The great news is that if you live in Santa Clara County, you likely pay less in property taxes than other Californians! But figuring out exactly how much you owe, who to pay it to, and what your taxes pay for can be difficult to figure out.

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Property tax 101

Property taxes, also called real estate taxes, are taxes assessed on land, buildings, and homes by local governments to pay for public services. Governments use the money collected through these taxes to fund things like police and fire departments, schools, libraries, and garbage collection.

The property tax rate is set by complex calculations that are based on the needs of the local budget, market conditions, and a consideration of the kinds of homes and businesses in the community.

Most communities employ a local tax assessor to determine each property’s fair market value, which is then applied against the local tax rate to calculate the property’s annual tax.

Ultimately, your property tax bill is determined by the value of your home and the tax rate as decided by your local government.

MORE: How to deduct a car accident from your taxes

What is the property tax rate in Santa Clara County?

The average property tax rate in Santa Clara County is 0.67% of the market value of the home, which is below the state average of 0.74% statewide. Residents of the county can expect to pay an average of $4,694 in property taxes each year.

If you’re curious to know more about the specifics of the Tax Rate Area Numbers (TRA) or want a broad summary of tax rates in Santa Clara County, take a look at

this report

How Santa Clara County property taxes are determined

Santa Clara County is an area that sprawls over 1,300 square miles and includes various local communities. Each of these local governments has different needs and priorities, so you will pay different property tax rates depending on where exactly you live.

When towns and cities set a budget for the year, the County Board along with the County Treasurer helps set the tax rates throughout the county.

All residents pay a county property tax, but you will be taxed at different rates depending on your local school district, city district, or if you live in a special district (for example a ‘fire district’ especially prone to wildfires).

Your local tax assessor calculates your home’s taxable value based on its fair market value. The assessor considers many factors when evaluating the price of your house including the size, location, general upkeep, as well as any upgrades or additions made to your house since the last assessment.

What do Santa Clara County property taxes pay for?

The collection of property taxes pays for numerous social works projects throughout the county, such as:

Education

Police and Fire Departments

EMTs and ambulance services

Libraries

Road maintenance

Water and sewer

Public health and safety services

Public spaces like parks and community centers

Watershed management

Museums

If you want to know more about how your local taxes work, attend a public meeting of your local government (and don’t be shy to ask questions).

MORE:

Is car insurance tax deductible?

How to pay property taxes in Santa Clara County

Santa Clara County property taxes are due in two bi-annual payments on April 10 and December 10. The County Department of Tax and Collections will mail each residence their estimated tax bill on November 1 of each year.

Even if you do not receive this bill in the mail, you’re still expected to pay your property taxes on time.

County residents have several

options

for how to pay property taxes.

Online portal: The County always allows residents to pay via credit card, debit card, or eCheck through this system. If you decide to pay with a debit or credit card, you will be charged an additional fee.

By mail: If you want to pay by mail, you may make a check or money order payment out to SCC DTAC. The mail should be sent to the following address: Department of Tax and Collections, P.O. Box 60534, City of Industry, CA 91716-0534.

In person: For those who live close by or simply enjoy visiting the offices of their local government, you may drop off a check or money order at this address: County Government Center, 70 W. Hedding Street, East Wing, 6th Floor, San Jose, CA 95110.

Through your mortgage: One of the most popular options is to pay your property taxes as part of your monthly mortgage payment. Speak with your mortgage lender to find out what options they have available.

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When are property taxes due in Santa Clara County?

Property tax payments are due on April 10 and December 10 each year.

What do I do if I think my house has been appraised for more than it's worth?

If you think that the county assessor has overvalued your house, causing you to overpay for property taxes, you can fill out a form with the

Santa Clara County Assessor

and they will review your case.

Are property taxes high in Santa Clara County?

Property taxes in Santa Clara County average about $4,694 a year, which is higher than the national average but a lower percentage rate than the typical Californian pays.

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