Property Taxes in Los Angeles – Everything You Wanted to Know!
Even though property tax payments are due in two installments, they are mailed to home owners once a year. You should receive your tax bill by November 1. California state law makes it your responsibility to pay the taxes whether or not you receive a bill. So… if you have not received your home’s tax bill, please call 1-888- 807-2111 to request a Substitute Tax Bill.
The first property tax installment has to be postmarked by December 10th and the 2nd installment has to be postmarked by April 10th. If you miss these dates, your property tax bill will be considered delinquent.
Supplemental Property Tax Bill
The escrow officer, will prorate the property taxes as of the date of your Pasadena home or condo purchase. The proration will be based on the existing home seller tax bill.
Since your property taxes will be based on your new home purchase price, the tax assessor’s office will reassess the amount due and will send you a Supplemental Tax Bill for the difference between what the escrow officer withheld during closing and the actual amount due from you.
Supplemental tax bills are your responsibility and will be mailed directly to you by the Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office approximately 6 months after your purchase. They are not generally paid by impound accounts. You may view your estimated supplemental tax amount by going to the Supplemental Tax Estimator on the LA Assessor’s website.
Homeowner’s Exemption
If you own and occupy your home as your principal place of residence, you are eligible for a Homeowners’ Exemption that reduces your property tax by about $70 annually. You will be sent an application about three to four months after your deed is recorded.As a homeowner myself, I am committed to do all I can to make the property tax process as easy as possible for you. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call my staff toll-free at 1(888) 807-2111 (select #6) and/or visit the Assessor’s Website at http://assessor.lacounty.gov
A Homeowner’s Exemption is different from a Declaration of Homestead. Here’s a great explanation of the difference between Homeowner’s Exemption which reduces your property taxes and a Declaration of Homestead which protects your home’s equity.
