You can possibly save costly penalties if, prior to the purchase of property and close of escrow, you make sure there are no prior delinquent taxes owing, and prearrange who pays the current installment due and owing.
If property is purchased in November, determine who is to pay the first installment due on or before December 10 for the period of July 1 through December 30.
Keep in mind that as a new property owner, California law requires that you be responsible for the timely payment of taxes on your property. DO NOT WAIT TO BE NOTIFIED or expect receipt of a tax bill. None may be forthcoming. Make it a matter of your personal attention and responsibility to find out what taxes are due and owing by you, as required by law.
In a normal escrow, current year taxes are usually prorated at the time of closing or escrow between the interested parties, based on the number of calendar days each party held ownership during the fiscal year which extends from July 1 through June 30. Proration is a matter strictly between the parties involved. The Treasurer-Tax Collector cannot adjust the taxes. The installment amount as shown on the tax bill is the amount due by the party determined at the close of escrow. Check your title papers to see if you were credited or debited an amount for the time in the fiscal year you owned the property.
Keep the County Assessor-Recorder informed of any change in address so that future tax bills will be mailed to the correct address. You may contact the Assessor-Recorder's at (530) 225-3600.