CalculatorFlyersTools
Property Tax Resources
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.
Updated April 5, 2026 · By the Luna Title Team
How Property Taxes Work in California
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:
- The property is sold or transferred
- New construction or major improvements are completed
Most counties charge an ad valorem base tax rate of approximately 1% of the assessed value. In addition, you may see:
- Voter-approved levies for schools, parks, bonds, or local services
- Special assessments like Mello-Roos
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 →
Who Handles Property Taxes in California
Property taxes in California involve several county offices, each with a distinct role:
- County Assessor: Determines your property's assessed value based on purchase price, new construction, or transfer.
- Auditor-Controller: Calculates the actual tax amount using the assessed value and applicable local tax rates.
- Treasurer-Tax Collector: Issues the property tax bill and is the office where homeowners actually pay their property taxes.
In most cases, you'll make payments directly to your county's Treasurer-Tax Collector through their official website or payment portal.
Estimate Annual Property Taxes
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.
Property Tax Estimator
Estimate annual property taxes for a California home purchase or any assessed value.
Estimate annual property taxes for a home purchase or assessed value.
Multiplies the assessed value by the county's average effective tax rate.
- For a new purchase, assessed value is typically the purchase price
- For an existing homeowner, use the value on your annual tax bill
- Rates include the 1% base plus an estimate of local bonds and assessments
Actual taxes vary; Mello-Roos and special districts may add additional charges.
Estimated Annual Property Tax
$0.00
Based on the Los Angeles County effective rate of 1.10%.
1Start with the assessed value
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 = $750,000.002Apply the Los Angeles County effective tax rate
California'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).
Flyer Library
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.
Property Tax Calendar & Impound Schedule (English)
CalendarEnglishBuyer Aid
Key California deadlines, delinquency dates, and an impound reserve table you can hand to buyers.
Click image to view full PDF
Calendario de Impuestos a la Propiedad (Español)
CalendarSpanish
Fechas clave: evaluación (gravamen), vencimientos, mora y prorrateo explicados para clientes hispanohablantes.
Click image to view full PDF
Understanding Supplemental Taxes
SupplementalEducation
What triggers a supplemental bill, how it's calculated, billing timing, and installment options.
Click image to view full PDF
What Could Cause a Property Reappraisal?
ReappraisalEducation
Change in ownership, new construction, disaster relief, and market value declines explained.
Click image to view full PDF
Show Buyers Their Future Tax Payments
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:
Fidelity Agent One
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.
Fidelity Passport
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.
Find Helpful Property Ownership Insights
Fidelity National Title can help you identify homeowners who may benefit from your support:
- Free & Clear: Property owners who may no longer be paying taxes through a mortgage and might not realize taxes are now due separately.
- Delinquent on Property Taxes: Owners who may have missed a payment and could use a helpful reminder or outreach.
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.
Related Guides
Need a hand with this?
Talk to Ronna or Grant Luna at Fidelity National Title — South Bay & Palos Verdes Peninsula.
