If you own a home in San Jose, Morgan Hill or anywhere else in Santa Clara County, your 2026–27 property tax bill is on its way this month. Here’s a quick, neighbor-to-neighbor rundown of the dates that matter and a few things that catch people off guard.
The key dates
Straight from the County of Santa Clara Department of Tax and Collections:
- October: bills are mailed
- November 1: first installment due
- December 10 (a Thursday): last day to pay the first installment without a penalty
- February 1: second installment due
- April 10: last day to pay the second installment. April 10, 2027 is a Saturday, so the deadline moves to the next business day.
Miss a deadline and the County adds a 10% penalty plus a $20 cost. You can pay online until midnight Pacific time on the deadline. If you mail a check, it needs a U.S. Postal Service postmark dated on or before the deadline. A private postage-meter date doesn’t count.
No bill? You still owe it
Under California law, not getting a bill doesn’t excuse the penalty. If you recently moved, bought or refinanced, look up your parcel on the County’s site by address or parcel number. If your lender pays through an impound account, check that they have the bill.
Just bought? Two things to know
Watch for a supplemental bill. When a home sells, it gets reassessed and the County sends a separate bill for the difference between the old and new values. Most arrive within nine months of the sale. Lenders don’t receive these, so you’ll usually pay it yourself or sort it out with your lender.
File the Homeowners’ Exemption. If it’s your main home, the exemption takes $7,000 off your assessed value, which generally saves about $70 a year. File by February 15 for the full amount.
One more tip for buyers: your assessed value resets when you buy, so the seller’s tax bill isn’t a good guide to what you’ll pay. Budget from your own purchase price.
Thinking about buying or selling in San Jose or Morgan Hill? I’m happy to walk you through the full cost of owning a home before you make a move. Reach out here anytime.
General information only, not tax or legal advice. Please confirm the amounts and dates on your own bill with the County.
Avil Soleiman | 01968159
Avil Soleiman Brokerage
408.807.5657