How to Appeal Your Property Tax in California
California homeowners can appeal their property tax assessment if they believe it's too high. This guide covers the 2026 appeal deadline, required evidence, and step-by-step process.
2026 Appeal Deadline: September 15 or November 30
Don't miss your window. Missing the deadline means waiting another full year.
How California Assesses Property
California assesses residential property at 100% of market value.
California assesses property at 100% of the Proposition 13 base-year value, increased no more than 2% per year.
The Appeal Process
Appeals are heard by the Assessment Appeals Board. An informal review is available before filing a formal appeal.
Assessor (Informal)
Assessment Appeals Board
Superior Court
California Appeal Deadline
Deadline: September 15 or November 30
Typical window: July - November
What Overassessment Costs California Homeowners
The median home in California is worth $659,000. If your assessment is just 10% too high, you may be overpaying:
~$468/year
Effective tax rate: 0.71% · Median value: $659,000
Check Your California Assessment
Enter your address to see your estimated overassessment and California filing deadline.
California Counties
Alameda County
Median: $1,090,600 · Rate: 0.80%
Deadline: September 15, 2026
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Contra Costa County
Median: $548,200 · Rate: 1.17%
Deadline: July 2 through November 30, 2026 for regular assessment appeals; within 60 days of notice date for supplemental or escape assessments
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Fresno County
Median: $257,000 · Rate: 1.22%
Deadline: July 2 through November 30, 2026
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Kern County
Median: $217,100 · Rate: 1.42%
Deadline: July 2 through November 30, 2026
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Los Angeles County
Median: $866,500 · Rate: 0.68%
Deadline: November 30
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Orange County
Median: $1,037,200 · Rate: 0.62%
Deadline: Appeals application of regular annual assessments must be filed between July 2 and November 30.
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Riverside County
Median: $601,600 · Rate: 0.75%
Deadline: November 30, 2026
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Sacramento County
Median: $315,351 · Rate: 1.19%
Deadline: December 1, 2026
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San Bernardino County
Median: $438,000 · Rate: 1.20%
Deadline: September 15: Last day to file an application for changed assessment with the clerk of the board or assessment appeals board. The regular appeal filing period runs from July 2 through September 15 in counties where the assessor has provided value notices by August 1 to all assessees of real property on the secured roll. In all other counties, the filing period runs through November 30.
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San Diego County
Median: $750,000 · Rate: 1.21%
Deadline: December 1, 2026 for Fiscal Year 2026-2026
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San Francisco County
Median: $785,200 · Rate: 1.23%
Deadline: September 15, 2026
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San Joaquin County
Median: $318,600 · Rate: 0.73%
Deadline: July 3 through November 30, 2026
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San Mateo County
Median: $1,500,000 · Rate: 1.26%
Deadline: November 30, 2026
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Santa Clara County
Median: $1,555,600 · Rate: 0.64%
Deadline: September 15
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Stanislaus County
Median: $314,100 · Rate: 1.15%
Deadline: December 1, 2026 (extended from November 30 because it falls on a Sunday)
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Ventura County
Median: $568,700 · Rate: 0.59% to 1.13%
Deadline: July 2, 2025 through September 15, 2025 for Regular Assessment (value as of January 1, 2025); 60 days from notice mailing date for Supplemental/Roll Change/Escape assessments; 6 months from notice date for Calamity Reassessments
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Key Terms for California Homeowners
A local or state government body that hears property tax appeals and decides whether to adjust property assessments.
Guides & Resources
- What Evidence Do I Need for a Property Tax Appeal? (2026)
- Is It Worth It to Appeal Property Taxes? (2026 Analysis)
- How to Appeal Your Property Taxes: The Complete Guide (2026)
- Senior Property Tax Exemptions by State: The Complete 2026 Guide
- Property Tax Appeal Deadlines by State: The Complete 2026 Calendar
- Can Appealing Your Property Taxes Actually Raise Them? Here's the Truth
- Best Property Tax Appeal Services in 2026: Pricing, Coverage, and What to Know
- Best DIY Property Tax Appeal Tools & Resources (2026)
- Best Ways to Lower Your Property Taxes (2026): 9 Methods That Work
- Property Tax Exemptions Guide: 8 Types That Could Save You Thousands (2026)
- Property Tax Appeal Statistics: Success Rates, Savings & Data (2026)
- Property Tax Appeal Letter Template: How to Write a Winning Appeal (2026)
- Understanding Your Property Assessment Notice: What Every Homeowner Should Know
- Property Tax Appeal Success Rates: What the Data Shows
- What Happens at a Property Tax Appeal Hearing (And How to Prepare)
- How Much Does Ownwell Cost? Pricing Breakdown & Comparison (2026)
- How Much Does a Property Tax Appeal Cost?
- How to Find Comparable Sales for Your Property Tax Appeal
- Property Tax Appeal After Home Renovation
- How to Lower Property Taxes Without Filing an Appeal
- First-Time Homebuyer's Guide to Property Taxes
- California Prop 13: Property Tax Appeal Guide
- How to Read Your Property Tax Bill
- Is My Property Overassessed? How to Tell
- How Long Does a Property Tax Appeal Take?
- Property Tax Appeals for Investment Properties
- What Happens If You Don't Pay Property Taxes?
- How to Appeal Property Taxes as a Senior
- How Do I Appeal My Property Taxes Myself? Complete DIY Guide
- Are Property Tax Protest Companies Worth It? Cost vs. Savings Analysis
- What to Write When Protesting Property Taxes: Examples & Templates
- What Is the Best Evidence to Protest Property Taxes? Expert Guide (2026)
- When Should I File My Property Tax Appeal? Critical Deadlines by State (2026)
- How to Appeal Property Taxes in California: Complete 2026 Guide
- How Much Can Property Taxes Increase in California? Prop 13 Explained
Property Tax Appeal Resources
Best Appeal Services Compared
7 companies compared — pricing, coverage, and pros/cons for 2026.
2026 Appeal Deadlines
Every state's deadline, filing method, and what happens if you miss it.
Assessment Ratios by State
Every state's assessment percentage — from 4% to 100% — with worked examples.
9 Ways to Lower Your Property Taxes
From homestead exemptions to formal appeals — every method that works.
Savings Calculator
Check if you're overassessed — enter your assessed value to see potential savings.