AppealDesk

Placer County Property Tax Appeal — California

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 26, 2026

Placer County is located in Northern California with a population of approximately 404,739 as of the 2020 census. The county seat is Auburn, and major population centers include Roseville (the largest city), Rocklin, Lincoln, and Auburn. Roughly three-quarters of residents live in South Placer, making Roseville the primary job and retail center. The county stretches 65 miles from Sacramento's suburbs to Lake Tahoe, encompassing both the Sacramento Valley and Sierra Nevada regions. Property taxes in Placer County are significantly higher than national averages, with a median annual tax bill of $5,446 compared to the national median of $2,400.

Notable cities: Auburn, Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Loomis, Tahoe City

Median Home

$464,229

Tax Rate

1.14%

Annual Tax

$5,446

Population

404,739

2026 Appeal Deadline: July 2, 2026 through September 15, 2026

For regular assessment appeals (decline in value), appeals must be filed between July 2nd and September 15th annually. For supplemental assessments (change of ownership or new construction), appeals must be filed within 60 days of the date printed on the Notice of Supplemental Assessment. For escape assessments, appeals must be filed within 60 days of the Notice of Enrollment of Escape Assessment.

Property in Placer County, California — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Placer County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Placer County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: July

California uses Proposition 13, which establishes the assessed value at the property's purchase price as the base year value, with annual increases capped at 2% or the inflation rate, whichever is less. Properties are reassessed at 100% of market value upon change of ownership or completion of new construction. For example, if your home's market value is $464,229 (the county median) and you recently purchased it, at California's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $464,229, resulting in approximately $5,293 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.14%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Assessment Appeals Board. The Assessment Appeals Board will hold a formal hearing where both you and the Assessor present evidence. The Board determines the full value of the property based on the evidence presented. You will be notified of the decision in writing, either at the conclusion of the hearing or within a reasonable time thereafter.

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Step 1: Review your annual assessment notice mailed in July or your supplemental assessment notice to determine if you believe your property is overvalued. Contact the Assessor's Office at 530-889-4300 to discuss your concerns informally.

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Step 2: File an informal Value Review Application (Proposition 8) with the Assessor's Office between July 2 and December 31 if you believe your property has declined in value. This is an optional first step before filing a formal appeal.

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Step 3: If the informal review does not resolve the issue or you prefer to file a formal appeal, complete the Assessment Appeal Application and submit it to the Clerk of the Board by the applicable deadline with a $40 non-refundable processing fee per parcel.

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Step 4: After filing, the Assessor's Office may contact you to exchange information. Sometimes an agreement can be reached before the formal hearing, in which case you would file a withdrawal form with the Clerk of the Board.

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Step 5: If no agreement is reached, you will receive written notice at least 45 days prior to your hearing before the Assessment Appeals Board. You must respond at least 30 days prior to the hearing date and appear at the hearing with evidence supporting your opinion of value.

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Step 6: At the hearing, present evidence such as comparable sales, construction costs, or income approach data to support your opinion of value. The Assessment Appeals Board will determine the full value of the property and notify you of their decision in writing.

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Step 7: If you disagree with the Assessment Appeals Board decision, you may appeal to the California State Board of Equalization or file a court action, though the decision of the local board is generally considered final.

Required form: Assessment Appeal Application form (available on county website)

Filing Methods

mail:Mail to: Clerk of the Board, 175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603. Must be U.S. postmarked on or before deadline.
in-person:Deliver by hand to Clerk of the Board, 175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603. Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from similar propertiesProperty photographs showing condition or defectsRepair estimates or inspection reportsIncome and expense statements (for income-producing property)Independent appraisal report

Placer County Assessor Contact

Placer County Clerk of the Board - Assessment Appeals Division

Phone: 530-889-4020

Address: 175 Fulweiler Avenue, Auburn, CA 95603

Website: https://www.placer.ca.gov/2236/Property-Tax-Assessment-Appeals

Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (excluding county holidays)

Tax Exemptions in Placer County

Homeowners' Exemption

$7,000 reduction in assessed value (approximately $70 annual tax savings)

Reduces the assessed value of your primary residence

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the home as your principal place of residence on January 1Deadline: February 15 for full exemption; partial exemption (80%) available if filed February 16-December 10

Disabled Veterans' Exemption - Basic

$175,298 for 2026 (adjusted annually for inflation)

Exempts a portion of assessed value for totally disabled veterans (100% VA rating)

Eligibility: Veteran rated 100% disabled by VA or military service due to service-connected injury/disease, or unmarried surviving spouseDeadline: Within 90 days after receiving disability rating or by next January 1 lien date (whichever is later) for 100% exemption

Disabled Veterans' Exemption - Low Income

$262,950 for 2026 if household income does not exceed $78,718 (adjusted annually)

Higher exemption for totally disabled veterans with limited household income

Eligibility: Same as basic exemption plus household income requirementDeadline: February 15 annually (requires annual filing)

Veterans' Exemption

Up to $4,000

Basic exemption for honorably discharged veterans with limited property

Eligibility: Honorably discharged veteran or unmarried surviving spouse with property valued less than $5,000 (single) or $10,000 (married)Deadline: Contact Assessor's Office

Official Resources

Placer County Assessor's Office →

Official Assessor's Office website with information on property values, exemptions, and assessment processes.

Property Tax Assessment Appeals - Placer County →

Complete information on filing property tax appeals, deadlines, forms, and the appeals process in Placer County.

California State Board of Equalization - Property Tax Information →

State-level property tax information, publications, and guidance on California property tax laws and exemptions.

Placer County Property Search →

Look up property information including assessed values, parcel numbers, and property characteristics for any property in Placer County.

Placer County Appeal Statistics

Avg Reduction

$650

Check Your Placer County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Placer County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Placer County for 2026?
For regular assessment appeals in Placer County, the filing period for 2026 is July 2, 2026 through September 15, 2026. This deadline applies if you disagree with your assessed value shown on your annual assessment notice mailed in July. However, if you received a supplemental assessment notice due to new construction or a change in ownership, you have 60 days from the date printed on that notice to file your appeal. There are no extensions available, so it's critical to file by the applicable deadline or your appeal rights will be lost for that tax year.
How much does it cost to file a property tax appeal in Placer County?
Filing a property tax appeal in Placer County requires a $40 non-refundable processing fee for each parcel you appeal. This fee must be paid by check or money order made payable to Placer County. Credit card payments are not accepted by the Clerk of the Board for assessment appeals. While the filing fee is modest, many property owners find it worthwhile given that successful appeals result in average savings of $650 annually, and the typical assessment reduction can lower your tax bill for multiple years until your property is reassessed.
Can I appeal my Placer County property taxes online?
No, Placer County does not currently offer an online portal for filing property tax assessment appeals. You must submit your Assessment Appeal Application either by mail (postmarked by the deadline) or by hand delivery to the Clerk of the Board at 175 Fulweiler Avenue in Auburn during business hours. When mailing, it's strongly recommended to have your envelope hand-canceled at a U.S. Post Office counter to ensure a proper postmark, rather than using a mail receptacle. The original signature is required on the application, and online or email submissions are not accepted.
What evidence do I need for a successful property tax appeal in Placer County?
To succeed in your Placer County property tax appeal, you should prepare comprehensive evidence supporting your opinion of value. The most persuasive evidence includes recent comparable sales of similar properties in your neighborhood, preferably within the past 3-6 months. You should also bring photographs showing property condition, any defects, or needed repairs, along with contractor estimates for necessary work. If your property generates income, bring income and expense statements. An independent appraisal can be helpful but is not required. The law presumes the Assessor's valuation is correct, so you must present strong evidence to overcome this presumption and demonstrate a different market value as of the January 1 lien date.
How long does the property tax appeal process take in Placer County?
The Placer County Assessment Appeals Board has up to two years from the date you file your appeal to schedule and decide your case. After you file, the Clerk sends your application to the Assessor's Office, and sometimes an informal agreement can be reached before a formal hearing. If you proceed to a hearing, you'll receive written notice at least 45 days before your hearing date. After the hearing, the Board will either announce its decision immediately or take the matter under submission and mail you a written decision. The entire process typically takes several months to over a year depending on the Board's caseload and whether you reach an agreement with the Assessor beforehand.
What happens if I miss the September 15 deadline to appeal in Placer County?
If you miss the September 15 regular filing deadline in Placer County, you lose your right to appeal your assessed value for that tax year. There are no extensions or exceptions to this deadline. However, if you missed appealing a supplemental or escape assessment, you may still be able to appeal the base year value prospectively during the annual filing period for the subsequent three lien dates. Your only other option is to wait until the next regular filing period (July 2 through September 15 of the following year) to challenge the next year's assessment. This is why it's crucial to mark your calendar and file promptly, especially considering you must allow time for mailing if not delivering in person.
Should I pay my property taxes while my appeal is pending in Placer County?
Yes, you absolutely must pay your property taxes when due even if you have filed an appeal in Placer County. Failure to pay on time will result in a 10% penalty after the December 10 and April 10 delinquent dates, plus additional costs. Filing an appeal does not postpone or suspend your obligation to pay taxes. If your appeal is successful and results in a lower assessed value, the Tax Collector will automatically issue a refund for any overpayment, including the time your appeal was pending. The refund typically takes approximately three months to process after the Assessment Appeals Board issues its decision reducing your assessment.
How much is the Homeowners' Exemption worth in Placer County?
The Homeowners' Exemption in Placer County reduces your property's assessed value by $7,000, which translates to approximately $70 in annual property tax savings at the county's effective tax rate. To qualify, you must own and occupy the property as your principal place of residence on January 1 of the tax year. This is a one-time application – once filed and approved, the exemption continues automatically each year as long as you remain eligible. The deadline to file for the full exemption is February 15, though a partial exemption of 80% is available if you file between February 16 and December 10. You cannot claim this exemption if you're receiving the Disabled Veterans' Exemption on the same property.

For state-wide appeal information including California's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our California Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More California Counties

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← All California property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.placer.ca.gov/2236/Property-Tax-Assessment-Appeals | https://www.placer.ca.gov/6055/Assessment-Appeal | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/california/placer-county | https://www.placer.ca.gov/5657/Homeowners-Exemption | https://boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/dv_exemption.htm

Last verified: 2026-02-26