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1. Why are the tax due dates so close to Christmas and Income Tax filing?

These dates were established by the State of California. A single tax bill is payable in two installments to ease the taxpayers burden of making one large payment. These installments are due November 1st and February 1st. Penalties are incurred if the first installment is paid after December 10 and/or the second installment is paid after April 10. Both installments may be paid when the first installment is due. However, the second installment cannot be paid before the first installment is paid.

2. Why are my taxes going up if property values are going down?

Property taxes can increase each year at a maximum of 2%, determined by the Assessor’s office. If you feel that the value of your property has gone down, you can request a re-assessment from the Assessor’s office.

3. When are the tax bills mailed out?

Annual property tax bills are mailed out early October of each year. Tax bills not received by November 10 may be obtained by contacting the Tax Collector’s Office. Failure to receive an annual tax bill is never grounds to cancel a tax penalty (R&T 2610.5).

4. I have a lien on my credit report. How do I get it removed?

Liens are not removed from your credit report. Both the lien and the corresponding lien release will show on the report. If you have not paid all past due taxes, a lien release will not appear on your report.

5. How do I start a payment plan?

A deposit of 20% of all back taxes is required to start a plan, in addition to paying any current or supplemental taxes due. Please contact the Tax Collector’s office for an exact breakdown.

6. What should I do if I don’t receive a Secured Property Tax bill?

A new property owner’s regular secured tax bill is sent to the previous owner because the Tax Collector’s Office is unaware the property has been sold. Regardless of the reason, if you do not receive a secured property tax bill by November 10th, contact this office at (209) 533-5544. A substitute bill may also be obtained by going to https://common3.mptsweb.com/mbc/tuolumne/tax/search

7. How can I dispute penalties?

Taxpayers have the right to request a cancellation of a penalty assessment on secured and unsecured property by the Treasurer and Tax Collector. Taxpayers may request a penalty cancellation either orally or in writing.

The following reasons for late payment are common examples which are NOT sufficient enough for the Tax Collector as prescribed by state law to cancel penalties:

• I did not receive a tax bill
• I’ve never missed a payment
• My bank returned the check in error
• Your website rejected my payment
• I was out of town or Country
• The mailman did not pick up
• Bad weather