This page helps users handle Property Tax tasks in Orange County, California, including finding tax bills, reviewing payment options, checking deadlines, and knowing which office to contact.
The main online service is the OC Treasurer-Tax Collector Tax Search, which supports secured, supplemental, unsecured, watercraft, and aircraft property tax bill searches.
OC Treasurer-Tax Collector Tax Search
Use the OC Treasurer-Tax Collector Tax Search to look up property tax bill information, view property details, and pay eligible bills online.
For secured or supplemental property tax bills, the search tool supports these lookup fields:
- Property address
- Assessor Parcel Number, also called APN
- Tax Default Number
If an address search does not locate the property, try the APN. The APN may be on the tax bill, available through the OC Tax Map, or available by calling (714) 834-3411.
- Choose the correct property tax bill type.
- Enter the address, APN, tax default number, or other supported identifier.
- Review the property and bill information shown in the results.
- Use the available payment option if the bill is eligible for online payment.
Search options by bill type
Orange County separates property tax searches by bill category. Choose the option that matches the bill or asset you need to review.
| Bill type | Search options | What users can do |
|---|---|---|
| Secured or supplemental property tax | Property address, APN, or Tax Default Number | View property information and pay now |
| Unsecured property tax | Tax Collector Reference Number, tax year and assessment number, business name, tax lien number, water registration number, or aircraft registration number | View property information and pay now |
| Watercraft property tax | Watercraft Registration Number, also called CF number | View property information and pay now |
| Aircraft property tax | Aircraft Registration Number, also called N number | View property information and pay now |
Payment options
Orange County property tax payments may be made online, by phone, by drop box, or by mail. Review the property tax payment options before submitting a payment.
| Payment method | Key details |
|---|---|
| Online eCheck | No service fee, receipt available by email or print, and same-day credit until 11:59 p.m. PST |
| Online credit or debit card | Service fee applies, receipt available by email or print, and same-day credit until 11:59 p.m. PST |
| IVR phone payment | Credit or debit card payment by phone at (714) 834-3411; service fee applies |
| Depository payment drop box | Located at 601 N. Ross Street, Santa Ana; available 24/7; no cash |
| Mail payments to County of Orange, Attn: Treasurer-Tax Collector, P.O. Box 1438, Santa Ana, CA 92702-1438 |
Online payment timing: Allow up to 2 to 3 business days for a payment to show as paid on the website.
Important property tax dates
The Orange County property tax calendar lists major dates in the fiscal year from July 1 through June 30.
| Date or period | Property tax event |
|---|---|
| July 1 | Prior-year delinquent secured taxes default and begin adding penalties of 1.5% per month, plus a $15 redemption fee |
| August 31 | Unsecured property taxes are due |
| September to October | Secured property tax bills are mailed and posted online |
| November 1 | First installment of secured property taxes is due |
| December 10 | Last day to pay the first installment before a 10% penalty |
| February 1 | Second installment of secured property taxes is due |
| April 10 | Last day to pay the second installment before a 10% penalty plus a $23 collection cost |
| June 30 | Last day to start a five-year payment plan for eligible delinquent secured taxes with at least one installment delinquent for over five years |
If a due date falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date moves to the next business day.
Supplemental tax estimates
The Orange County supplemental tax estimator is for planning only. It does not replace a supplemental bill and does not include the regular secured property tax bill.
To begin, use the supplemental tax estimator and identify the property by parcel number or property address. The estimate is based on taxpayer-entered information such as APN or address, purchase date, purchase price, and exemption type.
Payment plans for delinquent taxes
Orange County offers a five-year payment plan for eligible delinquent secured property taxes. The plan can be started after June 30 of the fiscal year in which the taxes become delinquent.
To start a five-year plan, a taxpayer must complete the application, pay at least 20% of the delinquent amount due, and pay a $25 setup fee. The initial payment must be by certified check, money order, or cash.
For unsecured escape assessments over $500, a four-year payment plan may be available. The request must be filed with the Tax Collector before the bill due date, and the plan includes a $48 fee. Review payment plan arrangements for the plan rules.
Penalty cancellation and postmarks
A taxpayer may request cancellation of a property tax penalty in writing or by submitting a signed penalty cancellation request form. The Treasurer-Tax Collector attempts to respond to requests within 60 days.
Penalty cancellation is limited. Examples listed by the office include payment on the wrong parcel and hospitalization on April 10. Questions about penalty cancellation may be sent to [email protected] or handled by phone at (714) 834-3411.
For mailed payments, the postmark date matters. Property tax payments must be received or postmarked by the last payment date to avoid penalties. Review the postmark guidance before mailing close to a deadline.
Mailing warning: USPS may not postmark every type of mail on the same day it is deposited, so a hand-stamped postmark is recommended near a deadline.
Property tax contacts
Use the appropriate Orange County office based on the issue you need to resolve.
-
Treasurer Tax-Collector
Tax billing and payment information: (714) 834-3411
[email protected] -
Assessor Office
Assessment values for real property: (714) 834-2727 -
Assessor Office
Assessment values for aircraft, boats, and watercraft: (714) 834-2772 -
Assessor Office
Change of ownership: (714) 834-5031 -
Assessor Office
Change of mailing address: (714) 834-2939 -
Clerk of the Board
Claim for refund of taxes paid or penalties paid: (714) 834-2206 -
Clerk of the Board
Assessment appeal: (714) 834-3453 -
County Directory Assistance
(855) 886-5400
Common questions
Where can I look up an Orange County property tax bill?
Use the OC Treasurer-Tax Collector Tax Search for secured, supplemental, unsecured, watercraft, and aircraft property tax bill searches.
What should I do if an address search does not find my property?
Try searching by APN instead. You can find the APN on your tax bill, through the OC Tax Map, or by calling (714) 834-3411.
When are secured property tax installments due?
The first installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent after December 10. The second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent after April 10.
Can I pay Orange County property taxes online without a service fee?
Yes. Online eCheck payments are listed as having no service fee. Credit and debit card payments have a service fee.
Who handles assessment value questions?
The Orange County Assessor Office handles real property assessment value questions at (714) 834-2727.
Can late property tax penalties be canceled?
A taxpayer may request cancellation, but California law allows only limited bases for approval. The Treasurer-Tax Collector responds with approval or denial information.