Madera County Property Tax Guide for Homeowners and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Figures come from Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector and Recorder pages; sources are listed at the end.

Madera County property tax installments are due November 1 and February 1, and are penalty-free through December 10 and April 10. A late first installment adds 10 percent, a late second adds 10 percent plus a $30 cost, and taxes still unpaid on June 30 go into default with a $25 redemption fee and 1.5 percent a month. Unpaid taxes are paid from your proceeds if you sell.

Madera County property tax at a glance

First installment	Due November 1; no penalty if paid by December 10; 10% penalty after
Second installment	Due February 1; no penalty if paid by April 10; 10% penalty plus a $30 cost after
After June 30	Tax-defaulted: $25 redemption fee plus 1.5% a month
Pay both at once	Both installments can be paid with the first
Treasurer-Tax Collector	(559) 675-7713
Transfer tax	$0.55 per $500 ($1.10 per $1,000) of value
Recorder hours	8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday

When are Madera County property taxes due?

Madera County bills secured property tax in two installments. The first is due November 1 and the second February 1. The county treats them as on time through December 10 and April 10. You may pay both installments together with the first payment if you prefer to settle the year at once. For questions about your bill, call the Treasurer-Tax Collector at (559) 675-7713.

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

The first installment picks up a 10 percent penalty after December 10. The second picks up a 10 percent penalty plus a $30 cost after April 10. Taxes unpaid on June 30 go into default: a $25 redemption fee is added, and 1.5 percent a month accrues until redeemed. Call (559) 675-7713 for the amount to redeem on a specific date. See our California foreclosure report for statewide trends.

How much is transfer tax when selling in Madera County?

Madera County’s Recorder lists documentary transfer tax at $0.55 per $500, or $1.10 per $1,000 of value. On a $400,000 sale that works out to $440. The Recorder’s office is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. More on how this compares statewide is in our California transfer tax report.

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

You can sell a house in Madera 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 (559) 675-7713 with your parcel number 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 installment penalty, and before June 30 avoids default charges.
4. Budget for transfer tax. Expect $1.10 per $1,000 of value at recording.

A cash sale helps when time is the problem, because there is no loan approval to wait for. See how we buy houses in Madera County or our page for Madera.

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

Madera County property tax FAQ

When are Madera County property taxes late?

After December 10 for the first installment and after April 10 for the second.

What is the Madera County late penalty?

Ten percent on the first installment, and ten percent plus a $30 cost on the second. After June 30, a $25 redemption fee and 1.5 percent a month apply.

What is the transfer tax in Madera County?

$0.55 per $500 of value, which is $1.10 per $1,000.

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

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

Sources

• Madera County Treasurer-Tax Collector: Secured Taxes
• Madera County Recorder: Recording Fees

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