Property Tax

Orange County CA property tax information can involve several steps, including finding a tax bill, understanding the type of property tax owed, making payments, updating information, and knowing which office handles specific questions. This article explains how the Treasurer-Tax Collector manages property tax collection, how taxpayers can use official online systems, what information may be needed for searches and payments, and how secured, unsecured, and supplemental property taxes work.

Property Tax Office Responsibilities

The Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector property tax office is responsible for collecting taxes on secured and unsecured property in Orange County. The office also handles the sale of properties subject to the “power to sell” when property taxes have remained unpaid and delinquent for more than five years.

Property owners often need to identify which type of tax applies to their situation before looking for a bill or making a payment. The Treasurer-Tax Collector provides separate information for secured property taxes, unsecured property taxes, and supplemental property taxes because each category uses different records and may involve different search information.

Finding Property Tax Bills

The online tax search system allows taxpayers to view property information and make payments. The system can be accessed through the OC Treasurer-Tax Collector tax search service.

For secured and supplemental property taxes, taxpayers can search using:

Property address
Parcel number or Assessor Parcel Number (APN)
Tax Default Number

If a property cannot be located by address, taxpayers can search using the APN. The APN may be found through the OC Tax Map, on a tax bill, or by contacting the Treasurer-Tax Collector office.

For unsecured property tax bills, the search system uses different information. Available search methods include:

Tax Collector Reference Number
Tax year and assessment number
Business name
Tax lien number
Watercraft registration number
Aircraft registration number

Using the correct search method helps prevent confusion between secured property records, unsecured tax records, and other property-related accounts.

Secured Property Taxes

Secured property taxes are taxes placed on real property. These taxes may apply to land, improvements, mines, minerals, and quarries connected to the property. The Treasurer-Tax Collector provides a separate secured property tax information page with details about secured tax bills.

Property owners can review secured tax bills online and make payments through the official tax payment system. Secured property taxes are commonly connected to ownership of a parcel, so having the correct address or APN is useful when searching for account information.

Secured Tax Payment Dates

The property tax year follows a fiscal cycle beginning July 1. The Treasurer-Tax Collector provides important dates for property owners to track payments and avoid penalties.

Secured property tax bills are mailed and available online from September to October.
The first installment of secured property taxes is due November 1.
The last day to pay the first installment without penalty is December 10.
The second installment is due February 1.
The last day to pay the second installment without penalty is April 10.

If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date becomes the next business day. Unpaid secured taxes may receive penalties and additional charges according to the county payment schedule.

Unsecured Property Taxes

Unsecured property taxes are value-based taxes that are not secured by real property. The liability belongs to the person or entity assessed for the tax. The Treasurer-Tax Collector provides separate information for unsecured property taxes because these accounts use different records than secured property tax bills.

Unsecured property tax searches may require a Tax Collector Reference Number, assessment information, business name, tax lien number, watercraft registration number, or aircraft registration number.

Unsecured Tax Deadlines

Unsecured property tax bills are mailed and available online beginning July 1. The payment deadline for unsecured property taxes is August 31. Late payments may result in penalties and collection fees if payment requirements are not met by the deadline.

Unlike secured property taxes, unsecured property taxes and possessory interest assessments are not prorated. The owner responsible on the January 1 lien date is responsible for the full unsecured property tax bill.

Supplemental Property Taxes

Supplemental property taxes are created when there is a change in ownership or completion of new construction. These taxes are based on the condition and value of the property at the time of the change or construction completion.

Supplemental tax bills are mailed several times throughout the year as updates are received from the Office of the Assessor. Property owners who recently purchased property or completed construction may receive supplemental bills in addition to regular secured property tax bills.

The Treasurer-Tax Collector provides access to supplemental property tax information through the same official tax search system used for secured property taxes.

Online Payment Options

Property tax payments can be made through the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s official payment services. The property tax payment options page explains available payment methods.

Payment methods include:

Online payment by eCheck with no service fee
Online payment by credit or debit card with a service fee
Phone payment by credit or debit card through the automated system
Depository payment drop box at the Treasurer-Tax Collector location
Mail payment to the Treasurer-Tax Collector

Online payments made by eCheck are available 24 hours a day. Credit and debit card payments are also available online, with applicable service fees. Phone payments are available through the automated payment system at (714) 834-3411.

Payments may take up to two to three business days to appear as paid on the website. Taxpayers should keep payment confirmation information for their records.

Property Tax Payment Plans

Taxpayers with delinquent property taxes may have payment plan options depending on the type of tax and account status. The Treasurer-Tax Collector provides information about property tax payment plan arrangements.

Five Year Secured Plan

The Installment Plan of Redemption allows eligible taxpayers to pay delinquent secured taxes through a minimum of five installment payments. A new plan may be started after June 30 of the fiscal year in which the property taxes become delinquent.

To begin a five-year payment plan for delinquent secured taxes, taxpayers must complete the required application and make an initial payment of 20% or more of the delinquent amount due, including penalties, fees, and interest, along with a $25 setup fee. The initial payment must be made by certified check, money order, or cash.

Unsecured Payment Plans

Some unsecured property tax escape assessments may qualify for a four-year payment plan. The Treasurer-Tax Collector requires a written request before the bill due date, completion of an application, payment of applicable fees, and an initial payment amount according to the payment plan requirements.

Property Tax Questions

Property tax questions should be directed to the Treasurer-Tax Collector when they involve tax bills, payments, payment records, or delinquent tax accounts. Questions about assessment values, ownership changes, exemptions, or property assessments may involve the Office of the Assessor instead.

The Treasurer-Tax Collector provides property tax information and frequently asked questions covering topics such as important dates, new homeowners, supplemental taxes, and tax bill information.

Tax Bill Mistakes To Avoid

Property owners can reduce delays by using the correct account information and reviewing tax details before submitting payments. Common issues include searching with the wrong property information, confusing secured and unsecured tax records, or missing payment deadlines.

Confirm the property address or APN before searching.

Use the correct account number for unsecured property tax searches.

Review payment confirmation after submitting a payment.

Update property information when required through the appropriate county office.

Do not rely only on reminder notices because failure to receive a notice does not remove payment obligations.

Treasurer-Tax Collector Contact

The Treasurer-Tax Collector provides customer service for property tax bills and payments. The office offers assistance by phone, email, mail, and in-person services.

For property tax information related to bills and payments, contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector using the information provided below.

Property Tax Offices

Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector — 601 North Ross Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 — (714) 834-3411

County of Orange Treasurer-Tax Collector Mailing Address — P.O. Box 1438, Santa Ana, CA 92702-1438 — (714) 834-3411

Property Tax FAQs

How can I find my Orange County property tax bill online?

Property owners can view tax bill information through the OC Treasurer-Tax Collector tax search service. For secured or supplemental tax bills, searches can be completed using a property address, parcel number (APN), or Tax Default Number. If an address search does not locate the property, using the APN may help. The APN can be found through the OC Tax Map, a previous tax bill, or other official property records.

What information is needed to search an unsecured property tax bill?

Unsecured property tax records use different search details than secured property records. Taxpayers may search using a Tax Collector Reference Number, tax year and assessment number, business name, tax lien number, watercraft registration number, or aircraft registration number. Using the correct search option can make it easier to locate the proper account and review available payment information.

When are Orange County property tax payments due?

The property tax fiscal year begins July 1, and several important dates occur throughout the year. Secured property tax bills are generally mailed and available online from September to October. The first secured installment is due November 1, with December 10 as the last day to pay without penalty. The second installment is due February 1, with April 10 as the last day to pay without penalty. More dates are available through the official property tax important dates schedule.

Can I make Orange County property tax payments online?

Yes. The Treasurer-Tax Collector provides online payment options for property tax bills. Taxpayers can pay by eCheck without a service fee, use a credit or debit card with applicable fees, make a phone payment through the automated system, use the payment drop box, or mail a payment. Online payments may take two to three business days to appear as paid on the website.

Are payment plans available for delinquent property taxes?

Eligible taxpayers with delinquent secured property taxes may apply for a five-year installment payment plan. The plan requires an application, an initial payment of at least 20% of the delinquent amount due, and a setup fee. Certain unsecured property tax escape assessments may qualify for a four-year payment plan when requirements are met.