This page helps users handle a property tax need in Sonoma County, California, including finding a tax bill, checking payment status, reviewing due dates, and contacting the Sonoma County Tax Collector when help is needed.
The Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector and the Sonoma County Tax Collector provide the main public routes for viewing, printing, paying, and requesting property tax bill information.
Sonoma County property tax bill search
Use the Sonoma County property tax search to find a bill by assessment number, fee parcel number, or street address. The search page explains that fee parcel search is the best route for a summary of current or delinquent fiscal year assessments that are outstanding or paid during the current fiscal year.
- Assessment number
- Fee parcel number
- Street address
Once you have the right search detail, use the official search page and follow the instructions shown under the search field.
- Open the search Sonoma County property taxes page.
- Select the current roll year when you need current payment information.
- Enter at least 6 characters and no more than 20 characters for the search.
- Review the matching bill information and confirm the paid status before relying on the result.
Search tip: for street address searches, try leaving out words such as Street, Road, Drive, or Lane, and use single-letter directionals such as W instead of West.
View, print, and pay a property tax bill online
Sonoma County property tax bills are available to view, print, and pay online. The county states that online payments may be made by credit card, debit card, or E-Check.
For online payments, E-Check payments are free. Credit card and debit card payments are assessed a 2.34% transaction fee by the payment processing company, not the County of Sonoma. If you do not receive a transaction number at the end of an online payment, the transaction was not successful.
Use the county’s payment page to review the online payment terms before proceeding to the payment system: view and pay your property tax bill online.
Payment options and transaction fees
Sonoma County accepts several property tax payment methods. The payment method affects fees, proof of timeliness, and how quickly the payment can be confirmed.
| Payment option | Key details | Fee or timing note |
|---|---|---|
| Online E-Check | Electronic debit from a checking or savings account | Free |
| Online credit or debit card | Processed through the payment processing company | 2.34% per transaction |
| Include the payment stub and make checks or money orders payable to the Sonoma County Tax Collector | A valid USPS postmark is used to establish timely payment | |
| In person | Pay at the Tax Collector’s office or use the drop box outside the main entrance | Drop box payments must be received before 5:00 p.m. on the due date |
| Telephone | Call 1-888-636-8418 to make a payment by phone | Credit and debit card payments have a 2.34% transaction fee; E-Check payments have no transaction fee |
Returned payments add a $30 processing fee. If a returned payment happens after the due date, additional tax penalties may apply.
Due dates and penalties
Annual secured property tax bills may be paid in two installments. If a delinquency date falls on a weekend, taxes are not delinquent until 5:00 p.m. the next business day.
| Bill or installment | Due date | Delinquency rule | Penalty |
|---|---|---|---|
| First secured installment | November 1 | Delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on December 10 | 10% delinquent penalty |
| Second secured installment | February 1 | Delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on April 10 | 10% penalty plus a $20.00 administrative charge |
| Unsecured property tax bill | August 31 at 5:00 p.m. | Due in full; no installments | 10% penalty, with additional monthly penalties if unpaid |
| Tax-defaulted secured property | June 30 by 5:00 p.m. | If June 30 falls on a weekend, payment must be made by 5:00 p.m. on the preceding business day | Additional penalties and costs accrue |
Duplicate bills and missing tax bills
Annual secured property tax bills are mailed once a year in the fall. If you do not receive an annual tax bill by November 10, contact the Sonoma County Tax Collector’s Office for a duplicate copy.
When requesting a duplicate bill, have one of these details ready:
- Fee parcel number
- Assessment number
- Property or situs address
Failure to receive a bill does not excuse late-payment penalties. Supplemental property tax bills are mailed throughout the year, and unsecured property tax bills are mailed in July.
Mailed payments and postmark timing
Sonoma County requires a valid USPS postmark to establish timely payment for mailed property tax payments. The county advises taxpayers to account for updated USPS postmarking procedures, because postmarks may reflect when mail reaches a regional processing facility rather than when it is deposited at a local post office.
To reduce timing problems with mailed payments, the Tax Collector recommends requesting a manual postmark, obtaining a certificate of mailing, using registered or certified mail, or mailing payments well before the due date.
Monthly payments and installment plans
The Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector has partnered with Easy Smart Pay to offer a monthly payment option for property taxes with a minimum threshold of $250. Easy Smart Pay transaction fees are free for E-Check payments and 1.99% per transaction for credit card or debit card payments.
For prior year defaulted secured property taxes, a property owner may initiate a 5 Year Installment Plan of Redemption. The Tax Collector must receive a signed agreement form and an initial payment of at least 20% of the redemption amount plus a one-time $25 payment plan fee.
To keep that plan in good standing, installment payments of 20% or more of the redemption amount, plus accrued interest of 1.5% per month on the unpaid balance, must be paid on or before April 10 each year. Current year taxes, including supplemental assessments, must also be paid on or before April 10 each year.
E-Tax bills
Sonoma County offers paperless e-Tax bills for secured property taxes. After enrollment, taxpayers can receive an email with a link to the property tax bill, receive due-date reminders, and log in to download a copy of the bill.
Enrolling in the e-Tax bill service is optional. The county states that taxpayers can still view, print, or pay taxes online without signing up for e-Tax billing.
Penalty cancellation requests
A taxpayer may request cancellation of a penalty on a secured or unsecured property tax bill by completing and submitting an Application for Waiver of Delinquent Fees with supporting documentation.
The Tax Collector states that the request can be reviewed only if the taxpayer either pays the amount in full online or includes two checks with the application: one for the tax and one for the penalties. The review process may take 45 to 90 days.
Common reasons such as not receiving a tax bill, forgetting, being out of town, thinking a mortgage company would pay, or using a private postal meter are not sufficient for the Tax Collector to waive penalties.
Sonoma County property tax contact
Contact the Sonoma County Tax Collector for bill copies, payment questions, penalty review questions, installment plan questions, and property tax account assistance.
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Sonoma County Tax Collector’s Office, 585 Fiscal Drive, Suite 100, Santa Rosa, CA 95403
Phone: (707) 565-2281
Email: taxcollector@sonomacounty.gov
Public lobby hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Phone hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Common questions
Where can I search for a Sonoma County property tax bill?
You can search by assessment number, fee parcel number, or street address using the official Sonoma County property tax search page. Fee parcel search is used for a summary of current or delinquent fiscal year assessments.
Can I pay Sonoma County property taxes online?
Yes. Sonoma County allows online payment by E-Check, credit card, or debit card. E-Check payments are free, while credit card and debit card payments have a 2.34% transaction fee.
What should I do if I did not receive my annual secured tax bill?
If you do not receive your annual secured tax bill by November 10, contact the Sonoma County Tax Collector’s Office and have the fee parcel number, assessment number, or property address ready.
When are secured property taxes delinquent in Sonoma County?
The first installment becomes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on December 10, and the second installment becomes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on April 10. Weekend delinquency dates move to 5:00 p.m. the next business day.
Does Sonoma County waive penalties if a taxpayer did not receive a bill?
No. Failure to receive a tax bill does not excuse penalties. A penalty cancellation request must meet the Tax Collector’s requirements and include supporting documentation.
Is e-Tax billing required to pay a Sonoma County property tax bill online?
No. E-Tax billing is optional. Taxpayers can still view, print, or pay property taxes online without enrolling in the e-Tax bill service.