Merced County Property Tax Guide for Homeowners and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Figures come from the Merced County Tax Collector’s tax FAQ. Always confirm amounts on your own bill.

Merced County bills secured property tax in two installments: the first is due November 1 and delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on December 10, and the second is due February 1 and delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on April 10. A late first installment adds 10 percent. A late second installment adds 10 percent plus a $55 cost. If a date falls on a weekend or holiday, it moves to the next business day at 5:00 p.m.

Merced County property tax at a glance

Bills mailed	By November 1
First installment	Due November 1; delinquent after 5:00 p.m. December 10; 10% penalty
Second installment	Due February 1; delinquent after 5:00 p.m. April 10; 10% penalty plus $55 cost
Weekend or holiday	Deadline moves to the next business day at 5:00 p.m.
Mailed payments	Need a USPS postmark; private postage meter dates are not accepted
Tax sale	Property unpaid for five years may be sold
Duplicate bills	(209) 385-7592

How is Merced County property tax calculated?

The county explains that the tax is the assessed value on January 1 multiplied by a rate, which is usually 1 percent plus any voter-approved debt, with special assessments added. Because the bill also includes direct charges for things like districts, two houses with the same value can get different bills. Check the line items on your own bill to see what is included.

When are Merced County property taxes due?

The first half is due November 1 and goes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on December 10. The second half is due February 1 and goes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on April 10. Bills are mailed by November 1. When December 10 or April 10 lands on a weekend or a holiday, the county moves the deadline to the next business day at 5:00 p.m.

Mail must carry a United States Postal Service postmark by the deadline. The county does not accept dates from private postage meters, so use the post office counter if you are close to the date.

What happens if I don’t pay property taxes in Merced County?

Each missed installment brings the penalties described above, and the $55 cost on the second installment applies on top of the 10 percent. The county says property that stays unpaid for five years may be sold. The pages I reviewed did not give the monthly interest rate after June 30 or the auction date, so ask the Tax Collector for those on your parcel.

If you are also behind on the mortgage, see how to sell a house in foreclosure.

Tax postponement for seniors and disabled owners

California’s State Controller runs a postponement program for eligible homeowners who are seniors, blind or disabled. The county lists applications as open from October 1 to February 10, and the Controller’s line is 1-800-952-5661. This postpones taxes rather than erasing them, so the amount is still due later, often when the home is sold.

How to sell a house in Merced County when you owe property taxes

You can sell with unpaid taxes. They are a lien, so escrow pays the balance from your proceeds and the buyer receives the property with taxes current.

1. Get the payoff. Ask the Tax Collector for the total due on your expected closing date.
2. Brief escrow. The escrow officer pays delinquent taxes from proceeds before you receive anything.
3. Estimate transfer tax. California law sets the county documentary transfer tax at $0.55 per $500 of the sale price. Use the calculator below and confirm with escrow.
4. Pick the close date. Closing before December 10 or April 10 avoids the penalty on that installment.

See our Merced County cash home buyer page and the city of Merced page for how a cash sale works.

Estimate your transfer tax when you sell

Behind on Merced County property taxes? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. No cost, no obligation.

Merced County property tax FAQ

What is the late fee on the second installment in Merced County?

10 percent plus a $55 cost, after 5:00 p.m. on April 10.

Does a meter postmark count for mailed payments?

No. Merced County requires a USPS postmark and does not accept private postage meter dates.

What if the deadline falls on a weekend?

The deadline moves to the next business day at 5:00 p.m.

Can seniors postpone property tax in California?

Eligible seniors, blind or disabled owners can apply to the State Controller, with the county listing October 1 to February 10 for applications. The tax is postponed, not forgiven.

Can I sell a Merced County house with delinquent taxes?

Yes. Get a payoff figure and escrow pays the taxes from your sale proceeds at closing.

Sources

• Merced County Tax Collector: Property Tax FAQ
• Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder: Documentary Transfer Tax (state rate under Revenue and Taxation Code 11911)

This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm amounts with the Merced County Tax Collector.