Secured Property Taxes

The following are questions we often receive from Mariposa County property owners.  For specific information, please call (209) 966-2621 or visit our office. 

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When is the secured tax assessed? - The Assessor establishes the value of the property on January 1. This date is referred to as the Tax Lien date. The secured property tax bill, issued each September, uses the value established on the tax lien date.

How are tax amounts determined? - The January 1 value established by the Assessor is multiplied by the tax rate of (1%, plus voter-approved indebtedness). Then special assessments are added. These special assessments are added to the tax bill at the request of local districts, through Board approval.  A water/sewer district is an example of a special assessment that is added to a tax bill.

What period of time does a secured property bill cover? - A secured tax bill covers a "fiscal year." The fiscal year begins July 1 and ends on June 30 of the following year.

When should I expect my secured property tax bill? - Every year, the Tax Collector mails the secured tax bills by November 1st, if you do not receive a bill, or if you recently purchased a property, you may obtain duplicate tax bill by calling (209) 966-2621 or visiting our office.

When are secured property tax bills due? - The secured property tax bill is payable in two installments:

The first installment is due and payable on November 1. However, you have until 5p. m. on December 10 to make your payment before a 10% penalty is added to your bill.

The second installment is due and payable on February 1. The grace period on the second installment expires at 5 p.m. on April 10. If the installment remains unpaid as of April 10, a 10% penalty and $10 cost is imposed. If the delinquent dates fall on a weekend or an observed holiday, the delinquent date is the next business day.

When should I mail my payment to avoid penalties? - In order to avoid the delinquent penalty, the payment envelope must possess a United Stated Postal Service postmark on or before the tax delinquent date. Remember, the delinquent dates are as follows:

First installment delinquent at 5p.m. December 10. Second installment delinquent at 5p.m. April 10.

Is a private 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.

Can payments be postmarked on the deadline date? - Yes

Are there any programs to assist me with paying my secured tax bill? - There are two programs designed to assist qualified individuals pay their property taxes: Property Tax Assistance for Senior Citizens and

BlindlDisabled Persons. Information and claim forms can be obtained by calling Franchise Tax Board at 1-800-852-5711 

or visit http://www.sco.ca.gov/col/taxinfo/ptp/index.shtml

Senior Citizens' Property Tax Postponement Program. Information and claim forms can be obtained by calling the State Controller Office at 1-800-952-5661 or visit www.sco.ca.gov/col/taxinfo/indcx.htm

Can I pay my secured property tax bill with my credit card? - Not at this time.

What is the mailing address?
Mariposa County Tax Collector
PO Box 247
Mariposa, CA 95338-0247       

Who should I call if I have questions?

For specific information, please call (209) 966-2621 or visit our office. 
 

Back to Mariposa County Tax Collector Home Page