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1. What are “unsecured” property taxes?

The term “unsecured” simply refers to property that can be relocated and is not real property. The tax assessed against such things as business personal property / fixtures, boats, and airplanes. If the unsecured tax is not paid, a personal lien is filed against the owner, not the property. For more information, contact us at 209-385-7592.

2. When is the unsecured tax assessed?

The Assessor establishes the value of the unsecured property on January 1. This date is often referred to as the Tax Lien date. For more information, contact us at 209-385-7592.

3. How are the unsecured tax amounts determined?

The January 1 value is multiplied by the tax rate (usually 1% plus voter approved indebtedness). The unsecured tax rate is the prior year secured rate. For more information, contact us at 209-385-7592.

4. What period of time does an unsecured tax bill cover?

An unsecured tax bill covers a fiscal year. The fiscal year begins July 1 and ends on June 30 of the following calendar year. For more information, contact us at 209-385-7592.

5. If I sell my unsecured property before the fiscal year, am I still responsible for the unsecured tax?

Yes. Disposal of the property after the January 1 lien date does not eliminate your tax liability. If you sell the property before the unsecured tax bill is issued, make sure you collect an estimated amount for the unsecured tax from the buyer. For more information, contact us at 209-385-7592.

6. When should I expect my unsecured tax bill?

Most unsecured bills are mailed July 31. These bills must be paid on or before 5 p.m. on August 31. If the bill is mailed after July 31, the delinquent date is extended to the end of the month following the bill’s issuance. In other words, if your bill is mailed in September, the delinquent date would be October 31. For more information, contact us at 209-385-7592.

7. If I don’t pay on time, will I be charged a penalty?

Yes, If payment is not received or postmarked by the delinquent date, a 10% penalty is added to the tax bill. If taxes remain unpaid for two additional months, a monthly penalty of 1.5% begins to accrue and in addition a Certificate of Tax Lien is recorded. Other fees may apply. Taxes due on Unsecured property may be collected by seizure and sale of any of the following property belonging or assessed: (a) Personal Property; (b) Improvements; (c) Possessory Interest (Sec. 2922 R&T Code). Contact us for more information at (209) 385-7592.

8. When should I mail my payment to avoid penalties?

You can mail your payment, but in order to avoid the delinquent penalties, your payment envelope must possess a United States Postal Service postmark on or before the tax delinquent date. Learn more on our Avoid Penalties page.

9. Is a private postage meter date the same as the United States Postal Service postmark?

No. California law requires the Tax Collector to accept the US postmark, not a private meter date, as the date of payment. For more information, contact us at 209-385-7592.

10. Can payments be postmarked on the deadline date?

Yes. Learn more on our Avoid Penalties page.

11. If I don’t pay my unsecured tax bill, can the Tax Collector take my property?

Yes. California law allows the Tax Collector to seize and sell the unsecured property or any other personal property owned by the assessee including bank accounts. Contact us at 209-385-7592 for more information.

12. Can I pay my unsecured property tax bill with my credit card?

Yes. You can pay with your credit card by telephone at 1-877-737-4829 or online.