One of the responsibilities of Milpitas, CA, homeowners is paying property taxes. In California, these taxes are determined by a fiscal year calendar and are due in two biannual installments.
This article provides a detailed guide on property taxes so you can have a better understanding of this type of tax and what it requires of you as owners of properties in this particular city.
What is Property Tax?
Property tax in Milpitas, CA, is a legally mandated payment made to the government on real property. The term “real property” refers to any piece of land or object permanently or semi-permanently attached to the land. This includes buildings, trees, minerals, etc.
Property taxes are measured as a percentage of the land’s value. The federal government does not impose property taxes directly, these are collected by state, county, and local governments.
Milpitas Property Tax Rates
The average Milpitas tax rate, in terms of property taxes, is 1.32%. This is lower than the average rate of 1.42% for Santa Clara County. This means that Milpitas homeowners pay less in property taxes compared to the average homeowner in Santa Clara County.
Property tax rates in Milpitas, CA, vary across ZIP codes. This is due to the differences in home values by ZIP code.
In Milpitas, the ZIP code with the highest effective property tax rate is 95035, with a rate of 1.32%, while the ZIP code with the lowest effective property tax rate is not specified.
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Current Property Tax Rates
The average effective property tax rate in Santa Clara County is 0.85%, which is lower than the average effective tax rate for the United States, at 1.10%.
However, since the median home value in Santa Clara County is relatively high, at $1,061,900, the median annual property tax payment in the county is $9,059.
On the other hand, the median home price in the county is $244,900, which translates to a median of $2,690 in property taxes.
How Properties Are Assessed
County appraisers are required by the state constitution to determine real property market values. Under the state code, new estimations must be done periodically.
Generally, appraisers group together all similar properties located in the same community and collectively apply one-fits-all evaluation measures.
Without individual property visits, unique characteristics of the property that may affect the property’s market value are not included in the assessment.
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Important Dates for Taxpayers
| Date | Details |
|---|---|
| November 1 | 1st property tax is due |
| December 10 | 1st payment becomes delinquent if not yet paid by 5pm |
| February 1 | 2nd property tax is due |
| April 10 | 2nd payment becomes delinquent if not yet paid by 5pm |
| June 30 | The end of the fiscal year for Santa Clara County |
| July 1 | Account will be transferred to the “delinquent tax roll” |
Property Tax Payment Deadlines
Milpitas property tax installments are due on November 1 and February 1. If these payments are not made by December 10 or April 10, they become “delinquent.”
June 30 is the end of the fiscal year for Santa Clara County. If you still have delinquent payments by July 1, your account will be transferred to the “delinquent tax roll.”
Consequences of Late Payments
It’s important to stay on top of your property taxes. If Milpitas property tax installments are not paid by December 10 or April 10, they become “delinquent.” And then these are still not settled by July 1, which results in a 10% penalty and a $20 fee.
How Property Tax Revenue Is Used
Property tax is a local tax. As such, it is raised and spent locally to finance local governments and public schools in Milpitas, CA.
In Santa Clara County, property tax represents around 40% of general fund revenue. This revenue supports government activities, such as public protection, public assistance, health and sanitation, general government, and others.
This tax is of major importance as the largest single source of revenue to municipal and school district services. It is used to fund schools, police and fire protection, road maintenance, and many other municipal services, including Milpitas parks.
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Steps to Appeal an Assessment
In Santa Clara County, a Notification of Assessed Value indicating the taxable value of your property is mailed to you via postcard at the end of June.
If you disagree with the assessed value on the Notification Card, you may request a review by August 1 of the current assessment year.
Appealing Property Tax Assessments
The Santa Clara County website states the rules, process, and submission forms required to make an appeal on your property taxes. Read these carefully before completing the forms, as your appeal may not be accepted if you do not adhere to the procedures.
Request for a duplicate of the assessment and the information used for the county’s estimation. If mistakes were made in the valuation, you will have a greater chance of getting a reassessment of your real property.
If the facts are clearly in your favor, you might not be required to undergo the formal appeal process. Otherwise, you will be required to appear before a review board and submit a detailed appeal.
If you disagree with the board’s decision, you may file an appeal to a state board or panel.
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Tips for Planning Property Tax Payments
You can view and pay your Santa Clara County property tax bill online. To see your bill, you’ll need to provide:
- The Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), or
- Your property’s address.
There is no fee for paying online via electronic check (e-check). However, there will be a fee if you choose to pay with a credit card.
If you opt to mail in your property tax payment, make sure your payment is postmarked by the “Pay by” date on your property tax bill so you will not be charged with a late payment penalty and fee if it arrives late.
Property Tax Resources
In addition to the information we have provided in this guide, you may use the resources below to learn more about Milpitas property taxes.
Local Government Resources
Conclusion
If you are a new homeowner in Milpitas, CA, and would like to know more about property taxes, I can help. Feel free to give me a call at (408) 946-2100 or email me at husain.realty@gmail.com for any questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I miss the property tax payment deadline in Milpitas?
If Milpitas property tax installments are not paid by December 10 or April 10, they become “delinquent.” And then these are still not settled by July 1, which results in a 10% penalty and a $20 fee.
Can I appeal my property tax assessment in Milpitas, CA?
Yes, you may refer to this link for property tax assessment appeals.
How often are property taxes assessed in Milpitas, CA?
County appraisers are required by the state constitution to determine real property market values. Under the state code, new estimations must be done periodically.
