San Benito County Property Tax Records

San Benito County property tax records provide detailed information on all parcels within the county. The Assessor office in Hollister determines property values for tax purposes. The Tax Collector sends bills and collects payments from property owners. These records are public and searchable by anyone under California law. You can look up information using parcel numbers, street addresses, or owner names. The county offers online search tools plus in-person assistance at the county offices in Hollister. Records include assessed values, exemptions, special assessments, bonds, and complete payment history for all San Benito County properties.

San Benito County Assessor

The San Benito County Assessor is at 440 Fifth St., Room 108, in Hollister. Call 831-636-4030 with questions about your assessment. The Assessor values all real estate and business property in the county. Values are set each January 1, which is the lien date for property taxes.

Under Proposition 13, property is valued at purchase price when you buy it. After that, values can only increase by two percent per year unless you add new construction. Major improvements like adding rooms or new buildings trigger a supplemental assessment. This system keeps property taxes predictable for owners.

If you build or remodel, report it to the Assessor. The office will inspect and determine the added value. New construction value gets added to your assessment starting the next tax year or sooner through a supplemental bill. Failure to report improvements can result in penalties when discovered.

The Assessor maintains detailed records for every parcel. These include ownership information, parcel maps, building details, and assessment history. You can request copies of assessment rolls or specific parcel data. Some records are online while others require an office visit or written request.

Tax Collector and Bill Payment

San Benito County Tax Collector handles all property tax billing and collection. The office is at 440 Fifth St., Room 108, in Hollister. Call 831-636-4034 for payment questions. Property tax bills are sent in two installments each year.

First installment bills mail in October and are due November 1. They cover July through December. If not paid by 5:00 pm on December 10, a ten percent penalty is added. 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, mail, and in person. The county website has links for online payment. Credit and debit cards have a service fee. Electronic checks may be free or have a lower fee. Check the website for current fees before paying.

For mail payments, send to the address on your bill. Include the payment stub. Use certified mail if mailing close to the deadline. For in-person payments, visit the Tax Collector during business hours.

Search Tax Records Online

San Benito County provides online access to property tax records. Search by parcel number, property address, or owner name. The system shows current bills, payment history, and assessment information. This is a free public service.

Your parcel number is on your tax bill and deed. It is also called an Assessor's Parcel Number or APN. This unique number identifies your property in county records. Keep it available for searches and payments.

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

Note: Most searches require no login and provide instant results.

Apply for Tax Exemptions

San Benito County offers several property tax exemptions. The Homeowners' Exemption reduces assessed value by $7,000 for owner-occupied homes. File by February 15 to get the exemption for that tax year. Once approved, it renews automatically unless you move or sell the property.

Veterans with service-connected disabilities can get the Disabled Veterans' Exemption. The amount depends on disability rating and income. Higher disability percentages mean larger exemptions. Provide your VA disability rating with the application.

Disabled persons under 62 who are not veterans may also qualify. You must meet income limits and provide proof of disability. Blind persons qualify for this exemption as well. Get forms from the Assessor at 831-636-4030.

Churches and nonprofits may get exemptions on property used for exempt purposes. These require annual filings and documentation. Contact the Assessor for forms and filing requirements.

Challenge Your Property Assessment

Property owners can appeal assessments they believe are too high. The San Benito County Assessment Appeals Board hears these disputes. Regular appeals must be filed between July 2 and September 15. Some decline-in-value appeals can be filed until November 30.

Get an appeal form from the Assessor or Clerk of the Board. Complete all sections. State your opinion of the correct value and explain why you disagree. Attach evidence like recent sales of similar properties, a professional appraisal, or photos of damage.

After filing, the Board schedules a hearing. You get at least 45 days notice. At the hearing, present your case with evidence. The Assessor presents their valuation. The Board decides the correct value based on all evidence. You can represent yourself or hire help.

A successful appeal reduces your taxes for that year. You must file a new appeal each year if the dispute continues.

California Property Tax Law

California property taxes follow Proposition 13 rules. 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 laws apply to all California counties.

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

Key Property Tax Dates

Important dates include January 1, the lien date when values are set. February 15 is the exemption filing deadline. 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 go into default. Business property statements are due April 1. Assessment appeals are filed between July 2 and September 15 or November 30.

Nearby Counties

San Benito County borders several other California counties. Each manages its own property tax system.