When Are Los Angeles Property Taxes Due?

Property taxes in Los Angeles County fund local public services like schools, fire protection, and infrastructure. Understanding the payment schedule helps property owners avoid penalties.

Annual Los Angeles Property Tax Due Dates

Los Angeles County property taxes operate on a fiscal year that begins on July 1 and concludes on June 30 of the following calendar year. Annual secured property tax bills are typically mailed to property owners each October, with state law requiring them to be sent no later than November 1. These bills outline the total tax amount and provide two payment stubs for separate installments.

The first installment of property taxes is due on November 1. This payment covers the first half of the fiscal year, from July 1 through December 31. If the first installment is not received or postmarked by the United States Postal Service on or before December 10, it becomes delinquent.

The second installment is due on February 1 and covers the remainder of the fiscal year, from January 1 to June 30. This installment becomes delinquent if payment is not received or postmarked by April 10. Should any delinquency date fall on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline is legally extended to the close of business on the next regular business day.

Payment Methods

Los Angeles County offers several convenient methods for property owners to pay their tax bills. Online payment is widely available through the official Treasurer and Tax Collector website, ttc.lacounty.gov, or the Los Angeles County Property Tax Portal at propertytax.lacounty.gov. Electronic check (eCheck) payments made online typically incur no processing fees. Property owners may need their Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN) to complete online payments.

Payments can also be submitted by mail. When mailing a payment, property owners should make checks payable to the Los Angeles County Tax Collector. It is important to include the payment stub from the tax bill and write the Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN) and the Year/Sequence Number on the check to ensure proper credit. Mailing payments well in advance of the due date is advisable to account for postal service delivery times.

For those who prefer to pay in person, payment centers are available. The main office is located at 225 North Hill Street, First Floor Lobby, Los Angeles, CA 90012. It is recommended to verify current operating hours and accepted payment types before visiting. Additionally, automated information regarding property taxes is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the Property Tax Information Line at 1(888) 807-2111 or 1(213) 974-2111.

Consequences of Missed Deadlines

Failing to pay property taxes by the designated delinquency dates results in specific penalties. For the first installment, a 10 percent penalty is imposed on any unpaid balance if it is not received or postmarked by December 10. Similarly, if the second installment is not paid by April 10, a 10 percent penalty is added to the unpaid amount, along with an additional $10 cost.

If the total property tax payment for the current year is not received or postmarked by June 30, any remaining unpaid taxes become defaulted on July 1. Prolonged non-payment can lead to more serious repercussions, including the placement of a tax lien on the property. Eventually, properties with persistent tax delinquencies may become subject to a tax sale.

Property owners who anticipate difficulty in making a payment on time, or who have already missed a deadline, should contact the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector’s office immediately. In certain circumstances, such as those caused by natural disasters, it may be possible to request a penalty cancellation, though this is not guaranteed and requires specific qualification. Proactive communication can help navigate potential financial hardships related to property tax payments.