Sacramento County Property Tax System
Sacramento County property tax records are managed by the Assessor and Tax Collector offices in California's capital city. Property owners can search assessed values, view tax bills, and make payments through online portals. The Assessor's Office is at 3636 American River Drive in Sacramento with phone support at 916-875-0700. The Tax Collector office is at 700 H Street, Room 1710 with phone support at 916-874-6622. Assessment appeals have a $30 non-refundable processing fee per application. Most property information is available online at no cost through secure county systems that provide access to records, payment options, and forms without visiting offices in person during regular business hours.
Sacramento County Property Tax Facts
Sacramento County Assessor
The Sacramento County Assessor values all taxable property in the county. Values are set each January 1 based on Proposition 13 guidelines. The office processes exemption claims and handles ownership changes. They maintain detailed records for all parcels throughout Sacramento County including the state capital and surrounding communities.
The main office is at 3636 American River Drive, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95864-5952. Call 916-875-0700 for assistance. Email assessor@saccounty.gov with questions. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The official website at assessor.saccounty.gov provides property search tools, forms, and assessment information.
Property records are searchable online through the county portal. Look up any parcel by address, parcel number, or owner name. The database shows assessed value, property details, exemptions, and sales history. This service is free to use and available 24 hours a day.
Tax Collector Office
The Sacramento County Tax Collector bills and collects property taxes. Secured property tax bills mail in October each year. First installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent December 10 at 5:00 pm. Second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent April 10 at 5:00 pm. Each late installment receives a ten percent penalty.
Contact the Tax Collector at 916-874-6622. The office is at 700 H Street, Room 1710, Sacramento, CA 95814. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The website at finance.saccounty.gov/Tax offers online payment options and tax information.
The county accepts payments online, by mail, in person, and by phone. Check the website for current payment processing fees for credit cards and debit cards. Electronic check payments typically have lower fees or no fees.
Property Tax Payment Options
Pay Sacramento County property taxes online through the county portal. Enter your parcel number or property address to find your bill. The system shows both installments, due dates, payment history, and any penalties. Select your payment method and complete the transaction.
Mail payments to the address on your tax bill. Include the payment stub with your check or money order. Postmarks on the due date count as on-time payment. Use certified mail if mailing close to the deadline for proof of mailing. In-person payments are accepted at 700 H Street, Room 1710 during office hours. The counter takes cash, checks, money orders, and debit cards.
Keep payment receipts as proof of payment. Online payments provide immediate confirmation. Mail and in-person payments should be documented with receipts or certified mail records.
Property Tax Exemptions
The Homeowners' Exemption provides a $7,000 reduction in assessed value. You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence. File the claim with the Assessor by February 15 to receive the exemption for that tax year. Once approved, it renews automatically each year. Notify the Assessor if you move or rent out the property.
Veterans with disabilities qualify for exemptions based on disability rating and income. Basic exemption is $4,000 off assessed value. Low-income veterans with 100 percent disability can receive up to $138,173 exemption. Disabled persons under age 62 also qualify with income limits. Call 916-875-0700 for assistance with exemption applications.
Churches, schools, hospitals, and charitable organizations can apply for welfare exemptions on property used for exempt purposes. These require annual filing by February 15 with documentation showing exempt use. Contact the Assessor for forms and eligibility requirements.
Assessment Appeals and Fees
Property owners can appeal their assessment if they believe the value is too high. File your appeal between July 2 and September 15 for regular assessment appeals. Some decline-in-value appeals have extended deadlines to November 30. Check with the Clerk of the Assessment Appeals Board to confirm which deadline applies.
Sacramento County charges a $30 non-refundable processing fee per assessment appeal application. This fee covers administrative costs of processing the appeal. Get the appeal form from the Assessor or the Clerk of the Board. Complete property information, state your opinion of value, and explain why the current assessment is wrong. Attach supporting evidence like recent appraisals, comparable sales, or photos.
The Board schedules a hearing after you file. You receive written notice at least 45 days before the hearing date. At the hearing, present your case with evidence. The Assessor presents their valuation. The Board considers both sides and issues a written decision.
State Capital Property Records
Sacramento County serves as California's state capital. The county includes the State Capitol building, numerous state office buildings, and residential neighborhoods. Property values range from affordable homes to upscale communities. The Assessor handles both residential and complex commercial valuations.
State government properties have special assessment considerations. Private property within the county follows standard Proposition 13 rules. The county's property tax system operates the same as other California counties despite its capital status.
Major Cities in Sacramento County
Sacramento County includes the state capital and surrounding cities. The County Assessor and Tax Collector handle property taxes for all cities.
Nearby Counties
Sacramento County borders Placer, El Dorado, Amador, San Joaquin, Contra Costa, Solano, and Yolo counties. Each county manages its own property tax system.