Frequently Asked Questions

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1. To what recipient should check payments be written?

Make check out to "Humboldt County Tax Collector."

2. When are my secured property taxes due, and when do they become delinquent?

Property taxes are due in 2 installments.

The 1st installment is due November 1, and is delinquent at 5 p.m. on December 10, after which a 10% penalty accrues.

The 2nd installment is due on February 1, and is delinquent at 5 p.m. on April 10, after which a 10% penalty and $20 cost accrue.

3. Who is responsible for paying the property taxes on property I / we just purchased?

As the current owner of the property, you are responsible for any taxes which were not paid at the close of escrow. Even though taxes may be prorated between the buyer and the seller in escrow, the actual taxes may not have been paid to the Tax Collector at that time. It is the responsibility of the property owner to make certain property taxes are paid in a timely manner.

You may log on to our webpage to check the status of tax liability.

4. What if I pay my property taxes through my lender?

It is still the property owner's responsibility to make certain that all taxes are paid in a timely manner. The Tax Collector's Office is not responsible for payment or nonpayment by your lender.

Problems with your impound account are between you and your lender and must be resolved by you.

5. What are the penalties if I don't pay my property taxes on time?

Delinquent 1st and 2nd installments are subject to a 10% penalty; and an $8 late notice fee. Delinquent 2nd installments are also subject to a $20 cost charge. Taxes which remain unpaid at the end of the fiscal year (June 30) are also subject to a 1.5% per month penalty and a $15 redemption fee.

6. How can I obtain a receipt of payment?

If you are paying by mail, enclose the entire bill and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Always send tax stub(s) to indicate the parcels you are paying.

7. What does "tax defaulted" mean?

Tax defaulted means there is a delinquent tax against the property. We prepare an annual list of property that is "tax defaulted" at the end of the fiscal year (June 30.) This list is published in the Times Standard newspaper on or about the 1st week in September of the following year.

If the "tax defaulted" notation is printed on your bill, it is an indication that the Tax Collector shows delinquent taxes for a prior year.

Five years after the 1st year of delinquency, the property will be eligible for sale at public auction, and will be subsequently sold if the taxes are not paid.

8. Where do I mail my tax payments?

Mail your tax payments to:
Humboldt County Treasurer-Tax Collector
County Courthouse
825 5th St.
Room 125
Eureka, CA 95501

9. When are supplemental tax bills due?

The total amount shown as due is payable upon the mailing of the supplemental tax bill. The delinquent dates are shown on the tax bill.

10. Are supplemental tax bills sent to my lender for payment?

No, supplemental tax bills are not sent to your lender. These tax bills are mailed directly to you. You are responsible for contacting your lender to determine who will pay the supplemental tax bill.