Plumas County Tax Records and Information

Plumas County property tax records contain information on all taxable parcels within the county. The Assessor office in Quincy determines property values each year. The Tax Collector sends bills and collects payments from property owners. Records are public under California law and can be searched by anyone. You can look up information using a parcel number, street address, or owner name. The county provides online search tools and in-person assistance at offices in Quincy. Property tax records include assessed values, exemptions, special assessments, and payment history for all parcels in Plumas County.

Assessor Office and Property Valuation

The Plumas County Assessor office is at 1 Crescent Street in Quincy. Call 530-283-6380 for questions about your assessment. The Assessor values all property in the county including homes, land, commercial property, and business equipment. Values are established each January 1, which is the lien date.

California law requires property to be valued at purchase price when ownership changes. This is part of Proposition 13. After you buy property, the value can only increase by up to two percent per year unless you add new construction. New buildings or major improvements trigger a supplemental assessment that adds to your base value.

Property owners must report new construction to the Assessor. If you build a garage, add a room, or make other improvements, notify the office. An appraiser will inspect and determine the added value. This gets added to your assessment roll starting the next tax year or sooner through a supplemental bill.

The Assessor keeps records on every parcel in Plumas County. These records include ownership history, parcel maps, building descriptions, and land characteristics. You can request copies of these documents. Some information is available online. Other records require a visit to the office or a written request with possible copying fees.

Tax Bills and Payments

Plumas County Tax Collector manages all property tax billing and collection. The office phone is 530-283-6260. They are located at 1 Crescent Street in Quincy. Tax bills are sent twice each year for secured property.

First installment bills mail in October and are due November 1. They cover taxes for July through December. If not paid by 5:00 pm on December 10, a ten percent penalty applies. Second installment bills are due February 1 and cover January through June. These become delinquent at 5:00 pm on April 10 with a ten percent penalty plus costs.

Payment options include online, by mail, and in person. The county website provides links for online payment. You can use credit cards, debit cards, or electronic checks. Credit and debit cards typically have a service fee around two percent. Electronic checks may be free or have a small flat fee.

Mail payments to the address shown on your bill. Include the payment stub. For in-person payments, visit the Tax Collector office during business hours. Bring your bill or parcel number.

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

Look Up Property Tax Records

Plumas County provides online access to property tax information. You can search by parcel number, property address, or owner name. The online system shows current tax bills, payment history, and assessment details. This is a free service for public use.

Your parcel number appears on your tax bill and property deed. It is also called an Assessor's Parcel Number or APN. This unique identifier is needed for most searches. Write it down and keep it with your important property documents.

Search results display assessed value, exemptions, and total tax amount. You can see special assessments and bonds that add to your base tax. Payment history shows when payments were received and how they were applied to your account.

Tax Exemptions Available

Plumas County property owners can apply for several tax exemptions. The Homeowners' Exemption is the most common. It reduces assessed value by $7,000 if you own and occupy your home as your primary residence. File by February 15 to get the exemption for that tax year. Once granted, it renews each year automatically unless you move or sell.

Veterans with disabilities can apply for the Disabled Veterans' Exemption. The amount depends on your disability rating and household income. Higher disability percentages result in larger exemptions. Provide proof of your VA disability rating when you apply.

Disabled persons under 62 who are not veterans may also qualify for an exemption. Income limits apply. Blind persons qualify for this exemption as well. Get forms from the Assessor and submit them with required documentation by February 15.

Churches and nonprofit organizations may get exemptions on property used for exempt purposes. These require annual filings. Contact the Assessor at 530-283-6380 for forms and requirements.

File an Assessment Appeal

If you believe your property assessment is too high, you can appeal. The Plumas County Assessment Appeals Board hears these cases. Regular appeals must be filed between July 2 and September 15. Some decline-in-value appeals can be filed until November 30. Verify the deadline with the Clerk of the Board.

Get the appeal form from the Assessor or Clerk of the Board. Complete all sections. State your opinion of the correct value and explain why the Assessor's value is wrong. Attach supporting evidence like recent sales of comparable properties, an appraisal, or photos showing damage or defects.

The Board schedules a hearing after you file. You get at least 45 days notice. At the hearing, present your case and evidence. The Assessor also presents their valuation. The Board decides the correct value based on all evidence. You can represent yourself or hire professional help like an appraiser or attorney.

Winning an appeal reduces your taxes for that year only. If you disagree with future assessments, you must file a new appeal each year.

California Tax Laws

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

The California Revenue and Taxation Code has detailed procedures for assessment and collection. Section 218 covers the Homeowners' Exemption. Sections 1601 through 1604 govern assessment appeals. These laws apply uniformly across all 58 counties.

The California State Board of Equalization oversees county assessors. They conduct audits and issue guidance on assessment practices. Find resources at boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/proptax.htm.

Important Property Tax Dates

Key dates for property owners include January 1, the lien date when values are set. February 15 is the deadline for exemption applications. November 1 is when first installment taxes are due. December 10 at 5:00 pm is when first installment becomes delinquent with a ten percent penalty.

February 1 is the second installment due date. April 10 at 5:00 pm is when second installment becomes delinquent. After June 30, unpaid taxes enter default status. Business property statements are due April 1. Assessment appeals are filed between July 2 and September 15 or November 30 depending on the type.

Nearby Counties

Plumas County is adjacent to several other California counties. Each has separate property tax administration.