Are you too wondering when are property taxes due in California?
If you own property—or plan to buy, build, or entitle land in California—you need to keep a close eye on property tax deadlines. Missing a due date can lead to steep penalties, delays in closings, or even liens on your project.
At JDJ Consulting Group, we guide clients through land use, entitlements, and feasibility—but those processes mean little if overlooked taxes hold things up. Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or developer, understanding when your California property taxes are due is key to managing your real estate strategy.
Let’s break it down, simply.
📂 Property Tax Types in California
- 🏠 Attached to real property (land, homes, buildings)
- 💵 Billed in two installments (Nov 1 & Feb 1)
- 📌 Penalties for late payment: 10% + fees
💰 Estimate Your Late Payment Penalty
How California Splits Its Property Tax Payments (Two Installments Per Year)
California uses a two-installment system for secured property taxes. These taxes are tied to the property—not the owner—and are based on your assessed value as of January 1 each year.
Here’s how the billing cycle works:
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First installment
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Due: November 1
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Late after: December 10 (10% penalty if unpaid)
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Second installment
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Due: February 1
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Late after: April 10 (10% penalty + admin fee)
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These aren’t reminders. Most counties don’t mail a second notice—so if you forget, the penalties stick.
Table: Key California Property Tax Installment Dates
| Installment | Due Date | Delinquent After | Penalty Applied |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | November 1 | December 10 | 10% of installment |
| 2nd | February 1 | April 10 | 10% + $10–$23 fee (varies by county) |
Planning a title transfer, subdivision, or sale? Taxes must be current before the county records changes. Unpaid bills can delay closings or approvals.
What About Unsecured Property Taxes?
While most real estate is taxed under the secured roll, some assets—like business equipment, leased land, and tenant-owned structures—fall under the unsecured roll. These are not attached to real property and are billed separately.
Unsecured property tax applies to:
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Business personal property (machinery, furniture, inventory)
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Leasehold improvements
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Tenant-owned mobile homes
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Certain boats or aircraft
Unsecured Tax Timeline:
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Lien Date: January 1
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Bill Issued: July (varies by county)
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Payment Due: August 31
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Delinquent: September 1 → 10% penalty + interest
For commercial and industrial clients, unsecured tax issues can appear during permitting, leasing, or building upgrades.
JDJ tip: If you’re repurposing land for commercial use or adding taxable assets (like solar or containers), check whether they’ll be taxed separately.
Important California Property Tax Deadlines in 2025 (Statewide Calendar)
California follows a fixed fiscal calendar for assessing and collecting property taxes. This is especially important for developers and investors during:
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Project acquisition
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Entitlement applications
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Closing transactions
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New construction or change-of-use conversions
If a property has unpaid taxes, it can delay entitlements, permitting, or even title transfers.
Here’s a simple breakdown of California’s 2025 property tax calendar:
2025 California Property Tax Timeline
| Date | Event | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | Lien Date | The value of your property is set; any owner on record becomes liable |
| February 1 | 2nd Installment Due | Second half of your secured taxes now payable |
| April 10 | 2nd Installment Becomes Delinquent | 10% penalty + admin fee if unpaid |
| July 1 | Start of Fiscal Year | Counties begin processing upcoming tax roll |
| August 31 | Unsecured Tax Deadline | 10% penalty if unpaid (mostly for businesses or equipment) |
| November 1 | 1st Installment Due | First half of your secured taxes now payable |
| December 10 | 1st Installment Becomes Delinquent | 10% penalty if unpaid; can impact escrow or title clearance |
JDJ Tip: Planning to subdivide, sell, or entitle a site in early 2025? Make sure the first installment (due Nov 1) is paid before Dec 10 to avoid processing delays.
What Happens If You Miss a Property Tax Deadline?
If you miss a property tax deadline in California—even by one day—the penalties are automatic and non-negotiable. These costs can pile up fast and complicate escrow, refinancing, or building permit signoffs.
Penalties for Missed Payments:
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10% of the unpaid amount (both installments)
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$10–$23 administrative charge for the second installment
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Delinquent for 5+ years? The property may be sold at public auction
For unsecured taxes, penalties include:
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10% penalty plus
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Monthly interest of 1.5%, starting September 1
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Collection action or liens filed against the business
If you’re planning to record a lot line adjustment or new title deed, taxes must be current. JDJ helps clients coordinate with counties to avoid rejection or re-recording fees.
Can You Get an Extension for Property Tax in California?
Yes—but only in specific cases. California law allows counties to offer tax postponements or deadline relief for owners affected by wildfires, natural disasters, or financial hardship.
You may qualify for an extension or temporary relief if:
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You live in a declared disaster area (FEMA or governor-approved)
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You are a senior (62+) or disabled homeowner under the Property Tax Postponement Program
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Your property was destroyed or made uninhabitable
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You received an IRS or state-level disaster extension
Agencies Offering Relief or Postponement
If you’re working on a rebuild, site acquisition, or inherited estate in a declared zone, JDJ can help you determine if property tax relief applies—and when to submit the right forms.
How JDJ Consulting Group Helps You Stay Ahead of Property Tax Deadlines
At JDJ Consulting Group, we don’t just think about zoning and permits—we look at the full development picture. That includes understanding how property taxes affect land acquisition, due diligence, title transfers, and your long-term investment returns.
Here’s how we help:
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Feasibility Studies that factor in upcoming tax obligations
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Permit Expediting that avoids issues with unpaid taxes delaying clearance
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Entitlement Strategy that aligns with fiscal timelines
FAQs About When Are Property Taxes Due in California
What day are California property taxes due in 2025?
First installment: Due November 1, late after December 10
Second installment: Due February 1, late after April 10
If you miss the deadline, a 10% penalty is added immediately.
What happens if I forget to pay property tax in California?
Late payments trigger:
A 10% penalty on the overdue amount
Extra charges on the second installment
Risk of default status if unpaid by June 30
For 5+ years of nonpayment, your property may be auctioned
Check your county’s online portal for reminders or enroll in autopay.
Are California property tax deadlines the same every year?
Yes, dates are consistent across all counties:
November 1 and February 1 are the due dates
December 10 and April 10 are the delinquent dates
If the date falls on a weekend or holiday, it extends to the next business day.
Can I pay both property tax installments at once?
Yes! You can pay both installments early (as early as November 1) to avoid stress and penalties. Many investors pay the full amount upfront for better financial planning.
Use your county’s portal or pay via mortgage escrow.
Do property tax deadlines affect permitting or land transfers?
Absolutely. If your taxes are unpaid:
The county recorder may reject your title transfer or deed
Permit approvals could be delayed
Escrow and closing may be postponed
Our team checks tax status as part of all due diligence and entitlement packages.
📆 2025 California Property Tax Timeline
- 🗓 Jan 1: Lien date – Property values set for 2025
- 💸 Feb 1: Second installment due (secured roll)
- ⏰ Apr 10: Second installment delinquent – 10% penalty applies
- 📎 Jul 1: New fiscal year begins – County rolls updated
- 📬 Aug 31: Unsecured property taxes due
- 📥 Nov 1: First installment due (secured roll)
- 🚨 Dec 10: First installment delinquent – 10% penalty applies
* If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day.
Conclusion
Staying on top of your property-tax calendar in California is not optional—it’s essential. Missing the due dates for either the November 1 or February 1 installments (or the August 31 unsecured deadline) triggers automatic penalties and can derail closings, title transfers, or development approvals.
Whether you’re a homeowner, investor or developer, integrating tax-deadline awareness into your land-use and entitlement strategy keeps your project moving smoothly. At JDJ Consulting Group, we don’t just track zoning and permits—we align your real-estate moves with fiscal milestones, helping you avoid surprises and stay ahead of the calendar.
Are you ready to protect your real-estate timeline and investment? Let’s talk. At JDJ Consulting Group we help with:
Land-Use & Entitlement Strategy
Permit Expediting
Feasibility Studies & Highest-and-Best-Use Analysis
Due Diligence Consulting
Agency Liaison & Stakeholder Outreach
Give us a call at (818) 793-5058 or email sales@jdj-consulting.com.Visit us at 12925 Riverside Dr Suite 302, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423, United States.
Book your free consultation now: https://jdj-consulting.com/book-consultation/
Learn more about our full range of services here: https://jdj-consulting.com/services/
Take the proactive step today—ensure your property-tax obligations strengthen your deal, not stall it.
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