Estimate your California property tax based on the state's 0.71% average effective rate. Enter your home value for an instant, free calculation.
Enter any tax exemption amount you qualify for in California
California has a moderate effective rate of 0.71%, but extraordinarily high home values — median over $659,000 — mean actual dollar amounts are among the highest in the nation. Proposition 13 (1978) is the defining feature of California property tax.
Under Proposition 13, property is assessed at purchase price, with annual increases capped at 2% regardless of market appreciation. This means long-term homeowners often pay far less than new buyers on identical properties — a major source of tax inequality.
| Home Value | Estimated Annual Tax | Monthly (Escrow) |
|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $1,775 | $147/mo |
| $659,300 (median) | $4,681 | $390/mo |
| $600,000 | $4,260 | $355/mo |
California offers a $7,000 homeowner's exemption reducing assessed value. Seniors 55+ can transfer their tax base to a new home under Proposition 19. Disabled veterans may receive exemptions of $100,000–$150,000 on assessed value.
California property taxes are due November 1 (first installment) and February 1 (second installment), with delinquency on December 10 and April 10 respectively.
Prop 13's legacy means neighbors with identical homes can pay dramatically different bills based purely on when they bought. New buyers in the Bay Area frequently face $10,000–$20,000+ annual bills.