SAN DIEGO, CA – San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector Larry Cohen, MBA, is reminding property owners that the first installment of their 2026–27 secured property taxes is due November 1, with a December 10 deadline to pay without incurring a 10% late penalty.

"Property tax season is officially here, and every San Diego County property owner should remember two important dates: November 1, when your first installment is due, and December 10, the last day to pay without a penalty," said Cohen. "A 10% penalty can add hundreds of dollars to your bill. That's money I'd much rather see stay in your pocket!"

This year, the County issued 1,022,131 secured property tax bills totaling more than $10.28 billion. These revenues provide critical funding for schools, public safety, roads, parks, libraries, and other essential local services. San Diego County maintains a secured property tax collection rate of nearly 99%, among the highest in California.

Pay Online – It's Fast, Secure and FREE!

Cohen encourages taxpayers to pay online at sdttc.com, where they can view their property tax bill, check their balance, and make a payment using a free electronic check (e-check).

"There's no need to stand in line or worry about getting your payment in the mail," said Cohen. "Paying online with an e-check is fast, secure, and convenient. You'll receive immediate confirmation, and best of all, there's no additional fee!"

Love Your Envelopes!

At a news conference held at the County Operations Center mailroom, Cohen also highlighted the enormous behind-the-scenes effort required to prepare and distribute more than one million secured property tax bills throughout San Diego County.

The County mailroom processes more than 250,000 pieces of mail each month, averaging more than three million pieces annually.

Cohen also shared an important reminder for taxpayers who prefer to mail their payments: "Love Your Envelopes!"

"If you're paying by mail, please use the color-coded return envelope that comes with your property tax bill," Cohen said. "Our automated equipment can process up to 7,500 envelopes per hour, and using the correct envelope allows us to typically process your payment within 48 hours of receiving it. Using a different envelope can slow processing considerably — in some cases, up to 10 weeks!"

"So don't throw that return envelope away," Cohen added. "Keep it. Use it. Love it!"

Taxpayers who pay by mail are encouraged to mail payments early and ensure their envelopes receive a timely U.S. Postal Service postmark to avoid penalties.

Important Property Tax Deadlines

• November 1, 2026: First installment due.
• December 10, 2026: Last day to pay the first installment without a 10% penalty.
• February 1, 2027: Second installment due.
• April 12, 2027: Last day to pay the second installment without a penalty, as April 10 falls on a Saturday.

Property owners who have not received their tax bills can view and pay them online at sdttc.com. Failure to receive a bill does not relieve taxpayers of their responsibility to pay on time.

Property Tax Payment Options

• ONLINE: Visit sdttc.com to pay with a free e-check.
• BY MAIL: Send payments to San Diego County Treasurer-Tax Collector, P.O. Box 129009, San Diego, CA 92112. Use the return envelope provided with your bill.
• BY PHONE: Call 1-855-829-3773.
• IN PERSON: Visit a Treasurer-Tax Collector branch office. Locations are listed at sdttc.com.

"Our goal is to make paying property taxes as easy, convenient, and accessible as possible," Cohen said. "Whether you pay online, by mail, or in person, the most important thing is to pay on time and avoid unnecessary penalties."

For more information, to view or pay a property tax bill, or to find branch locations, visit sdttc.com. Taxpayers may also call 1-877-829-4732 with questions.