30, the property goes into default status and can eventually be sold at a tax sale.

Payment options include online, mail, and in person. The county uses an online portal where you can look up your bill and pay electronically. Credit cards and debit cards have a service fee. Electronic checks usually have a lower fee or no fee. Check the website for current fee amounts before you pay.

Search Tax Records Online

Mendocino County provides online access to property tax information. The county uses the PublicAccessNow system for tax lookups and payments. You can search by parcel number, property address, or owner name. The system shows current bills, past payments, and delinquency information.

To use the system, you need your Assessor's Parcel Number or a complete property address. The parcel number is on your tax bill and on deeds. It is a series of numbers separated by dashes that uniquely identifies your property.

Search results show the assessed value, all exemptions, and the total tax amount. You can see special assessments for bonds, lighting districts, and other charges. The system also shows payment history so you can verify past payments.

Most searches are free. You only pay fees when making a payment online. The county does not charge for simply looking up information.

Apply for Tax Exemptions

Several exemptions can reduce your property tax bill in Mendocino County. The Homeowners' Exemption is available to anyone who owns and lives in their home. It reduces assessed value by $7,000. Apply by February 15 using a form from the Assessor. Once granted, the exemption continues each year as long as the home remains your primary residence.

Disabled Veterans' Exemption is based on disability rating and income. The exemption amount increases with higher disability percentages. Low-income veterans can get the full exemption. Get the application from the Assessor and provide proof of disability rating from the VA.

Disabled persons who are not veterans can also get an exemption. You must be under 62 years old and meet income limits. Blind persons qualify for this exemption as well. Proof of disability is required with the application.

Churches and nonprofit organizations may qualify for full exemption on property used for religious or charitable purposes. These exemptions require detailed annual filings. Contact the Assessor at 707-234-6800 for the correct forms and filing instructions.

Challenge Your Assessment

Property owners who think their assessment is too high can file an appeal. The Mendocino County Assessment Appeals Board reviews disputed assessments. Appeals must be filed between July 2 and September 15 for the current tax year. Some decline-in-value appeals can be filed until November 30, so verify the deadline for your situation.

Get the appeal form from the Assessor or the Clerk of the Board. Fill it out completely. Include your estimate of the correct value and your reasons for disagreeing with the Assessor. Attach evidence like recent sales of comparable properties, a professional appraisal, or photographs showing defects or damage.

The Board will schedule a hearing after you file your appeal. You get at least 45 days notice of the hearing date. Attend the hearing and present your evidence. The Assessor also presents their case. The Board decides the correct value based on all evidence presented. You can represent yourself or hire an appraiser or attorney to help.

Note: Filing an appeal does not delay your tax payment deadline, so pay on time to avoid penalties.

California Tax Law

Property taxes in California follow rules set by Proposition 13. This constitutional amendment limits the base tax rate to one percent of assessed value. It also caps annual increases at two percent unless ownership changes or new construction occurs. Proposition 13 is in California Constitution Article XIII A.

The California Revenue and Taxation Code contains detailed procedures. Section 218 covers the Homeowners' Exemption. Sections 1601 through 1604 govern assessment appeals. These state laws apply to all counties including Mendocino County.

The California State Board of Equalization oversees county assessors. They audit assessment practices and issue guidance. Property owners can find resources and FAQs at boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/proptax.htm. The State Controller also publishes property tax data and reports.

Key Tax Dates

Mark these dates on your calendar. January 1 is the lien date when property is valued for that tax year. February 15 is the deadline for filing exemption claims. November 1 is the first installment due date. December 10 at 5:00 pm is when first installment becomes delinquent with a ten percent penalty.

February 1 is when second installment is due. April 10 at 5:00 pm is the second installment delinquency date. After June 30, unpaid taxes go into default. Business property owners must file statements by April 1 each year. Assessment appeals are filed between July 2 and September 15 or November 30 depending on appeal type.

Nearby Counties

Mendocino County shares borders with several California counties. Each county has separate property tax administration.