New Homeowners

Important Property Tax Dates

First Installment

• Due: November 1
• Delinquent after: December 10

Second Installment

• Due: February 1
• Delinquent after: April 10

If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payments are accepted the next business day without penalty. Late payments may result in penalties and additional fees.

How to Pay Your Property Taxes

Homeowners in Santa Cruz County can pay property taxes through several convenient methods:

• Online payment portal
• Bill Pay through your online banking
• Easy Smart Pay
• Mail-in payments
• In-person payments
• Mortgage impound/escrow accounts

If your taxes are paid through an escrow account, your mortgage company typically handles payment on your behalf.

Mailing Address

PO Box 5639
Santa Cruz, CA 95063

Office Locations and Hours

Claim Your Homeowners’ Exemption

You may qualify for the California Homeowners’ Exemption, which can reduce the taxable value of your primary residence.

Eligible homeowners should complete and submit the Homeowners’ Exemption claim form through the Assessor’s Office.

Understanding Supplemental Tax Bills

After purchasing a property, you may receive a Supplemental Property Tax Bill.

This happens because California law reassesses property based on the new purchase price. Supplemental bills are separate from your annual tax bill and may arrive several months after closing.

Supplemental bills are not typically included in escrow impound accounts and have separate payment deadlines. Failure to pay may result in penalties.

Keep Your Mailing Address Updated

To ensure you receive important tax notices and bills, notify the County if your mailing address changes after your purchase.

Incorrect mailing information does not remove responsibility for paying taxes on time.

Helpful Resources for New Homeowners

• Assessor Forms & Exemptions
• California Proposition 19 Information
• Senior and Disable Citizen Exemptions
• CA Property Tax Postponement for Senior Citizens, Blind or Disabled Persons
• Property Tax Education Collaboration with Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay Santa Cruz County proudly partnered with Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay to provide property tax education and homeowner support resources for first-time homeowners.
  • Property Tax Education Presentation (PDF)
  • Property Tax Education Video (Spanish)

Need Assistance?

The Treasurer-Tax Collector and Assessor teams are available to help answer questions regarding:

• Property tax bills
• Supplemental assessments
• Homeowners’ exemptions
• Ownership changes
• Payment options