Access Tehama County Property Tax Records

Tehama County property tax records contain information on all taxable properties in the county. The County Assessor in Red Bluff determines values for all parcels. The Tax Collector sends bills and collects payments from property owners. Public access to these records is guaranteed under California law. You can search records using parcel numbers, property addresses, or owner names. The county provides online search capabilities and in-person assistance at county offices in Red Bluff. Property tax records include assessed values, all exemptions, special assessments, voter-approved bonds, and complete payment history for every Tehama County parcel.

Tehama County Assessor

The Tehama County Assessor office is located in Red Bluff. Call 530-527-5931 for questions about your assessment. Mail can be sent to PO Box 428, Red Bluff. The Assessor values all real estate and business property in the county. Values are established each January 1, which is the lien date.

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 that adds value. This system protects long-term owners from sudden tax increases.

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 added value. This gets added to your assessment starting the next tax year or sooner through a supplemental bill.

The Assessor maintains records on every parcel in Tehama County. These include ownership history, parcel maps, building descriptions, and assessment data. You can request copies of assessment rolls or parcel information. Some records are available online while others require an office visit or written request.

Tax Bills and Payments

Tehama County Tax Collector manages all property tax billing and collection. Call 530-527-4535 with payment questions. Tax bills are sent in two installments each fiscal year.

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 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.

You can pay online, by mail, or in person. The county website provides 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 fee amounts before paying.

For mail payments, send to PO Box 428, Red Bluff, CA 96080. Include the payment stub from your bill. For in-person payments, visit the Tax Collector office during business hours.

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

Look Up Property Tax Information

Tehama County provides access to property tax records. You can search online or visit county offices. Search by parcel number, property address, or owner name. The system shows current bills, payment history, and assessment details.

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 with your important property documents.

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 applied.

Apply for Tax Exemptions

Tehama 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 granted, it renews automatically unless you move or sell the property.

Veterans with 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 530-527-5931.

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

Challenge Your Assessment

If you believe your assessment is too high, you can file an appeal. The Tehama 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 deadlines 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. Attach evidence like recent sales of similar properties, a professional appraisal, or photos showing damage.

The Board schedules a hearing after you file. 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 only. If you disagree with future assessments, you must file a new appeal each year.

California Property Tax Laws

California property taxes follow Proposition 13. 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 counties including Tehama 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 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

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