Solano County Property Tax Appeal, California

Travis Bunn·Updated July 24, 2026

Solano County is located in the San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California, with Fairfield serving as the county seat. The county has an estimated population of approximately 455,400 as of 2025 and includes major cities such as Vallejo, Fairfield, Vacaville, and Suisun City. Property tax appeals are particularly important in Solano County given the median annual tax bill of $4,831, which is $2,431 higher than the national median of $2,400. The county's median home value ranges between $378,000 and $549,000 depending on the data source, with property values continuing to grow for the fifteenth consecutive year as the total assessed value reached $80.5 billion in fiscal year 2026/27.

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

Median Home

$389,800

Tax Rate

1.21%

Annual Tax

$4,831

Population

455,400

On the typical Solano County home, valued near $389,800 at the county’s effective tax rate of 1.21%, an over-assessment of even 10% means you are overpaying year after year until you appeal it. Here is how to find out if yours qualifies.

2026 Appeal Deadline: July 2 through November 30, 2026 for regular assessments; within 60 days of the notice date for supplemental assessments

That is at most 97 days away. Your exact date is on your assessment notice, so do not wait on it.

Regular assessment appeals must be filed between July 2 and November 30 each year in Solano County (deadline extends to next business day if November 30 falls on a weekend or holiday). For supplemental assessments due to change in ownership or new construction, the deadline is 60 days after the date printed on the supplemental notice or its postmark date, whichever is later. Note: As of December 24, 2025, USPS postmark rules changed, so the official postmark is based on the date of first automated processing at a USPS facility.

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How Solano County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Solano County Assessor-Recorder

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: Mid-October (tax bills mailed for fiscal year)

California assesses property at 100% of the Proposition 13 base-year value, which can increase by no more than 2% annually unless there is a change in ownership or new construction. The assessed value equals the market value at purchase, then grows at the limited rate. For example: If your home's market value is $389,800 (the county median), at California's 100% assessment ratio your assessed value would be $389,800, resulting in approximately $4,716 in annual taxes at the county's effective rate of 1.21%. When you purchase property, it is reassessed to current market value and that becomes your new base year value.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Assessment Appeals Board. At the hearing, you will present your case first, followed by the Assessor's presentation. The Board members will ask questions and review all evidence before making a decision. The hearing is typically informal but conducted according to legal procedures.

Step 1: Check your assessed value on your property tax bill or through the Assessor's website at ca-solano.publicaccessnow.com. Compare it to comparable properties and recent sales in your area.

Step 2: Consider requesting an informal review with the Assessor's office before filing a formal appeal. This can be done by submitting an Informal Assessment Review form (BOE-305-A) by March 15, which may resolve your issue without a formal hearing.

Step 3: Obtain and complete the Assessment Appeal Application (BOE-305-AH) from the Clerk of the Board or download it from the county website. Include your opinion of value and supporting evidence.

Step 4: File your completed application with the Clerk of the Board between July 2 and November 30 (or within 60 days for supplemental assessments). Pay the $35 non-refundable filing fee per parcel, payable to Solano County.

Step 5: Wait for your hearing notice. The Assessment Appeals Board has up to two years to schedule a hearing, with typical wait times of 10-12 months. You will receive a hearing notice approximately 45 days before your scheduled date.

Step 6: Prepare your evidence and bring 7 copies of all exhibits to your hearing. Present your case to the Assessment Appeals Board, including comparable sales, photos, appraisals, repair estimates, or other documentation supporting your opinion of value.

Step 7: If you disagree with the Assessment Appeals Board's decision, you may appeal to the California State Board of Equalization or file a lawsuit in Superior Court within specific timeframes.

Required form: Assessment Appeal Application (BOE-305-AH)

Filing Methods

mail:Clerk of the Board, 675 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533

in-person:Clerk of the Board office, 675 Texas Street, Fairfield, CA 94533, Monday-Friday 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM

email:clerk@solanocounty.gov (confirm acceptance with office)

Evidence to Bring

Comparable sales data from recent transactions of similar propertiesProfessional appraisal reportsPhotographs showing property condition or defectsRepair estimates for needed workIncome and expense statements for income-producing property

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 (saves approximately $70-85 annually)

Reduces the assessed value of an owner-occupied primary residence

Eligibility: Must occupy the dwelling as your principal residence as of January 1 each year. Must be the property owner, co-owner, purchaser named in a contract of sale, or shareholder in a cooperative housing corporation.Deadline: February 15 (automatically renews annually once approved)

Disabled Veterans' Exemption - Basic

$180,671 reduction in assessed value for 2026

Provides property tax exemption for qualifying disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouses

Eligibility: Must have 100% service-connected disability rating from VA, or receive compensation at 100% rate due to individual unemployability (TDIU), or have lost or lost use of two or more limbs. Must be California resident and property must be principal place of residence. No income limit for basic exemption.Deadline: File BOE-261-G with County Assessor as soon as possible; no annual recertification required for basic tier

Disabled Veterans' Exemption - Low Income

$271,009 reduction in assessed value for 2026

Enhanced property tax exemption for low-income disabled veterans

Eligibility: Same disability requirements as basic exemption, plus household income must be $81,131 or less. Must be California resident and property must be principal place of residence.Deadline: File BOE-261-G with County Assessor; requires annual income recertification by February 15

Property Tax Postponement Program

Defers full amount of property taxes; interest accrues at 5% annually

Allows eligible seniors, blind, or disabled persons to defer current-year property taxes on their principal residence

Eligibility: Must be age 62 or older, blind, or have a disability; at least 40% equity in the home; annual household income of $53,574 or less; property must be principal residence.Deadline: Apply through California State Controller's Office at 800-952-5661; applications accepted year-round

Solano County Appeal Packet · $49

Comparable sales evidence, county-specific filing guide, and professional cover letter. Enter your address to get started.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Solano County for 2026?

For regular annual assessments in Solano County, you must file your appeal between July 2 and November 30, 2026. If November 30 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day. For supplemental assessments (issued after a change in ownership or new construction), you have 60 days from the date printed on the supplemental notice or its postmark date, whichever is later. Missing these deadlines means you must wait until the next tax year to appeal. It's important to note that as of December 24, 2025, USPS postmark rules changed, so mail your appeal well before the deadline.

How much does it cost to file a property tax appeal in Solano County?

Filing a property tax appeal in Solano County requires a $35 non-refundable fee per parcel. This fee must be paid when you submit your Assessment Appeal Application (BOE-305-AH) to the Clerk of the Board. Payment can be made by check or money order payable to Solano County. The fee is required regardless of the outcome of your appeal and covers the administrative costs of processing your application and scheduling a hearing with the Assessment Appeals Board. Fee waiver requests may be available in certain circumstances - contact the Clerk of the Board at 707-784-6100 for details.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Solano County?

The Homeowners' Exemption in Solano County provides a $7,000 reduction in your property's assessed value. At the county's effective tax rate of approximately 1.21%, this exemption saves qualifying homeowners roughly $70 to $85 per year on their property tax bill. To qualify, you must occupy the property as your primary residence as of January 1 each year. You must file your initial application by February 15, but once approved, the exemption automatically renews annually as long as you continue to occupy the home as your principal residence. This is separate from and in addition to the bankruptcy homestead exemption.

Should I request an informal review before filing a formal appeal in Solano County?

Yes, requesting an informal assessment review before filing a formal appeal is highly recommended in Solano County. You can submit an Informal Assessment Review form (BOE-305-A) to the Assessor's office by March 15 to potentially resolve valuation disputes without going through the formal appeals process. During an informal review, an assessor will contact you, review your property details, compare it to similar properties, and may adjust your assessment if warranted. Most issues can be resolved at this informal level, saving you time and the $35 formal appeal filing fee. If the informal review doesn't resolve your concern, you can still file a formal appeal between July 2 and November 30.

How long does the property tax appeal process take in Solano County?

The property tax appeal process in Solano County typically takes 10 to 12 months from the date you file your appeal until your hearing is scheduled. The Assessment Appeals Board has up to two years from your application filing date to hear your case. Once you file your Assessment Appeal Application between July 2 and November 30, you'll receive a hearing notice approximately 45 days before your scheduled hearing date. You must return the enclosed confirmation card by the deadline to confirm your attendance. After the hearing, the Board will make a decision and notify you of the outcome. The entire process requires patience, but you must continue paying your property taxes on time during the appeal.

What evidence do I need to win my property tax appeal in Solano County?

To successfully appeal your property tax assessment in Solano County, you need to bring 7 copies of compelling evidence to your hearing. The most effective evidence includes recent comparable sales of similar properties in your neighborhood that sold for less than your assessed value, typically within the past 6-12 months. A professional appraisal report dated close to January 1 of the tax year is very persuasive. Also bring photographs documenting property defects, damage, or unfavorable conditions; written repair estimates for needed work; and income/expense statements if it's an income-producing property. The key is proving that your property's fair market value on January 1 was less than the assessed value shown on your tax bill.

Can I appeal my property taxes in Solano County if I just bought my home?

Yes, you can appeal your property taxes in Solano County even if you recently purchased your home, though it may be challenging if you paid market price. When you buy property, California law requires reassessment to current market value, which becomes your new base year value under Proposition 13. If you receive a supplemental assessment that you believe is incorrect, you have 60 days from the notice date to file an appeal. For the regular assessment, you can appeal during the July 2 to November 30 filing period if you have evidence that the assessed value exceeds fair market value. Common grounds for new homeowner appeals include purchasing a fixer-upper, overpaying due to special circumstances, or significant market decline after purchase.

What happens if I win my property tax appeal in Solano County?

If you win your property tax appeal in Solano County, the Assessment Appeals Board will order a reduction in your property's assessed value for that specific tax year. This lower assessed value will result in a reduced property tax bill, and if you've already paid your taxes, you'll receive a refund for the overpayment. The refund amount is calculated based on the difference between your original assessed value and the new reduced value, multiplied by the applicable tax rate. However, it's important to understand that the Board's decision applies only to the tax year you appealed. If you believe your property remains overassessed in subsequent years, you must file a new appeal each year during the July 2 to November 30 filing period.

Official Resources

Solano County Assessor-Recorder Official Website →

Access property assessment information, exemption forms, and contact information for the Solano County Assessor's office.

Solano County Assessment Appeals Board →

Find appeal application forms, filing deadlines, hearing procedures, and contact information for property tax appeals.

Solano County Property Search Portal →

Look up your property's assessed value, parcel information, and assessment history online.

California State Board of Equalization - Property Tax Information →

Access state-level property tax resources, forms, publications, and information about California's property tax system.

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 →

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← 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://www.tax-rates.org/california/solano_county_property_tax | https://www.solanocounty.gov/government/assessorrecorder/assessor-division/property-tax-savings/homeowners-property-tax-exemption | https://valoannetwork.com/property-tax-exemptions/california/

Last verified: 2026-07-24