Find Napa County Property Tax Records

Napa County property tax records are maintained by the Treasurer-Tax Collector office. Property owners use county systems to search tax bills, check payment status, and submit payments online. The County Assessor determines property values each year as of the January 1 lien date. Tax bills are issued twice per year in October and January. Property tax information is public record and available through online portals at no charge. You can search using your property address, parcel number, or owner name to access current and historical tax data for properties throughout the county.

Napa County Treasurer-Tax Collector

The Napa County Treasurer-Tax Collector handles all property tax billing and collection for the county. Secured property tax bills are mailed twice yearly. The first installment goes out in October and is due November 1. If not paid by December 10 at 5:00 pm, a ten percent penalty applies. Second installment bills are due February 1 with a delinquency date of April 10. Late second installments also incur a ten percent penalty.

You can contact the Tax Collector office at 707-253-4312. Email questions to taxcollector@countyofnapa.org for assistance with bills, payments, or account information. The physical office is located at 1195 Third Street, Suite 108, Napa, CA 94559. Office hours are Monday through Friday. Staff can provide bill copies, payment receipts, and help with payment arrangements if needed.

Napa County provides an online tax payment portal at common2.mptsweb.com/mbc/napa/tax/search/ for convenient bill lookup and payment. ACH transfers have no fee. Credit and debit card payments incur a 2.32 percent service charge. Returned payments result in a $45 fee.

Look Up Property Tax Bills Online

The Napa County online portal lets you search for property tax information using several methods. Enter your Assessor's Parcel Number for the most accurate results. You can also search by property address with street name, number, and city. Some searches allow owner name lookup if you know the property owner.

Once you locate your property, the portal displays current tax bill information including both installments, amounts due, and payment deadlines. Past payment history shows on the account. You can view and download bills as PDF files. The system also shows any special assessments or voter-approved charges that apply to the property.

Payment through the portal is available 24 hours a day. Choose ACH transfer for free processing or use a credit or debit card for a small percentage fee. The system processes payments immediately and provides confirmation. You can print receipts for your records right away.

Understanding Property Assessments

Napa County follows California's Proposition 13 rules for property assessment. Your property value is set when you buy it. That becomes your base value. Each year, the Assessor can increase your value by up to two percent. If market values drop, the Assessor may lower your assessment. Major improvements trigger supplemental bills for added value.

The Assessor establishes all property values as of January 1 each year. This is called the lien date. Any property you own on that date generates a tax bill. The bill reflects value and ownership as of that date. Changes after January 1 take effect the following year in most cases.

New construction gets assessed when complete and ready for use. Remodeling projects are assessed when work is done. The Assessor's office inspects properties and reviews building permits to track changes. Supplemental assessments bill for value added between annual bills.

Ways to Pay Your Property Taxes

Napa County offers several payment options. Online payment is the fastest method. Use the county portal to pay with ACH for free. Credit and debit cards cost 2.32 percent of the payment amount. All online payments process immediately with instant confirmation and receipt.

Mail payments to the address on your tax bill. Include the payment stub from your bill. Make checks payable to Napa County Tax Collector. Send to 1195 Third Street, Suite 108, Napa, CA 94559. Allow time for mail delivery. Postmark date determines timeliness.

In-person payments are accepted at the Tax Collector office. Bring your bill. The office takes cash, checks, and money orders. A drop box is available outside for after-hours payments. Use the drop box at your own risk, as the county is not responsible for lost payments placed in the box.

Some banks accept property tax payments. Call your bank to ask if they offer this service. Banks may charge their own fees. The county does not control bank policies or charges.

Claiming Property Tax Exemptions

The Homeowners' Exemption reduces assessed value by $7,000 for owner-occupied homes. You must live in the property as your principal residence. File by February 15 to get the exemption for that tax year. The exemption saves about $70 annually on your tax bill. Once granted, it continues each year automatically unless you move or sell the property.

Veterans with disabilities may qualify for exemptions. The amount varies based on disability percentage and income. Low-income seniors age 65 and older can get additional relief. Disabled persons under 62 may also qualify. Contact the Napa County Assessor for forms and eligibility details.

Religious and nonprofit organizations can apply for exemptions on property used for exempt purposes. These organizations must file annually and prove continued exempt use. Business property and equipment may qualify for partial exemptions under certain conditions.

Assessment Appeals Process

Property owners can appeal assessed values they believe are incorrect. File appeals with the Napa County Assessment Appeals Board. Regular appeals must be filed between July 2 and September 15. Some counties extend the deadline to November 30. Check with the Clerk of the Board for exact dates.

Appeal forms are available from the County Assessor or the Assessment Appeals Board clerk. The application requires property information, your opinion of value, and reasons for the appeal. Attach supporting documents like recent sales of similar properties, professional appraisals, or photographs showing property condition. Some counties charge a filing fee.

After filing, the Board schedules a hearing. You get notice at least 45 days before the hearing date. At the hearing, present your evidence and explain why your value should be lower. The Assessor presents their case. The Board then decides the correct value. The process can take many months. Successful appeals reduce taxes for that year only.

Property Taxes in Wine Country

Napa County is known for wineries and vineyards. Agricultural property receives special assessment treatment. Land used for agriculture is valued based on its farming use rather than development potential. This is called Williamson Act or agricultural preserve valuation. It results in much lower taxes than residential or commercial property.

Vineyard properties must meet specific requirements to qualify for agricultural assessment. The land must be in agricultural production. Owners sign contracts committing to agricultural use for ten years. Breaking the contract triggers penalty taxes. Contact the Assessor about agricultural preserve enrollment.

Winery buildings and equipment are assessed as commercial property. Only the land in actual vineyard production gets agricultural treatment. Tasting rooms, event spaces, and residential structures on winery property are assessed at market value.

About Napa County Property Taxes

No cities in Napa County exceed 100,000 population. Property taxes for the city of Napa and other incorporated cities are collected by the county. The base tax rate is one percent of assessed value throughout the county. Voter-approved bonds and special assessments add to this rate in some areas.

Special assessment districts exist for flood control, fire protection, lighting, and other local services. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill. Contact the Tax Collector if you have questions about specific charges on your bill.

Nearby Counties

Napa County shares borders with other California counties. Each has its own property tax system and procedures.