Help clients avoid surprises by showing them how their future property taxes will be calculated. Includes calculators, walkthroughs, and printable flyers for both agents and buyers.
In California, your annual property tax bill is based on the assessed value of your home, not the current market value. That assessed value is usually set when you purchase a home — and it can only increase by up to 2% per year, thanks to Proposition 13*.
* Want to explore Prop 13's origin and how it shapes tax policy today? Learn more here.
This 2% cap helps homeowners avoid sudden spikes in their property taxes as values rise. However, the assessed value can be reassessed when:
Most counties charge an ad valorem base tax rate of approximately 1% of the assessed value. In addition, you may see:
Together, these make up your total property tax bill. Want to estimate what that might be for your home or a client's property? Use the calculator below to get a quick estimate based on your county's average rate.
Curious how tax savings can be transferred between homes — or passed down to children? Learn about Proposition 19, which expands on Prop 13 and affects both downsizers and inherited properties: View the Prop 19 Guide →
Property taxes in California involve several county offices, each with a distinct role:
In most cases, you'll make payments directly to your county's Treasurer-Tax Collector through their official website or payment portal.
Curious how much annual property taxes might be on a home? Use this quick calculator to estimate based on assessed value and your California county's typical tax rate.
Estimate annual property taxes for a California home purchase or any assessed value.
Multiplies the assessed value by the county's average effective tax rate.
Actual taxes vary; Mello-Roos and special districts may add additional charges.
For a new purchase this is typically the purchase price. For an existing homeowner this is the value from your most recent annual tax bill (Prop 13 limits annual increases to 2%).
Assessed value = $750,000.00California's constitutional base rate is 1%. Each county adds local bonds, school assessments, and special districts on top — bringing the effective rate to 1.10% for Los Angeles County.
$750,000.00 × 1.10% = $0.00 / yrDisclaimer: Based on publicly available average county rates. Your actual bill may include bond measures, Mello-Roos, and city-specific charges. Always confirm with your county assessor.
Based on average countywide ad valorem tax rates. Final taxes may vary depending on local assessments, Prop 13 limits, and any special charges (like Mello-Roos).
Browse and download flyers to share with clients. Each flyer opens in a new tab and can be downloaded in either PDF or PNG format.
Key California deadlines, delinquency dates, and an impound reserve table you can hand to buyers.
Fechas clave: evaluación (gravamen), vencimientos, mora y prorrateo explicados para clientes hispanohablantes.
What triggers a supplemental bill, how it's calculated, billing timing, and installment options.
Change in ownership, new construction, disaster relief, and market value declines explained.
One of the most common surprises buyers face after closing is their new property tax bill. Whether taxes are impounded in their mortgage or paid separately, knowing what to expect is essential to helping clients feel confident and informed.
Fidelity provides two powerful tools to help you walk your clients through their tax obligations:
Automatically includes estimated monthly property taxes in the buyer's monthly payment estimate. Ideal for realtors discussing affordability, bring-to-close costs, or payment planning.
Generates a full breakdown of the property's newly assessed value, total annual tax amount, and how that amount is allocated between agencies. This helps buyers understand where their money goes and sets expectations post-closing.
Fidelity National Title can help you identify homeowners who may benefit from your support:
These insights help open thoughtful conversations with homeowners while providing a meaningful service. Use the guide below to learn how.
Want a list of Free & Clear or Delinquent Tax owners in your area? We're happy to help.
Talk to Ronna or Grant Luna at Fidelity National Title — South Bay & Palos Verdes Peninsula.

