California Property Tax Calculator
2026Calculate property taxes in California. The average effective property tax rate in CA is 0.71%, which is below the national average of 1.1%. Estimate your annual property tax bill.
Written and reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Methodology · Updated
Annual Property Tax
$2,485.00
Monthly Equivalent
$207.08
Effective Rate
0.710%
Property Tax Breakdown
| Assessed Value | $350,000.00 |
| Homestead Exemption | $0.00 |
| Taxable Value | $350,000.00 |
| Annual Tax | $2,485.00 |
| Monthly Equivalent | $207.08 |
Disclaimer: This calculator is for informational purposes only and does not constitute tax, financial, or legal advice. Results are estimates based on the information you provide and current rates. Always consult a qualified tax professional or financial advisor for advice specific to your situation.
How is property tax calculated in California?
California's average effective property tax rate is 0.71% of assessed value (2026), in the moderate range. Property tax is administered by counties and municipalities — the state sets a framework, but local taxing authorities (school districts, county boards, special-service districts, fire/police districts) levy their own millage rates that stack onto the bill.
Your tax bill is the assessed value times the combined millage rate (1 mill = $1 per $1,000 of assessed value). Many jurisdictions assess at less than 100% of market value (e.g., 80% or 50%), so the effective rate on market value can be much lower than the headline millage. Common reductions include homestead exemptions (primary residence discount), senior or disabled-person freezes, veteran exemptions, and farm/agricultural use deferrals — these can cut a primary-residence bill by 10–50% in many states.
Most jurisdictions reassess property values every 1–4 years; rapid market gains can produce large bill jumps unless capped by state law (e.g., California's Proposition 13 limits annual increases to 2% on a primary residence; Texas caps homesteads at 10%/yr). Property tax is deductible federally as part of the SALT itemized deduction, capped at a combined $40,000 in 2026 under OBBBA (raised from $10,000), with a 30% phase-down on MAGI above $500,000 (floor $10,000). Use this calculator to estimate your annual bill and monthly escrow contribution.
California property assessment, homestead exemption, and appeal process
- Assessment ratio
- 100% of acquisition value (Prop 13)
- Median home price (Q4 2025)
- $770,000
- Homestead exemption
- $300K–$600K (Section 704.730, indexed county median); $7K assessed-value reduction for owner-occupied
California Proposition 13 (1978) caps annual assessed-value growth at 2% regardless of market value, with full reassessment only on change of ownership or new construction. Effective rates are ~0.71% — below the national average — but on much higher home prices. The owner-occupied homeowner exemption reduces assessed value by $7,000. Prop 19 (2021) lets seniors 55+ transfer their Prop 13 base across the state to a more expensive home. Property-tax appeals (Assessment Appeals Board) must be filed July–November. Tax bills are due in two installments: November and February.
California Property Tax Details (2026)
| Avg. Effective Property Tax Rate | 0.71% |
| National Average | 1.1% |
| vs. National Average | 0.39% below |
| Estate Tax | None |
| State Sales Tax | 7.25% |
| State Income Tax | progressive (up to 13.3%) |
California property tax — frequently asked questions
How is California property tax calculated?
California property tax = Assessed value × 1% basic rate + voter-approved local additions. Under Proposition 13 (1978), assessed value = original purchase price increased by max 2% per year, regardless of market value. Total effective rates statewide average ~0.71%, but this is on a much higher home-price base (median $770K). A home purchased for $400K in 2010 now assessed at ~$510K (after 2%/yr) might pay $5,500/year, while the same home market-priced at $1.2M would pay $11,000+ if newly purchased.
Can I transfer my Prop 13 assessment to a new home?
Yes — Proposition 19 (2021) lets homeowners 55+ transfer their Prop 13 base to a more expensive home anywhere in California, up to 3 times in their lifetime. The base transfers to the new home with an upward adjustment for the price difference. This makes downsizing or relocating within California much more affordable for retirees. Inheriting Prop 13 base by children was severely restricted under Prop 19 — applies only to inherited primary residences if the child also makes it their primary residence.
When are California property tax bills due?
California property tax bills are issued by the county in October and due in two installments: first installment November 1 (delinquent after December 10, 10% penalty); second installment February 1 (delinquent after April 10, 10% penalty + $20). Many counties offer a single-payment option due by December 10 with the same total. Property-tax bills include the 1% basic rate plus voter-approved bonds (typical 0.05%-0.20%), school district overrides, and special assessments.
How do I appeal my California property tax assessment?
File an Assessment Appeals Board application with your county assessor's office between July 2 and November 30 (most counties). You must show the Prop 13 base value is incorrect OR that current market value is below your assessed value (a "Prop 8" decline-in-value claim). Decline-in-value relief is automatic in many counties during downturns but requires manual application elsewhere. The Board reviews comparable sales and may reduce assessed value for that tax year only.