Taxes can be confusing, and we understand that. Whether you currently reside in or are moving to Sacramento, it’s important to be informed about the county’s taxes, more specifically, the property taxes. There’s a lot to cover, so that’s why we’ve created a complete guide to everything you need to know about Sacramento property taxes. In the guide, we will discuss what property taxes are, the property tax rate and what that means for you, how the property tax is calculated, and so much more.
Table of Contents
Sacramento Property Taxes
To start off, we want to define what property taxes actually are. Basically, a property tax is an ad valorem tax (a tax whose amount is based on the value of the property) that is paid by an individual (or entity) on an owned property.
So, why property taxes? Property taxes first started in 1797 when the government needed to fund the U.S. Navy. Back then, many taxes were started as a response to needing to finance the wars. The modern property tax was implemented in 1916. Nowadays, property taxes are used to fund government initiatives and services (think everything from fire and police protection to libraries and road work). This is why neighborhoods with higher property taxes tend to have good school districts, safe neighborhoods, and plenty of neighborhood amenities that only homeowners in that neighborhood can enjoy.
In California, property taxes are limited by Proposition 13. This means that general property taxes are limited to 1% of a property’s market value and that increases in assessed value to 2% per year are restricted. More easily understood, California’s overall property taxes are below the national average due to Proposition 13. Also, in California, property taxes are based on the purchase price of the property.
There are two main agencies in charge of property taxes: the assessor and the tax collector. Let’s break down what both of these roles do.
Sacramento County Assessor
First, the assessor. The assessor determines the value of the physical home and the land it sits on, basically, the assessor estimated the market value for all of the owned property. In order to do this, the assessor takes into account the value of the home, the land, and other personal property (think things like cars and boats). They will also work with local authorities to look at local property values.
- Christina Wynn, Sacramento County, Assessor
- Sacramento County Assessor’s Office
- 3636 American River Drive, Suite 200, Sacramento, CA 95864-5952
- (916) 875-0730
- Phone Hours 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Office Hours 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sacramento Tax Collector
Now let’s get into the tax collector. The tax collector is the local government in which you live. In this case, it would be the Sacramento county local government, not the California government nor the U.S. government.
The property tax rate itself, however, is determined by local officials. The role of the local officials is to set a local Sacramento property tax rate after taking into account the property type and location of the state and county.
- Carlos Valencia – Assistant Tax Collector
- County of Sacramento Tax Collection and Business Licensing Division
- 700 H St #1710, Sacramento, CA 95814
- (916) 874-6622
- Monday – Friday from 9:00am to 4:00pm
Sacramento Property Tax Rates
2021-22 Sacramento County Property Assessment Roll Tops $199 Billion
The assessment roll is the total gross assessed value of locally assessed real, business, and personal property in Sacramento County. After the deduction of property tax exemptions for homeowners, disabled veterans, and charitable organizations, the net assessed value as of January 2021 is $190.0 billion.
Now it’s time to figure out the numbers. So, how are property taxes actually calculated in Sacramento? Well, a good rule of thumb is to go off of the equation Property Tax = Assessed Value X Tax Rate. The Assessed Value of your property can be estimated by looking at comparative properties in your area, or calculated by a home assessor. The Tax Rate depends on where you live. The Sacramento average property tax rate for 2022 is .81%. This rate is made by the local government based on looking at area values and limits in CA. Therefore, in order to get an idea of what your property tax will be, multiply your estimated property value by .81%. The number you will get is what you will pay annually for property taxes.
Let’s do a quick example. If you value your property at $200,000 and the property tax rate is .81%, then the total property tax on the property would be $1,620 per year.
As we stated previously, California is protected by Proposition 13. This means that the property tax rate will not see huge changes year over year. Therefore, it is safe to say that the property tax rate you are paying now, will not see any big spiked or dips throughout the years.
But what about if you move to a new home in one of the many cities of Sacramento County? Well, then things can change. You might think that your property tax will be the same as the previous owner of your new home, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. You and the previous owner qualify for different tax exemptions, which can fluctuate the property tax price immensely. Therefore, it’s important to look at your own numbers, rather than the previous owners.
So how does the Sacramento county property tax rate differ from the state and national rates? The overall property taxes in California are below the national average at .73%. The national rate, on the other hand, is at 1.07%. This means that the Sacramento county property tax rate is between California and the national average.
Sacramento Property Tax Payments – Due Dates and How to Pay Your Bill
Sacramento property taxes can be paid just like many other counties. Payments for property tax should be paid annually either by mail, in-person, through the phone, or online. For more information about how to pay property taxes in Sacramento, check out Sacramento County’s Online Property Tax Bill Information System.
As stated above, property taxes in Sacramento County are paid annually, they cannot be paid monthly. If you would prefer monthly, you can ask your mortgage company to open an impound or escrow account for your property taxes. This, however, will increase your monthly mortgage payments to cover the annual secured property taxes.
You can expect to see your annual secured property tax bills from the treasurer and tax collectors in October of each year. The first installment of the bill is due on November 1st, the second is due on February 1st. The first installment is considered delinquent (unpaid) on December 10th and the second installment is considered delinquent on April 10th. If you do not pay the bill on time (after the delinquent date) there is a penalty of 10% of the installment amount due with an additional 1.5% fee for each month after that.
Sacramento Property Tax Search
Now that you understand a little more about property taxes, where they came from, and why they exist, you might be ready to start doing research on your property taxes to get a better understanding of the Sacramento cost of living. In order to do this, you’ll need a little information about your property. You can complete a Sacramento property look up by searching through your address, tax parcel number, tax bill number, or the name of the owner(s). Try filling in some of that information here and see what you can find. For more information about Sacramento property tax search, visit Sacramento County Property and Taxes.
It’s important to remember that if you are searching for a property that is not yours, the property tax is subject to change if you were to buy this property. With exemptions, your property tax might be different than the current owners property taxes at the same property.
Additional Sacramento Property Tax Information
Property Tax Exemptions
In Sacramento County, there is the Homeowners’ Exemption. This exemption provides homeowners a discount of $7,000 of assessed value. This saves about $75 in property taxes each year. In order to qualify for this exemption, you have to be a property owner, co-owner, or purchaser named in the contract of sale. The program is free, but you will have to fill out an application. This also can only be used for your principal place of residence, meaning it is where you return at the end of the day, where your vehicle is registered, where you are registered to vote, and where your mailing address is. If you want to file, you need to apply by February 15th to get full Homeowners’ Exemption. If you apply late than that, you can still get a partial exemption. If you move from the property or rent it out, it is no longer your primary residence so you will no longer qualify to receive the exemption. Note: You are only eligible for ONE homeowner’s exemption at a time within the state.
Another exemption is for disabled veterans and nonprofit exemptions. For the disabled veteran’s exemption, there are two levels: basic and low-income. Basic is based on your total annual income while low income is based on your total household income. In order to qualify, you must be 100% disabled or 100% unemployable due to service-connected to injury or disease. You can also be an unmarried surviving spouse of a deceased veteran. For more information or to apply, check out Disabled Veterans/Surviving Spouses Property Tax Exemption. For the Nonprofit exemption, sectors that are included are cemeteries, churches, colleges, free libraries or museums, public schools, aircraft of historical significance, religious, and veterns and welfare organizations. If you have more questions about whether or not you qualify, find more at Nonprofit Property Tax Exemptions.
Contacting Sacramento County Tax Assessor
If you have more questions or are looking for a tax assessor, please visit Sacramento County Contact Information.
Where Do the Property Taxes Go?
Wondering what the government does with all the tax money? Your tax bill indicates the distributions of taxes and assessments, with the exception of the 1% general level established with Proposition 13. The 1% general levy is distributed among multiple agencies in the county as follows:
Sacramento County Property Tax Appeals
If you disagree with the property bill you receive in October, you can challenge it by filing an appeal with the Assessment Appeals Board. The period of assessment appeals is July 2 to November 30th. You can find out more about appealing here: Assessment Appeals.
Sacramento Property Tax FAQ
When are property taxes due in Sacramento?
The first installment of the bill is due on November 1st, the second is due on February 1st
When are Sacramento property taxes due?
The first installment of the bill is due on November 1st, the second is due on February 1st
At what age do you stop paying property taxes in Sacramento?
At 62 years or older, you are given the option of having the state pay all or part of the property taxes on your residence
When are property tax bills mailed out in Sacramento?
October 1st
When are Sacramento tax bills mailed?
October 1st
How do I pay my property taxes in Sacramento?
Either by mail, in-person, through the phone, or online
What is the property tax rate in Sacramento?
.81%
What is the Sacramento property tax rate?
.81%
How are property taxes calculated in Sacramento?
Property Tax = Assessed Value X Tax Rate
Are Sacramento property taxes paid in arrears?
In California, you pay half the tax in advance and the other half in arrears at the start of the fiscal year
We hope property taxes are a little less confusing for you now, and we hope you’re excited to call Sacramento county your new home! When you’re ready for the move, make sure you have fast, reliable Sacramento movers from Mother Lode Moving with you. Call 916-631-4285 for more information.
