How Much Is Property Tax in Sacramento?

Property taxes in Sacramento fund local services like schools, parks, and public safety. Understanding how these taxes are calculated and applied is important for managing financial responsibilities. The total amount paid is determined by various factors, including the property’s assessed value and additional voter-approved charges.

Understanding Sacramento Property Tax Calculation

Property tax assessment in Sacramento is governed by California’s Proposition 13. This proposition establishes the “base year value” of a property, typically its purchase price or value at the time of new construction. This base year value serves as the starting point for property tax calculations.

The base property tax rate applied to this assessed value is fixed at 1%. Each year, the assessed value can increase by an inflation adjustment, capped at a maximum of 2% annually or the California Consumer Price Index, whichever is less. This limitation helps prevent sudden large increases in property tax bills.

A property’s base year value can be reset, triggering a reappraisal, under specific circumstances. These triggers include a change in ownership, such as a sale, or the completion of new construction on the property. Even if new construction is unfinished on the lien date of January 1st, a reappraisal may occur for the completed portion. Additionally, if a property’s market value declines below its Proposition 13 factored value, it may be temporarily reassessed at the lower market value.

Additional Property Tax Components

Beyond the base property tax rate established by Proposition 13, additional charges may appear on annual tax bills. These components contribute to the total amount due and fund specific services or improvements. These charges are often called “direct levies” and are not based on the property’s assessed value like the 1% base tax.

Voter-approved bonds fund projects like schools, parks, or infrastructure. These bonds are added as a percentage or a fixed amount to the tax bill, reflecting voter approval for specific public investments.

Special assessments, also known as parcel taxes, are common additions. These are typically flat fees levied for specific local services or improvements within a defined area, such as street lighting, landscaping, or flood control. These assessments are distinct from general property tax and are usually applied uniformly to properties within the benefiting district.

Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) are another additional charge, particularly in newer developments. These districts finance public services and facilities, including schools, parks, and roads, not funded by traditional property taxes. Mello-Roos taxes appear as separate line items on the tax bill and can be a substantial addition to a property owner’s overall tax liability.

Property Tax Exemptions and Reductions

Property owners in Sacramento may be eligible for exemptions that can reduce their annual tax liability. The Homeowners’ Exemption is available for individuals who own and occupy their property as their primary residence. This exemption provides a reduction of $7,000 off the property’s assessed value, translating to a savings of approximately $70 to $80 in property taxes each year. To qualify, the homeowner must generally occupy the home as their principal place of residence as of January 1st each year.

Applying for the Homeowners’ Exemption requires filing a one-time application with the Sacramento County Assessor’s Office. Homeowners are responsible for notifying the assessor if they no longer meet eligibility criteria, such as if the property ceases to be their primary residence.

Other exemptions exist for specific circumstances, such as the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption. This exemption is available for the primary residence of veterans with a service-connected disability, or their unmarried surviving spouses. Properties used for religious or welfare purposes by qualifying organizations may be eligible for the Religious or Welfare Exemption, which can significantly reduce their taxable value.

Accessing Property Tax Information and Payment

Sacramento County property owners can access property tax information and manage payments through official county resources. The Sacramento County Assessor’s website provides tools to look up property values and parcel information. The Tax Collector’s website offers details on tax bills and payment options. Property tax information can be found by searching using a property address or a 14-digit parcel number.

An annual property tax bill is mailed once a year by November 1st. This bill details the assessed value, the base property tax, and any additional charges like voter-approved bonds or special assessments. Property taxes are paid in two installments.

The first installment is due on November 1st and becomes delinquent if not paid by December 10th. The second installment is due on February 1st of the following year and becomes delinquent if not paid by April 10th. Failure to pay by these delinquency dates results in penalties. Payments can be made online via e-check or credit/debit card, by mail, or in person at the Tax Collector’s Office. Failure to receive a tax bill does not relieve the property owner of their payment obligation or prevent penalties for late payment.