Santa Clara County Tax Records Online

Santa Clara County property tax records are managed by the Assessor's Office and the Department of Tax and Collections. Property owners can search assessed values, view tax bills, and make payments through online portals at no charge. The county serves Silicon Valley including San Jose, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, and Palo Alto. The Assessor's Office is at 130 West Tasman Drive in San Jose with phone support at 408-299-5500. The Exemption Unit has a dedicated line at 408-299-6460. Online systems provide access to property information, payment options, and forms without needing to visit county offices during regular business hours from Monday through Friday.

Santa Clara County Assessor's Office

The Santa Clara County Assessor's Office values all taxable property in the county. Values are determined 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 Santa Clara County.

The main office is at 130 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Call 408-299-5500 for general questions. The Exemption Unit can be reached at 408-299-6460. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The official website at sccassessor.org 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 and available 24 hours a day.

Department of Tax and Collections

The Santa Clara County Department of Tax and Collections 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 department at 408-808-7900. The office is at 110 West Tasman Drive, San Jose, CA 95134. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The website at dtac.santaclaracounty.gov/home 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 Santa Clara County property taxes online at dtac.santaclaracounty.gov/home. Enter your parcel number or property address to find your bill. The portal 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 110 West Tasman Drive 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 the Exemption Unit at 408-299-6460 for assistance with veteran and disabled person exemptions.

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 at 408-299-5500 for forms and eligibility requirements.

Assessment Appeal Process

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.

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. Some counties charge a filing fee to cover administrative costs.

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.

Silicon Valley Property Market

Santa Clara County encompasses Silicon Valley, home to many technology companies and high property values. The county includes cities like San Jose, Palo Alto, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara. Property values in this region are among the highest in California.

The Assessor handles complex valuation issues for commercial properties including office buildings, research facilities, and technology campuses. Residential properties range from modest homes to multi-million dollar estates. The county's property tax system follows Proposition 13 rules regardless of property value.

Major Cities in Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County includes several cities over 100,000 population. The County Assessor and Tax Collector handle property taxes for all cities.

Nearby Counties

Santa Clara County borders Alameda, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, San Benito, and Stanislaus counties. Each county manages its own property tax system.