How California property taxes are calculated
Estimate California property tax from assessed value and your local rate, and plan for it monthly.
Key facts
| Place | California |
|---|---|
| Sales tax | State sales tax |
| Standard rate on file | 7.25% |
| Multiply net price by | 1.0725 |
| Tax share of a gross price | 6.76% |
| Currency | USD |
Assessed value and millage
Local governments in California assess property and apply a rate, often expressed in mills (dollars per $1,000 of assessed value). Divide the millage by 10 to get a percentage you can enter in the calculator.
Worked example
Here is the calculation with sample figures. Change any number in the California Property Tax Calculator to run your own.
| Assessed value | $750,000.00 |
| Tax rate (%) | 1% |
| Annual tax | $7,500.00 |
|---|---|
| Monthly tax | $625.00 |
Exemptions
Homestead, senior and veteran exemptions can lower the taxable value. Check with your county assessor.
Quick reference at 7.25%
Common amounts in California, worked both ways: adding tax to a net price, and extracting it from a price that already includes tax.
| Amount | Tax on net amount | Gross (net + tax) | Net if amount includes tax |
|---|---|---|---|
| $10.00 | $0.72 | $10.72 | $9.32 |
| $50.00 | $3.62 | $53.62 | $46.62 |
| $100.00 | $7.25 | $107.25 | $93.24 |
| $250.00 | $18.12 | $268.12 | $233.10 |
| $500.00 | $36.25 | $536.25 | $466.20 |
| $1,000.00 | $72.50 | $1,072.50 | $932.40 |
| $5,000.00 | $362.50 | $5,362.50 | $4,662.00 |
How California compares
Standard rates on file for other states. A difference of a few points matters most on high-value purchases and on cross-border sales.
| Place | Rate on file | Compared with 7.25% |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | 0% | lower |
| Arizona | 5.6% | lower |
| Arkansas | 6.5% | lower |
| Colorado | 2.9% | lower |
| Connecticut | 6.35% | lower |
| Delaware | 0% | lower |
Using the calculator step by step
- Open the California Property Tax Calculator.
- Type your figures into the numbered lines. Results update as you type.
- Check the rate field. It starts at 7.25%; change it if a reduced rate, local surcharge or exemption applies to you.
- Read the result on the receipt panel, and use the formula shown under it if you need to explain the figure to a client or colleague.
Key terms
- Deduction
- An amount subtracted from taxable income. It saves tax equal to the deduction times your marginal rate.
- Gross amount
- The amount after tax is added, which is usually what a consumer pays.
- Marginal rate
- The rate applied to the next unit of income. It decides how much of a raise or a deduction you keep.
- Taxable income
- Income left after allowances and deductions, on which the tax rates are applied.
- Zero rate
- A rate of 0% on a taxable supply. Unlike an exemption, the seller can usually still reclaim tax on costs.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Confusing market value and assessed value.
- Missing homestead exemption deadlines.
Run your own numbers. The California Property Tax Calculator updates as you type and shows the formula it uses.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert a millage rate to a percentage?
Divide the mills by 10. For example, 20 mills is 2%.
Who sets property tax rates in California?
Local taxing authorities such as counties, cities and school districts.
This article is general information for planning, not tax advice. Rates and rules change; confirm with your tax authority or a qualified adviser.