Understanding California Property Taxes
Your resource for understanding property tax assessments, your right to appeal, and how to file — tailored to your county.
Appeal guides by county
Step-by-step guides tailored to your county's specific forms, deadlines, and fees.
Alameda County
- Informal review
- Accepted year-roundFree
- Formal appeal
- July 2 – September 15$50
Los Angeles County
- Informal review
- July 2 – November 30Free
- Formal appeal
- July 2 – November 30$46
Orange County
- Informal review
- Deadline: April 30Free
- Formal appeal
- July 2 – November 30$0
San Diego County
- Informal review
- December 1 – April 30Free
- Formal appeal
- July 2 – November 30$0
San Mateo County
- Informal review
- Deadline: October 31Free
- Formal appeal
- July 2 – November 30$30
Santa Clara County
- Informal review
- Deadline: August 1Free
- Formal appeal
- July 2 – September 15$290
California property tax basics
What is Proposition 8?
When your home's market value drops below its assessed value, Prop 8 lets you pay taxes on the lower amount. Most homeowners don't know this exists.
Read moreBASICSProp 13 vs. Prop 8
The two California property tax laws aren't alternatives — they work together. Prop 13 is the ceiling, Prop 8 is the temporary safety valve below it.
Read morePROCEDUREDecline-in-value reassessment, explained
The official name for a Prop 8 reduction. How the lien date, factored base year value, and county processes actually work.
Read moreEVIDENCEWhat evidence wins a property tax appeal?
Comparable sales, the 90-day rule under R&T § 402.5, adjustments under Property Tax Rule 4 — and what doesn't work (Zillow, neighbor's tax bill, listings).
Read moreDEADLINESCalifornia property tax deadlines by county
Lien date, tax bill due dates, informal review windows, and formal appeal deadlines for the six counties Overassessed serves — in one table.
Read moreReady to check if you're overpaying?
Enter your address and we'll tell you in seconds whether your home is likely overassessed — completely free.
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