AppealDesk

Solano County Property Tax Appeal — California

Rob HartleyRob Hartley·Updated February 26, 2026

Solano County is located in Northern California's Bay Area, approximately 45 miles northeast of San Francisco and 45 miles southwest of Sacramento. With a 2020 census population of 453,491, the county covers 906 square miles and serves as a strategic midpoint between two major metropolitan regions. The median home value in Solano County is $342,310, with an effective property tax rate of 1.20%, resulting in a median annual tax bill of $4,342—significantly above the national median of $2,400. This higher tax burden makes property tax appeals particularly important for Solano County homeowners seeking to ensure fair assessments and reduce their annual obligations.

Notable cities: Fairfield, Vallejo, Vacaville, Suisun City, Benicia, Dixon, Rio Vista

Median Home

$342,310

Tax Rate

1.20%

Annual Tax

$4,342

Population

453,491

2026 Appeal Deadline: November 30, 2026 (or next business day if falls on weekend/holiday)

Regular assessment appeals for the 2026-2027 tax year must be filed during the period from July 2, 2026 through November 30, 2026. If November 30 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. Supplemental assessment appeals must be filed within 60 days after the date printed on the supplemental notice or its postmark date, whichever is later. No extensions are available for filing assessment appeals.

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

How Solano County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Solano County Assessor-Recorder

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Spring (mid-April)

In California, property is assessed at 100% of its full market value as established under Proposition 13. The Solano County Assessor determines market value as of January 1st each year, and assessment notices are typically mailed in the spring, reaching homeowners by mid-April. For example, if your home's market value is $342,310 (the county median), at California's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $342,310, resulting in approximately $4,108 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.20%.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Assessment Appeals Board. Your hearing will be conducted before a three-member panel of the Assessment Appeals Board in a formal, recorded proceeding. You will present evidence supporting your opinion of value, and the Assessor will present their evidence, with both parties having the opportunity to question each other and answer board member questions.

1

Step 1: Review your assessment notice received in mid-April and verify the assessed value shown on your property tax bill. Compare it to recent comparable sales and your property's actual market value as of January 1.

2

Step 2: Gather evidence to support your claim, including comparable sales data (within 90 days before or after January 1), property photographs, repair estimates, professional appraisals, and any documentation of property defects or adverse conditions.

3

Step 3: Complete the Assessment Appeal Application and submit it to the Clerk of the Board between July 2 and November 30, along with the $35 non-refundable filing fee per parcel (payable to Solano County). Include evidence that the assessed value is inaccurate.

4

Step 4: Wait for your hearing notice, which will arrive approximately 45 days before your scheduled hearing date. The Assessment Appeals Board has up to two years from the filing date to hear your case, with typical wait times of 10-12 months.

5

Step 5: Prepare 7 copies of all exhibits and evidence for your formal hearing before a three-member Assessment Appeals Board panel. Present your evidence, testify about your property's value, and answer questions from board members and the Assessor's representative.

6

Step 6: Receive the board's decision either at the hearing or by mail. The board may reduce, maintain, or increase your assessed value. If dissatisfied with the decision, you may appeal to the California State Board of Equalization or Superior Court within the specified timeframe.

Required form: Assessment Appeal Application (available from Solano County Clerk of the Board)

Filing Methods

mail:Mail to: Clerk of the Board, 675 Texas Street, Suite 6500, Fairfield, CA 94533
in-person:Submit at: Clerk of the Board office, 675 Texas Street, Suite 6500, Fairfield, CA 94533, Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
email:Email submissions to: clerk@solanocounty.gov

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data (sales of similar properties within 90 days before/after January 1)Professional appraisal or realtor's comparative market analysisPhotographs showing property condition, damage, or defectsRepair estimates or contractor bids for needed workDocumentation of property issues (foundation problems, roof damage, environmental hazards)Income/expense statements for rental propertiesPurchase documents if recently acquired

Solano County Assessor Contact

Solano County Assessor-Recorder

Phone: (707) 784-6210

Address: 675 Texas Street, Suite 2700, Fairfield, CA 94533

Website: https://www.solanocounty.gov/government/assessorrecorder

Online Portal: https://ca-solano.publicaccessnow.com/Assessor.aspx

Hours: Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Tax Exemptions in Solano County

Homeowners' Exemption

$7,000 reduction in assessed value

Reduces the taxable assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the dwelling as your principal residence as of January 1. Must be the property owner, co-owner, or purchaser named in a contract of sale. One-time filing required.Deadline: File by February 15 to receive full exemption for that year (form BOE-266)

Disabled Veterans' Exemption - Basic

$175,298 reduction in assessed value (2026 amount, adjusted annually for inflation)

Property tax exemption for 100% disabled veterans or unremarried surviving spouses on their principal residence

Eligibility: Must be rated 100% disabled by VA or military service due to service-connected injury, or be compensated at 100% rate due to unemployability. Alternative qualifications include blindness in both eyes or loss of use of two or more limbs. Must own and occupy as principal residence.Deadline: File within 90 days of qualifying or by next January 1, whichever is later (form BOE-261-G). One-time filing for basic exemption.

Disabled Veterans' Exemption - Low Income

$262,950 reduction in assessed value (2026 amount, adjusted annually for inflation)

Enhanced property tax exemption for disabled veterans with household income below specified limits

Eligibility: Same disability requirements as basic exemption, plus household income from prior calendar year must not exceed annual limit (approximately $75,000 for 2026). Must own and occupy as principal residence.Deadline: Must file annually between January 1 and February 15 to certify continued income eligibility (form BOE-261-G)

Property Tax Postponement Program

Deferment of full property tax amount

State program allowing eligible homeowners to defer current-year property taxes, secured by lien against property

Eligibility: Must be senior (62+), blind, or disabled; at least 40% equity in home; annual household income of $53,574 or less; property must be principal residence. Deferred taxes with interest must eventually be repaid.Deadline: Apply with State Controller's Property Tax Postponement Program before February 10

Official Resources

Solano County Assessor-Recorder Official Website →

Access property assessment information, exemption applications, and contact information for the Assessor's office.

Solano County Assessment Appeals Information →

Official resource for filing property tax appeals, including application forms, deadlines, and hearing procedures.

Solano County Property Tax Search and Payment Portal →

Look up your property's assessed value, view tax bills, and make online payments through the county's official portal.

California State Board of Equalization - Property Tax Information →

Comprehensive state-level resource for property tax rules, exemption information, and taxpayer rights in California.

Check Your Solano County Assessment

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

✓ All 50 states✓ Instant results✓ $49 flat fee

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to file a property tax appeal in Solano County for 2026?
For regular annual assessments in Solano County, you must file your property tax appeal between July 2 and November 30, 2026. If November 30 falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. This filing period applies to appeals of your assessed value as of January 1, 2026. No extensions are available, so it's critical to file within this window. For supplemental assessments, you have 60 days from the date printed on your supplemental notice or its postmark date, whichever is later.
How much does it cost to file a property tax appeal in Solano County?
Filing a property tax appeal in Solano County requires a non-refundable fee of $35 per parcel. This fee must be paid when you submit your Assessment Appeal Application to the Clerk of the Board. Checks or money orders should be made payable to "Solano County." This filing fee is required regardless of whether your appeal is successful. The fee covers administrative processing costs and applies to each separate parcel you wish to appeal. There are no additional fees for the hearing itself, though you may choose to hire professional representation at your own expense.
What evidence do I need to bring to my Solano County property tax appeal hearing?
You must bring 7 copies of all exhibits and evidence to present at your formal hearing before the Assessment Appeals Board. The most compelling evidence includes comparable sales of similar properties that sold within 90 days before or after January 1 of the tax year. You should also provide photographs documenting your property's condition, written repair estimates from contractors, a professional appraisal if available, and any documentation of defects, damage, or adverse conditions affecting value. For income-producing properties, bring income and expense statements. The key is providing objective evidence that proves your property's market value is lower than the assessed value shown on your assessment notice.
How long does the Solano County property tax appeal process take?
After filing your appeal in Solano County, you can expect to wait approximately 10-12 months for your hearing to be scheduled. The Assessment Appeals Board has up to two years from the application filing date to hear your case and render a decision. You will receive a hearing notice approximately 45 days before your scheduled hearing date, giving you time to prepare your evidence and arrange your attendance. The hearing itself typically lasts 30-60 minutes depending on the complexity of your case. Following the hearing, you may receive the board's decision immediately or by mail within several weeks.
What is the homestead exemption worth in Solano County?
The Homeowners' Exemption in Solano County reduces your property's assessed value by $7,000, which translates to approximately $70 to $84 in annual property tax savings at typical county tax rates. This exemption is available to owner-occupied primary residences and requires only a one-time filing of form BOE-266 with the Solano County Assessor-Recorder. You must occupy the dwelling as your principal residence as of January 1 each year to maintain eligibility. To receive the full exemption for a given tax year, file by February 15. Once granted, the exemption automatically renews each year as long as you continue to occupy the property as your primary residence.
Can I appeal my Solano County property taxes if I just purchased my home?
Yes, you can appeal your property tax assessment in Solano County even if you recently purchased your home, though success may be more challenging. Under California's Proposition 13, when property changes ownership, it is reassessed at current market value. However, if you believe the Assessor's valuation exceeds your actual purchase price or current market value, you have grounds for appeal. You'll need to demonstrate that the assessed value is higher than the fair market value using comparable sales from around your purchase date. Base year value appeals use the date of purchase as the valuation date, and comparable sales must be from within 90 days of that date. File your appeal between July 2 and November 30.
What happens if I win my property tax appeal in Solano County?
If the Assessment Appeals Board rules in your favor and reduces your assessed value, your property tax bill will be lowered for that tax year only. The Auditor-Controller will recalculate your taxes based on the new assessed value determined by the board. If you've already paid your property taxes in full, you will receive a refund check with interest for the overpayment within several weeks to months. If you have installments remaining, your future payments will be adjusted to reflect the lower assessment. Important note: the reduction applies only to the specific tax year appealed, and you must file a new appeal each subsequent year if you believe your property continues to be overassessed.
How do I know if my Solano County property is overassessed and worth appealing?
Your property may be overassessed if your assessed value (shown on your annual assessment notice mailed in mid-April) is higher than your property's current market value as of January 1. Research comparable sales of similar homes in your neighborhood that sold within 90 days before or after January 1—if these sales prices are consistently lower than your assessed value, you likely have grounds for appeal. Other indicators include significant property damage, declining neighborhood conditions, or functional obsolescence not reflected in your assessment. With Solano County's median home value at $342,310 and median annual tax bill of $4,342, even a 10% assessment reduction could save you over $400 annually, making the $35 filing fee a worthwhile investment.

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

Alameda County (Oakland)Butte County (Chico)Contra Costa County (Martinez)El Dorado County (Placerville)Fresno County (Fresno)Kern County (Bakersfield)
← All California property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.solanocounty.gov/government/clerk-board/assessment-appeals | https://www.solanocounty.gov/government/assessorrecorder | https://www.ownwell.com/trends/california/solano-county | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solano_County,_California | https://boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/homeowners_exemption.htm | https://boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/dv_exemption.htm

Last verified: 2026-02-26