Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in Solano County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in Solano County

In Solano County, property taxes are based on the assessed value of each parcel as determined by the County Assessor’s Office. When a property is purchased, it is reassessed at 100 % of the purchase price (its “fair market value”). After that initial assessment, the property is reassessed each year for inflation, typically using the Consumer Price Index, with a maximum increase of 2 % per year under Proposition 13. The assessed value is then multiplied by the applicable tax rate, which is expressed in “mills” (one mill equals $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value).

• Base rate: California statutes set a statewide base rate of 1 % (10 mills) of the assessed value.
• Local additions: Solano County, its cities, school districts, special districts, and any parcel‑specific assessments (e.g., Mello‑Roos) add to this base. The combined rate typically falls between 11 and 13 mills (1.1 %–1.3 %).
• Example: A home with an assessed value of $400,000 and a total rate of 12.5 mills would owe $5,000 in annual property tax ($400,000 × 0.0125).

The Assessor’s Office publicly posts the exact millage rates for each taxing authority each year, and the annual tax bill reflects the sum of all applicable rates.

Available Exemptions

California law provides several exemptions that reduce the taxable portion of a property’s assessed value. These exemptions are applied before the tax rate is calculated.

• Homeowners’ (Homestead) Exemption: Reduces the assessed value by $7,000 for owner‑occupied primary residences, resulting in a modest tax savings.
• Senior Citizen Exemption: Available to owners aged 65 + with a household income of $45,000 or less (as of the most recent guidelines). Qualifying seniors may receive an additional $7,000 reduction.
• Disability Exemption: Similar to the senior exemption, this applies to owners with a qualifying disability and a household income at or below the state‑set limit.
• Veteran Exemption: Disabled veterans (and, in some cases, surviving spouses) can obtain a reduction ranging from $7,000 to $50,000, depending on the degree of service‑connected disability.

All exemptions require a completed claim form (BOE‑200) and supporting documentation to be filed with the Solano County Assessor by the assessment date (typically February 16 of the tax year).

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Solano County follows the state‑wide two‑installment schedule for property tax payments:

• First installment: Due on or before November 1. If paid by December 10, no penalty applies.
• Second installment: Due on or before February 1. Payments made by April 10 avoid penalties.

Late payments incur a 10 % penalty on the overdue amount after the grace period, plus interest that accrues daily at the statutory rate. Persistent delinquency can lead to tax‑sale proceedings, including a tax‑default auction.

Taxpayers may choose to pay the full amount in a single lump sum, set up automatic bank drafts, or use online portals provided by the County Treasurer‑Tax Collector.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is too high, you have the right to appeal:

1. Receive the Assessment Notice: The Assessor will mail a Notice of Assessed Value (NAV) each summer.
2. File an Appeal: Submit a completed Appeal (BOE‑530) to the Solano County Assessment Appeals Board (AAB) within 30 days of the NAV mailing date.
3. Gather Evidence: Provide comparable sales, a recent appraisal, or other credible data that supports a lower market value.
4. Hearing: The AAB will schedule a hearing, usually within 60 days of filing. You may represent yourself or hire a property tax consultant.
5. Decision: The Board issues a written ruling. If unsatisfied, you can further appeal to the State Board of Equalization within 30 days of the AAB decision.

Timely filing and thorough documentation are essential for a successful appeal, and the County Assessor’s Office can provide guidance on the process.