Los Angeles 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 LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector and the Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk; sources are listed at the end.

Los Angeles County secured property taxes are due November 1 and February 1, and become delinquent after the close of business on December 10 and April 10. Each late installment adds a 10 percent penalty, the second adds a $10 cost, and taxes still unpaid on June 30 default on July 1 with a $15 redemption fee and 1.5 percent a month. If you sell, escrow pays unpaid taxes from your proceeds.

Los Angeles County property tax at a glance

First installment	Due November 1; delinquent after close of business December 10: 10% penalty
Second installment	Due February 1; delinquent after close of business April 10: 10% penalty plus a $10 cost
Default	Taxes unpaid at the end of June 30 default on July 1: $15 redemption fee plus 1.5% a month
Online	eCheck is free; cards 2.22% (minimum $1.49)
By phone	1 (888) 473-0835
By mail	P.O. Box 54018, Los Angeles, CA 90054-0018
In person	225 North Hill Street, First Floor Lobby, Los Angeles; Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Information line	1 (888) 807-2111 or (213) 974-2111

When are Los Angeles County property taxes due?

The annual secured bill has two installments. The first is due November 1 and the second February 1. Each is delinquent after the close of business on December 10 and April 10. A payment must be made or postmarked by those dates to avoid the 10 percent penalty. You can pay both installments at once, and you may be able to set up payments with the Treasurer and Tax Collector if you owe delinquent taxes.

How do I pay my Los Angeles County property taxes?

Pay online with a free eCheck, or by card at a 2.22 percent fee with a $1.49 minimum. By phone, call 1 (888) 473-0835. By mail, send payment to P.O. Box 54018, Los Angeles, CA 90054-0018. In person, visit the First Floor Lobby at 225 North Hill Street, Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For questions, the information line is 1 (888) 807-2111.

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

A late first installment adds 10 percent, and a late second adds 10 percent plus a $10 cost. Taxes unpaid at the end of June 30 default on July 1. A $15 redemption fee is added, and 1.5 percent accrues each month until redeemed. The county offers a Five-Pay Plan for defaulted taxes less than five years old. See our California foreclosure report for statewide trends.

What are supplemental property tax bills in Los Angeles County?

When a property is sold or newly built, the Assessor reassesses it and the county issues a supplemental bill on top of the regular one. Events between January 1 and May 31 produce two supplemental bills. A supplemental assessment can be appealed within 60 days.

Buyers often get surprised by these, so the escrow officer should account for them in the sale. For escaped assessments over $500, a Four-Pay Plan is available; mail applications to P.O. Box 512102, Los Angeles, CA 90051-0102.

How much is transfer tax when selling in Los Angeles County?

The county documentary transfer tax is $0.55 per $500 of value. Cities add their own. The City of Los Angeles adds $2.25 per $500 plus additional tax of 4 or 5.5 percent on sales above $5.4 million and $10.9 million, effective July 1, 2026. Pomona and Redondo Beach each charge $2.20 per $1,000, and Culver City and Santa Monica use tiered rates. Check the Registrar-Recorder’s page or ask escrow for your city. See our California transfer tax report for comparisons.

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

You can sell a house in Los Angeles County with unpaid property taxes. Taxes are a lien, so escrow pays what is owed from your proceeds and the buyer receives the home with taxes cleared.

1. Get the payoff. Call 1 (888) 807-2111 with your parcel number (AIN) and expected closing date.
2. Give it to escrow. Escrow pays taxes and other liens before you receive the balance.
3. Plan around the calendar. Closing before December 10 or April 10 avoids a new penalty, and before June 30 avoids default charges.
4. Budget for transfer tax. Add the county and any city tax for your property.

A cash sale helps when time is the problem, because there is no loan approval to wait for. See how we buy houses in Los Angeles.

Behind on Los Angeles County property taxes and thinking about selling? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. There is no cost and no obligation.

Los Angeles County property tax FAQ

When are Los Angeles County property taxes delinquent?

After the close of business on December 10 for the first installment and April 10 for the second.

What is the penalty for late payment in Los Angeles County?

Ten percent on each installment, plus a $10 cost on the second. After default on July 1, a $15 redemption fee and 1.5 percent a month apply.

What is the county transfer tax in Los Angeles County?

$0.55 per $500 of value, plus any city transfer tax.

How do I sell a house in Los Angeles County with delinquent property taxes?

Get the payoff from the Treasurer and Tax Collector and give it to escrow. The taxes are paid from your proceeds at closing.

Sources

• LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector: 2026-27 Secured Tax Bill Insert
• LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector: Secured Property Taxes FAQs
• LA County Registrar-Recorder: Documentary Transfer Taxes

This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Dates and fees can change; confirm amounts with the LA County Treasurer and Tax Collector.