California's property tax calendar trips up new homeowners every year. The two dates everyone needs to remember are December 10 and April 10. Here is how the payment schedule works and how to avoid late penalties.
The two-installment system
Rather than one annual payment, California splits property tax into two installments across the fiscal year (which runs July through June). Knowing the schedule helps you avoid the penalties that hit when a deadline passes.
The key dates
- First installment: generally due in the fall, delinquent after December 10.
- Second installment: generally due in late winter, delinquent after April 10.
- Penalties apply once a deadline passes.
- If a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it may shift — confirm with the county.
Why the delinquency dates matter most
The due dates and the delinquency dates are not the same. The amount is technically due earlier, but you have until the delinquency date (December 10 and April 10) to pay without penalty. Most people focus on those two dates because that is when penalties kick in.
How escrow handles it
If you have an escrow/impound account, your lender collects a portion of your taxes in your monthly payment and pays the county on your behalf at the right times. You still want to verify the payments are being made, especially in your first year, and remember that a supplemental bill may fall outside escrow.
Avoiding penalties
Late payments incur penalties that add up quickly. Set calendar reminders for December 10 and April 10, confirm whether you or your escrow account is responsible, and watch for any supplemental bills that you may need to pay separately.
Staying on schedule
- Mark December 10 and April 10 on your calendar.
- Confirm whether your escrow account pays the taxes.
- Verify payments in your first year of ownership.
- Watch for separate supplemental bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are California property taxes due?
Property taxes are paid in two installments. The first is generally due in the fall and delinquent after December 10, and the second is due in late winter and delinquent after April 10. Penalties apply after those dates. Confirm the exact dates each year with the Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector.
What are the December 10 and April 10 dates?
Those are the delinquency deadlines for the two property tax installments. Although the amounts are technically due earlier, you have until December 10 (first installment) and April 10 (second installment) to pay without penalty. Most homeowners focus on these two dates because that is when late penalties begin.
What happens if I miss a property tax deadline?
Missing the December 10 or April 10 delinquency date triggers penalties that add to your bill and can grow over time. To avoid them, set reminders, confirm whether your escrow account handles payment, and pay promptly. If you do fall behind, contact the county tax collector about your options.
Does my mortgage escrow pay my property taxes?
If you have an escrow or impound account, your lender collects part of your taxes in your monthly payment and pays the county at the right times. Verify the payments are being made, especially your first year. Remember that one-time supplemental bills may fall outside escrow and need to be paid separately.
Why are there two property tax installments?
California splits the annual property tax into two installments across the fiscal year, which runs July through June, rather than requiring one lump-sum payment. The first installment covers part of the year and the second covers the rest. The two delinquency dates, December 10 and April 10, mark when each becomes late.
Do the deadlines ever change?
The delinquency dates are generally December 10 and April 10, but if a deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, it may shift to the next business day. The fiscal-year structure stays the same. Confirm the exact dates each year with the Ventura County Treasurer-Tax Collector to be sure you pay on time.
