Siskiyou County Tax Records

Siskiyou County property tax records contain detailed information on all taxable parcels in the county. The County Assessor in Yreka determines property values each year. The Tax Collector sends bills and collects payments from property owners. These records are public under California law and searchable by anyone. You can look up information using parcel numbers, street addresses, or owner names. The county provides online search tools plus in-person assistance at offices in Yreka. Property tax records include assessed values, exemptions, special assessments, voter-approved bonds, and complete payment history for all Siskiyou County properties.

Siskiyou County Assessor

The Siskiyou County Assessor is at 311 Fourth Street in Yreka. Call 530-842-8036 for questions about your assessment. The Assessor values all real property and business personal property in the county. Values are established each January 1, which is the lien date for property taxes.

Under California Proposition 13, property is valued at purchase price when ownership changes. After that, values can increase by up to two percent per year unless new construction occurs. Major improvements like adding buildings or rooms trigger a supplemental assessment. This system keeps property tax bills stable for long-term owners.

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

The Assessor keeps detailed records on every parcel. These include ownership information, parcel maps, building details, and assessment history. You can request copies of assessment rolls or parcel data. Some information is available online. Other records require an office visit or written request.

Tax Bills and Payments

Siskiyou County Tax Collector manages all property tax billing and collection. The office phone is 530-842-8340. They are located at 311 Fourth Street in Yreka. 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, mail, and in person. The county website provides links for online payment. Credit and debit cards have a service fee. Electronic checks may have a lower fee or be free. Check the website for current fee amounts before paying.

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

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

Search Property Tax Records

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

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 shows when payments were received and how they were applied to your account.

Tax Exemptions Available

Siskiyou 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 apply for the Disabled Veterans' Exemption. The amount depends on disability rating and income. Higher disability percentages mean larger exemptions. Provide proof of your VA disability rating when you apply.

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 530-842-8036.

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

Appeal Your Property Assessment

If you believe your property assessment is too high, you can file an appeal. The Siskiyou 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. Verify the deadline with the Clerk of the Board.

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 with the Assessor. Attach supporting evidence like recent sales of similar properties, a professional appraisal, or photos showing 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 professional help.

A successful appeal reduces your taxes for that year only. If you continue to disagree with future assessments, you must file a new appeal each year.

California Property Tax Law

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 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 including Siskiyou County.

The California State Board of Equalization oversees county assessors. They audit practices and issue guidance. 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 type.

Nearby Counties

Siskiyou County borders several other California counties and Oregon. Each California county has separate property tax administration.