Rate Breakdown

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

How Property Tax Works in Yolo County

Yolo County follows California’s Proposition 13 framework, which caps the general‑property tax rate at 1 % of a property's assessed value. The assessed value is determined on the date of acquisition (or new construction) and can increase only by a maximum of 2 % per year, regardless of market appreciation. In addition to the base 1 % rate, the County levies various “millage” rates to fund schools, cities, special districts, and voter‑approved bonds. One mill equals one‑tenth of one percent (0.001), or $1 of tax per $1,000 of assessed value.

Typical Yolo County millage components include:

• County General Fund: ~0.7 mill
• City of Davis, West Sacramento, etc.: varies 0.2‑0.6 mill
• School Districts (e.g., Davis Joint Unified, Woodland Joint Union): 1.0‑1.4 mill
• Special Districts (e.g., fire, hospital, water): 0.1‑0.5 mill
• Voter‑approved bonds: occasional additional millage

To estimate your annual tax, multiply the assessed value by the total millage rate (expressed as a decimal) and add the 1 % base rate. The property tax estimator uses the current Yolo County rate schedule, which is updated each fiscal year after the County Board of Supervisors approves any new measures.

Available Exemptions

California law provides several exemptions that reduce the taxable portion of your property’s assessed value. Eligibility is determined by the California State Board of Equalization and administered locally by the Yolo County Assessor‑Recorder’s Office.

• Homestead Exemption: Automatically reduces the assessed value of a primary residence by $7,000, lowering the tax burden by roughly $7 per $1,000 of assessed value.
• Senior Citizens’ Property Tax Postponement (Proposition 19): Homeowners age 62 or older may defer payment of the property tax on their principal residence if they meet income and equity limits.
• Disabled Persons’ Exemption (AB 1152): Qualifying disabled persons may receive a $7,000 reduction in assessed value for their primary residence, similar to the homestead exemption.
• Veteran Exemptions: Eligible veterans (and in some cases, their surviving spouses) may receive a $7,000 reduction if they have a service‑connected disability. Additional exemptions exist for disabled veterans and for those who served in wartime, subject to state‑approved criteria.

Applicants must submit the appropriate forms with supporting documentation to the Yolo County Assessor’s Office by the filing deadline (typically March 1 of the tax year). Once approved, the exemption applies to the following tax bill.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

Yolo County follows the statewide two‑installment schedule for property tax payments:

• First Installment: Due November 1; delinquent after December 10. The amount is 50 % of the annual tax bill.
• Second Installment: Due February 1; delinquent after April 10. The amount is the remaining 50 %.

Taxpayers may also elect to pay the full amount at any time before the respective due dates, which eliminates the risk of penalties. Late payments incur a 10 % penalty on the overdue amount, plus accrued interest at the legal rate (currently 12 % per annum). If a bill remains unpaid after April 10, the County may file a tax lien, potentially leading to a tax‑sale proceeding.

Payment options include online via the Yolo County Treasurer‑Tax Collector portal, mailed checks, or in‑person at the Treasurer’s office. Automatic ACH debits can be set up for each installment to ensure timely payment.

Appealing Your Assessment

If you believe your property’s assessed value is inaccurate, you have the right to protest it through the Yolo County Assessment Appeals Board (AAB). The process consists of three key steps:

1. File a Notice of Protest: Submit the form (Form R-15) to the Assessor’s Office between July 2 and November 30 of the assessment year.
2. Gather Evidence: Compile comparable sales, appraisals, or property condition documentation to support a lower valuation.
3. Attend a Hearing: The AAB will schedule a public hearing, usually in December or January. You may represent yourself or hire a qualified attorney/appraiser.

Decisions are mailed within 30 days of the hearing. If unsatisfied, you may appeal the AAB’s decision to the California State Board of Equalization within 60 days. Keeping detailed records and adhering to deadlines is essential for a successful protest.