🇺🇸 United StatesUSDv1.0Active

California Property Tax Calculator

Estimate California property tax from your assessed home value and local effective rate. California property tax is uniquely governed by Proposition 13, which caps the base rate at 1% of assessed value and limits annual assessment increases to just 2%. With local bonds and levies, most California homeowners pay an effective rate between 0.65% and 1.1%, making it lower than many other states despite high home prices.

Regional Rule Context

JurisdictionUnited States
Currency$ (USD)
Effective fromJan 1, 2025
Version1.0
Last reviewedMar 1, 2026
Next reviewJul 1, 2026
Source: US Government Sources

United States Rates and Rules

Average Effective Rate1.1%

Effective rates range from 1.0% to 2.5% depending on Mello-Roos districts

Rates by Area

Prop 13 base rate1%
Typical with bonds1.15%
With Mello-Roos (new builds)1.8%

Exemptions and Relief

  • -Homeowners exemption ($7,000 off assessed value)
  • -Prop 13: 2% annual assessment cap
  • -Veterans exemption
  • -Disabled veterans full exemption

Enter Values

$USD
0%100%

Result

Enter values above and click Calculate to see your result.

AI Assistant

Ask about this calculator

I can help you understand the california property tax calculator formula, interpret your results, and answer follow-up questions.

Try asking

California property tax calculator for 2026. Under Proposition 13 (1978), CA property tax is capped at 1% of assessed value at time of purchase, plus voter-approved bonds and special assessments. Assessed value increases are limited to 2% per year regardless of market appreciation. Effective rates: typically 1.0-1.25% of assessed value. Mello-Roos special tax districts can add 0.25-1.5% in newer developments.

Disclaimer: This calculator uses publicly available rules effective as of Jan 1, 2025 (version 1.0). Results are for informational purposes only. Always verify with official sources or a qualified professional. Last reviewed: Mar 1, 2026.

Formula

Annual Tax=Home Value×Property Tax Rate100\text{Annual Tax} = \text{Home Value} \times \frac{\text{Property Tax Rate}}{100}

Multiply your assessed value (not market value) by the effective annual tax rate. In California, assessed value is typically the purchase price plus up to 2% annual increases under Prop 13. Divide the annual tax by 12 for a monthly estimate. Rates typically range from 0.65% to 1.1% depending on county, city bonds, and local levies.

United States FAQs

How does Proposition 13 affect property tax?

Prop 13 (1978) caps the base property tax rate at 1% of assessed value at time of purchase. Annual increases in assessed value are limited to 2%, regardless of actual market appreciation. This means long-term homeowners pay much less than recent buyers for comparable properties.

What is the effective property tax rate in California?

Typically 1.0-1.25% of assessed value (not market value). The base 1% rate plus local bonds and assessments brings most areas to 1.1-1.25%. New developments with Mello-Roos districts can reach 1.5-2.5%.

What is Mello-Roos in California?

Mello-Roos is a special tax on properties in Community Facilities Districts, common in newer developments. It funds infrastructure (schools, roads, parks) that the developer did not fully build. It can add 0.25-1.5% on top of the base property tax and runs for 20-40 years.

Does assessed value reset when I buy?

Yes. When a property is sold, the assessed value resets to the purchase price. Your 1% base tax is then calculated on this new value. Annual increases are capped at 2% from this reset point. Inherited properties may also trigger reassessment under Prop 19 (2021).

How do I pay property tax in California?

CA property tax is paid in two installments: first half due November 1 (delinquent December 10), second half due February 1 (delinquent April 10). Mortgage holders often pay through an escrow account managed by their lender.

Can I get a homeowner exemption?

Yes. The CA Homeowners Exemption reduces assessed value by $7,000 for owner-occupied primary residences. At a 1.1% effective rate, this saves approximately $77 per year. You must file with your county assessor to claim it.

How can I put this California Property Tax Calculator on my blog or website?

Yes, the California Property Tax Calculator is fully embeddable. Tap "Embed" above to configure appearance and copy the code. It is free to use, works on any platform (HTML, WordPress, CMS), and adjusts to any screen size automatically. Visit calculory.com/services/embed-calculators for the complete guide.

Secure and Private

All calculations run locally. Your US tax and financial data never leaves your browser.

Verified Precision

Precise US Calculations Powered by Calculory AI