Sacramento County Property Tax Guide: Pay, Search, Due Dates & Exemptions
Sacramento County property taxes are easier to handle when you verify the parcel first and pay second. A missing annual bill, old payment coupon, escrow account, supplemental bill, direct levy, or missed Homeowners’ Exemption can change what you should do next. This guide explains the process in plain English so you can understand your bill here, then use the official Sacramento County system only when it is time to search, pay, download a bill, file an exemption, or resolve a delinquent balance.
Quick Answer
Start with the parcel record. Use the 14-digit Assessor’s parcel number when you have it, or use the Assessor Parcel Viewer to find it by property address. Then open e-PropTax, confirm the annual secured tax bill, check the first and second installment status, download or print payment stubs if needed, review direct levies and delinquency warnings, and pay only through an official Sacramento County payment option.
Do not pay from memory. A saved bill, old coupon, escrow assumption, or bank bill-pay setup can be wrong if the installment changed, a supplemental bill was issued, a payment was rejected, or a prior-year balance became delinquent.
Sacramento County Property Tax Help by Situation
Use this quick map if you came from search and want the right task fast. Each row explains what to check first and which section gives the practical next step.
| Your Situation | What to Check First | Best Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| I need to pay Sacramento County property tax | Parcel number, installment, due date, balance and payment method. | Use the payment guide |
| I do not know my parcel number | Property address in the Assessor Parcel Viewer. | Search by address |
| I need a bill copy or payment coupon | Current year bill, unpaid installment and payment stub. | Get bill/payment stub help |
| I just bought the property | Annual bill, supplemental bill, escrow setup and exemptions. | Read new-buyer section |
| I may qualify for an exemption | Principal residence, homeowner status or disabled veteran status. | Review exemptions |
| I have an old unpaid bill | Prior-year delinquency, default date, redemption penalties and tax sale risk. | Check delinquent tax help |
Before You Pay: 7 Checks That Prevent Most Problems
Most property tax mistakes happen before the payment screen. Take a few minutes to verify the parcel, bill type, installment and payment status before entering bank or card information.
How to Find a Sacramento County Property Tax Bill
Sacramento County uses e-PropTax as its online property tax information system. If you have the 14-digit parcel number, you can use it to look up current year and prior year unpaid tax bills, current-year payment stubs, direct levies, special assessments, online payment links and delinquency warnings.
- Open Sacramento County e-PropTax.
- Enter the 14-digit Assessor’s parcel number.
- Review the annual secured bill and any current fiscal-year bills issued or due.
- Open payment stubs if an unpaid installment needs a coupon.
- Check whether prior-year delinquent taxes or direct levies appear.
What e-PropTax can show
Use this to review the secured property tax bill and the first or second installment amount.
Unpaid secured installments may show payment stubs or coupons that help identify the correct bill and installment.
Some bills include direct levies or special assessments. Review the description, amount and contact information when shown.
If prior-year secured taxes are unpaid, e-PropTax may show a warning or link for more detail.
Privacy note: Sacramento County says e-PropTax does not provide owner or address information due to privacy concerns. Use the parcel number and Assessor tools to confirm the property.
How to Search by Parcel Number, Address or Owner Name
The tax payment system is built around the 14-digit Assessor’s parcel number. If you do not know that number, use the Assessor Parcel Viewer to locate the parcel by address or map. Owner information is more limited online, so do not rely on owner-name searching as your main payment method.
- Open the Sacramento County Assessor Parcel Viewer.
- Search by property address or use the map tools.
- Confirm the correct parcel, jurisdiction and address.
- Copy the 14-digit parcel number carefully.
- Use that number in e-PropTax to review tax bill information.
| Search Method | Best Use | Risk to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| 14-digit parcel number | Best for e-PropTax, bill lookup, automated phone information and payment. | Typing one digit wrong or using a parcel number from a different lot. |
| Address search | Best when you need to locate the parcel number through the Assessor Parcel Viewer. | Choosing a similar parcel, neighboring unit, or wrong jurisdiction. |
| Owner-name clue | Useful only for research or in-person/official contact when allowed. | Paying based only on a name match or outdated ownership record. |
How to Pay Sacramento County Property Tax
Payment options include online e-check, online credit card, telephone payment, mail by check, and in-person payment at the Tax Collector’s Office. The safest workflow is to verify the parcel and installment first, then pay through the official payment route that fits your situation.
| Payment Option | What to Know | Micro Steps | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online e-check | Sacramento County states there is no fee to make a payment by e-check. Verify data entry carefully. | Open e-PropTax → enter parcel number → choose e-check → review account details → save confirmation. | Pay by e-PropTax |
| Online credit card | Credit card payments are processed by a contractor and may include a convenience fee. | Confirm parcel → choose installment → review fee → pay before midnight on deadline → save receipt. | Pay online |
| Telephone payment | Sacramento County lists telephone payment at (844) 430-2823 using the 14-digit parcel number. | Call → enter parcel number → choose payment route → confirm amount → record confirmation number. | Tax payment info |
| Mail by check | Checks are payable to Sacramento County and must have a USPS postmark by the deadline. | Use correct coupon → write parcel/bill/installment if needed → mail early → keep postmark proof. | Mail payment details |
| In person | The Tax Collector’s Office is at 700 H Street, Room 1710, Sacramento, CA 95814. | Bring bill/coupon → confirm accepted payment type → keep receipt → verify posting later. | Secured taxes info |
Deadline warning: Online or phone transactions should be completed before midnight on the payment deadline. If the internet or phone system is busy and you miss the deadline, penalties may not be waived.
Rejected payment warning: If your financial institution rejects a payment after the due date, Sacramento County may charge a return payment fee and penalties. Check account numbers, routing numbers and available funds before submitting.
How to Get a Bill Copy, Payment Stub or Coupon
Payment stubs matter because they help Sacramento County identify the parcel, bill and installment being paid. This is especially important for mail payments, bank bill-pay checks, in-person payments, and any payment that is not made directly through e-PropTax.
- Open e-PropTax.
- Enter the 14-digit parcel number.
- Review the most recent secured annual property tax bill.
- Open the payment stub for the unpaid installment if available.
- Print or save the information before mailing or paying in person.
| Bill Area | Why It Matters | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Parcel number | Connects the bill to the correct property and payment record. | Match it with the Assessor Parcel Viewer and tax bill. |
| Bill type | Annual secured, supplemental, addenda and prior-year delinquent bills are different. | Read the bill type before comparing amounts or paying. |
| Installment | First and second installments have different due and delinquency dates. | Confirm which installment you are paying. |
| Payment stub | Helps identify the payment if you mail a check or pay in person. | Include the correct stub/coupon when required. |
| Direct levies | Some special assessments may have separate district contact information. | Review direct levy details if the bill is higher than expected. |
Sacramento County Property Tax Due Dates
Secured annual property tax bills are typically mailed in October. The first installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent after December 10. The second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent after April 10. If a date falls on a weekend or legal holiday, confirm the official treatment before relying on it.
- Open Sacramento County’s tax dates page.
- Confirm whether your bill is annual secured, supplemental, unsecured or prior-year delinquent.
- Check the installment and delinquency date shown on the bill.
- Pay early if using bank bill pay or mail, because check issue dates and postmarks matter.
- Save the payment confirmation or postmark proof.
| Date | What Happens | Practical Step |
|---|---|---|
| October | Secured annual property tax bills are mailed. | Do not wait for mail if you need the bill. Use e-PropTax or the phone system. |
| November 1 | First installment of secured property taxes is due. | Review the first installment, payment stub and escrow status. |
| December 10 | Deadline to pay first installment without penalty. | Complete online/phone payment before midnight or mail with correct postmark. |
| February 1 | Second installment is due. | Check whether the lender paid or whether you must pay yourself. |
| April 10 | Deadline to pay second installment without penalty. | Verify posted status before sending a duplicate payment. |
| June 30 | Current year secured taxes should be paid before redemption penalties, state redemption fee and interest accrual. | Act immediately if any current secured taxes remain unpaid. |
Late Payment, Penalties and Penalty Relief
Sacramento County says delinquency penalties are charged at the close of the delinquency date. If your payment is late because of internet, phone, bank bill-pay timing, rejected payment, or missing bill confusion, do not assume the penalty will automatically be removed.
- Search the parcel in e-PropTax and confirm the unpaid amount.
- Check whether the issue is current year, prior year, supplemental or unsecured.
- Save payment confirmations, rejection notices, bank records and postmark proof.
- Review the county penalty relief page if you believe you have a valid reason.
- Contact the Tax Collector if the online record does not explain the balance.
Sacramento County Property Tax Exemptions
The most common homeowner exemption is the Homeowners’ Exemption. Sacramento County Assessor information says it reduces assessed value by $7,000 and can save about $70 to $80 per year. The property must be your principal place of residence, and an application is required.
- Confirm that you own or are buying the property.
- Confirm that you occupy the home as your principal residence as of January 1.
- File by February 15 for the full exemption when applicable.
- If filing February 16 through December 10, review partial exemption rules.
- Keep a copy of the completed application for your records.
| Exemption | Who Should Review | Important Detail | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homeowners’ Exemption | Owner-occupants using the home as their principal residence. | Provides a $7,000 assessed-value reduction; application required. | Homeowners’ Exemption |
| Disabled Veterans’ Exemption | Qualifying disabled veterans or unmarried surviving spouses. | Has basic and low-income levels; low-income level requires annual filing. | Disabled Veterans’ Exemption |
| Nonprofit exemptions | Organizations claiming property tax exemption under applicable rules. | Not for ordinary owner-occupied homes. | All exemptions |
One benefit issue: Sacramento County explains that homeowners cannot receive both the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption and the Homeowners’ Exemption on the same property. Most qualifying owners select the larger benefit when eligible.
Supplemental and Addenda Property Tax Bills
A supplemental tax bill is separate from the regular annual secured tax bill. It can be triggered by a change in ownership or new construction. New buyers should read supplemental bills carefully because these bills may be sent directly to the owner and may not automatically be paid by a lender or impound account.
- Use the 14-digit Assessor’s parcel number.
- Open e-PropTax and check whether supplemental or addenda bills appear.
- Compare the bill with your closing statement and lender escrow documents.
- Do not assume the mortgage company will automatically pay it.
- Contact the lender if the bill belongs to your ownership period and escrow is involved.
New buyer warning: Supplemental, additional and escaped assessment tax bills do not replace the regular annual secured tax bill. They are usually in addition to other tax bills.
If You Just Bought a Sacramento County Property
New owners often see several tax-related items close together: seller credits, escrow deposits, the annual secured bill, a supplemental assessment, and a Homeowners’ Exemption application. These are not the same thing.
- Find the parcel number from closing paperwork or the Assessor Parcel Viewer.
- Check e-PropTax for the annual secured bill and any supplemental bills.
- Compare the county bill with your closing statement and escrow setup.
- Ask your lender whether they will pay annual secured taxes, supplemental taxes, or both.
- Review the Homeowners’ Exemption if the property is your principal residence.
- Save the closing statement, bill copy, payment proof and exemption application.
Why Did My Sacramento County Property Tax Bill Change?
A property tax bill can change because of assessed value, new ownership, new construction, supplemental assessments, direct levies, special assessments, exemptions, delinquent prior-year balances or payment timing. Use this section before assuming the Tax Collector made a mistake.
| Possible Reason | Where to Check | What It Means | Next Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessed value changed | Assessor record or assessment notice. | The property value, transfer, new construction or Prop 13 rules may affect taxable value. | Review Assessor resources or request informal review during the allowed period. |
| Supplemental bill issued | e-PropTax and supplemental tax information. | A separate bill may follow a purchase or new construction. | Confirm whether you or your lender must pay it. |
| Exemption missing | Assessor exemption records and bill details. | Homeowners’ or Disabled Veterans’ savings may not be applied. | Review exemption eligibility and file if needed. |
| Direct levies added | Direct levy or special assessment section. | Some charges are added by districts and may have separate contact information. | Use the levy contact details shown by the county. |
| Prior-year balance defaulted | Prior-year delinquent section and e-PropTax warning. | A separate delinquent account can accrue redemption penalties. | Calculate payoff and contact the Tax Collector if unclear. |
Tax Collector vs Assessor vs Auditor-Controller
Sacramento County property tax tasks are split across offices. Calling the wrong office can waste time, especially when your question is about assessed value rather than payment.
| Your Need | Start Here | Why | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay a bill or check payment status | Tax Collector / Department of Finance. | Handles tax bill collection, payment methods, mail payment and phone payment information. | Tax Collector info |
| Find parcel number or assessed value | Assessor. | Handles parcel data, assessed values, property data and assessment records. | Assessor |
| Homeowners’ or Disabled Veterans’ Exemption | Assessor Exemptions. | Exemption eligibility and applications are Assessor-related. | Exemptions |
| Tax rate or direct levy questions | Auditor-Controller / Tax Accounting or listed levy district. | Tax rates and direct levies may involve the Auditor-Controller or special district contact. | Finance tax page |
| Assessment review | Assessor or Assessment Appeals route. | Value disputes are not solved by simply paying the bill. | Owner resources |
Prior Year Delinquent Property Taxes
If secured taxes remain unpaid on June 30, Sacramento County says they become a prior-year delinquency and are considered defaulted. A one-time redemption fee is added, and monthly redemption penalties begin to accrue on July 1. Prior-year delinquent taxes become a separate account and may not appear as part of the current annual bill total.
- Open e-PropTax with the 14-digit parcel number.
- Look for prior-year delinquent warnings or links.
- Calculate the payoff amount if the system provides the option.
- Check whether direct levies or special assessments have separate collection rules.
- Contact the Secured Property Tax Unit if the online record is unclear.
Tax sale risk: Sacramento County says property delinquent for five or more years is considered tax-defaulted land and may become subject to the Tax Collector’s Power of Sale.
Tax Sale, Five-Year Delinquency and Payment Plans
Tax sale risk is different from a normal late installment. If your property has multiple delinquent years, act quickly. Sacramento County tax sale information and payment plan details should be reviewed before relying on a general article.
- Search the parcel in e-PropTax.
- Check whether prior-year taxes are delinquent or five or more years past due.
- Review payoff and payment plan information if available.
- Check public auction or tax sale information if the property is at risk.
- Contact the Tax Collector before a deadline if ownership, foreclosure, bankruptcy or estate issues exist.
If Your Mortgage Company Pays Through Escrow
Escrow collection does not always mean the county has posted the payment. Your lender may receive the original annual secured bill, while you may receive an information copy. Supplemental and addenda bills can still require owner attention.
- Search the parcel in e-PropTax.
- Check whether the annual installment has posted.
- Compare the county due date with your mortgage escrow statement.
- Ask the lender whether they pay only annual secured taxes or also supplemental bills.
- Do not pay personally until you know whether lender payment is pending.
- Save the county payment status and lender statement together.
Using Your Bank’s Online Bill Pay
Bank bill pay can cause timing and identification problems because many banks print and mail a paper check. Sacramento County says you should include the parcel number, current year’s bill number and installment being paid in the online account number field when the payment is sent without a payment stub.
Timing warning: Some banks may take several business days before issuing the check. The date on the check issued by your bank is considered the postmark, so plan ahead before December 10 or April 10.
- Use the correct 14-digit parcel number.
- Add the current year’s bill number if available.
- Specify first or second installment.
- Send payment early enough for the bank to issue the check before the deadline.
- Keep the bank confirmation and check issue date.
Assessment Records, Owner Access and Property Data
For parcel information and assessed values, start with the Assessor. Sacramento County says free parcel information, including assessed values and limited building characteristics, is available on Parcel Viewer. Owner information is not available online due to privacy concerns.
- Open the Assessor Parcel Viewer.
- Search by address or parcel number.
- Review assessed value and limited property characteristics where available.
- If you are the owner and need more information, review Assessor records access rules.
- Report building or property-characteristic discrepancies through the Assessor if appropriate.
Assessment Review and Appeals
If your issue is the assessed value, property characteristics, new construction, change in ownership, or comparable value, the Tax Collector is not the first place to start. The Assessor handles assessment data, and property owners may request an informal review during the county’s stated review period.
- Check whether the issue is payment-related or value-related.
- Review assessed value and parcel data in Assessor tools.
- Compare the property characteristics with your actual property.
- If data looks wrong, review Assessor resources or discrepancy reporting.
- Keep payment deadlines separate from assessment review deadlines.
Mailing Address, Deceased Owner or Estate Property
A wrong mailing address can cause missed annual bills, supplemental bills, notices, exemption letters or refund checks. Estate, trust and inherited-property situations can also affect payment responsibility and exemption eligibility.
- Search the parcel and check the mailing address shown in official records.
- Review Assessor change-of-address resources if the mailing address is outdated.
- Check whether exemptions still match the current owner and occupant situation.
- If the owner is deceased, keep probate, trust or representative documents available.
- Contact official offices or a qualified professional if legal deadlines, foreclosure or tax sale risk exists.
Before You Call or Visit Sacramento County Tax Collector
Phone lines can be busy after tax bills and delinquency notices are mailed and near the December 10 and April 10 deadlines. Gather the right documents before calling or visiting so the office can identify the account faster.
14-digit parcel number, property address, tax year, bill type and installment.
Confirmation number, bank record, check image, postmark proof, receipt or rejected payment notice.
Mortgage statement, lender payment confirmation and escrow analysis if a lender pays taxes.
Homeowners’ Exemption application, Disabled Veterans’ documents, or correspondence from the Assessor.
Tax Collector Office: 700 H Street, Room 1710, Sacramento, CA 95814. Tax Collection Specialists are listed at (916) 874-6622 for secured tax assistance, with phone assistance Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Who Should Get Official or Professional Help First?
This guide is for general property-tax navigation. Some situations are legal, financial or time-sensitive enough that you should not rely only on an informational article.
Get official or qualified help first if the property involves: probate or estate ownership, foreclosure, bankruptcy, active tax sale, five-year delinquency, business ownership, trust ownership, divorce dispute, ownership challenge, legal deadline, or a pending court matter.
Documents to Keep Before and After Payment
Good records make payment disputes, escrow issues, supplemental bills, delinquent accounts and exemption questions easier to resolve.
Parcel number, property search result, current bill, payment stub, due date, installment and escrow statement.
Confirmation number, receipt, bank record, check image, postmark proof and email confirmation.
Occupancy proof, ownership proof, exemption application, veteran documents and copies of submitted forms.
Payoff calculation, prior-year bill, redemption information, payment plan documents and tax sale notices.
Related Property Tax Guides on This Site
These internal guides can help you understand general property-tax concepts before taking action on the Sacramento County official site.
Official Sacramento County Property Tax Links
Use these official sources only when you are ready to complete a final action such as bill lookup, payment, exemption filing, assessment review, penalty relief or delinquent-tax verification.
Sacramento County Tax Collector Office Map
For in-person help with payment status, mailed payment questions, coupons, delinquent notices or account-specific tax bill issues, use the map below. Check current office hours and accepted payment rules before visiting.
Sacramento County Tax Collector
700 H Street, Room 1710
Sacramento, CA 95814
Secured Tax Phone: (916) 874-6622
Editorial Trust and Update Notes
CountyPropertyTaxes.us is an independent informational guide. It is not Sacramento County, the Sacramento County Department of Finance, the Tax Collector, the Assessor, or the Auditor-Controller. This page explains the process before users take account-specific action on official county systems.
Update checklist: secured tax due dates, e-PropTax links, payment fees, e-check/card/phone rules, Tax Collector office address, Homeowners’ Exemption filing rules, Disabled Veterans’ Exemption amounts, supplemental bill guidance, prior-year delinquency rules, tax sale information and official contact details should be reviewed whenever Sacramento County updates its pages.
Sacramento County Property Tax FAQs
How do I pay Sacramento County property tax online?
Use Sacramento County e-PropTax. Enter the 14-digit Assessor’s parcel number, confirm the bill and installment, choose e-check or credit card, review the payment details and save the confirmation number.
What is the Sacramento County property tax due date?
For secured annual property taxes, the first installment is due November 1 and delinquent after December 10. The second installment is due February 1 and delinquent after April 10.
How do I find my Sacramento County parcel number?
Use the Assessor Parcel Viewer to search by property address or map. Once you find the 14-digit parcel number, use it in e-PropTax to view tax bill information.
Can I search Sacramento County property tax by owner name?
Owner information is limited online due to privacy concerns. Use the parcel number or address search workflow instead of relying on owner-name matching.
How do I get a Sacramento County property tax bill copy?
Open e-PropTax, enter the 14-digit parcel number and review the most recent secured annual property tax bill and any available payment stubs for unpaid installments.
Is there a fee to pay Sacramento County property tax online?
Sacramento County states there is no fee for e-check payments. Credit card payments may include a contractor convenience fee, so review the fee screen before submitting.
Can I pay Sacramento County property tax by phone?
Yes. Sacramento County lists telephone payment at (844) 430-2823 using the 14-digit parcel number. Record the confirmation number after payment.
Where do I mail Sacramento County property tax payments?
The Finance tax page lists checks payable to Sacramento County and mailed to P.O. Box 508, Sacramento, CA 95812-0508. Make sure mailed payments have a U.S. Postal Service postmark by the deadline.
What is the Homeowners’ Exemption in Sacramento County?
The Homeowners’ Exemption reduces assessed value by $7,000 and may save about $70 to $80 each year. The property must be your principal residence and an application is required.
Can I receive both Homeowners’ and Disabled Veterans’ exemptions?
No. Sacramento County Assessor guidance says homeowners can receive only one exemption benefit. Owners who qualify for both usually select the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption because it provides a higher benefit.
What is a supplemental property tax bill?
A supplemental bill is separate from the annual secured tax bill and may be issued after a purchase, ownership change or new construction. It does not replace the annual bill.
Will my mortgage company pay supplemental taxes?
Not always. Supplemental bills may be mailed directly to the owner and may not be automatically paid by an impound or escrow account. Ask your lender before assuming it will be paid.
What happens if Sacramento County property taxes are unpaid after June 30?
Unpaid secured taxes become a prior-year delinquency and are considered defaulted. A redemption fee and monthly redemption penalties can begin after July 1.
When can a property become subject to tax sale?
Sacramento County says taxes delinquent for five or more years can make property subject to the Tax Collector’s Power of Sale. Review official tax sale information immediately if this applies.
Who handles Sacramento County assessment questions?
The Assessor handles parcel data, assessed value, exemptions and property record questions. The Tax Collector handles bills, payment methods and collection.
Where is the Sacramento County Tax Collector office?
The Tax Collector’s Office is located at 700 H Street, Room 1710, Sacramento, CA 95814. Check current office hours and payment rules before visiting.
Is CountyPropertyTaxes.us the official Sacramento County tax office?
No. This is an independent informational guide. Final payments, parcel lookups, exemption filings and official account verification should be completed through Sacramento County systems.
Bottom Line
Find the parcel number, confirm the bill type, check the installment and due date, review exemptions or supplemental bills, verify escrow and payment status, then pay or file only through the correct Sacramento County official source.
Find My BillHow to PaySearch ParcelDue DatesOfficial Links