San Bernardino County Tax Collector: A Complete Guide for Property Owners

The San Bernardino County Tax Collector is the office responsible for collecting property taxes from homeowners, businesses, and other property owners in the county. Property taxes fund essential community services, including schools, law enforcement, fire protection, and infrastructure projects.

This guide covers everything property owners need to know, including San Bernardino property tax payment methods, tax due dates, the role of the San Bernardino County Tax Assessor, and how to conduct a San Bernardino County property tax search by address or by name.

Role of the San Bernardino County Tax Collector

The Tax Collector’s Office ensures that property taxes are billed, collected, and processed efficiently. Its main responsibilities include:

• Issuing annual tax bills to property owners.
  
• Accepting property tax payments in person, online, by phone, or by mail.
  
• Applying penalties to late payments.
  
• Managing delinquent tax accounts.
  
• Hosting tax lien and foreclosure sales for unpaid accounts.
  

The Tax Collector works closely with the San Bernardino County Tax Assessor, who determines each property’s taxable value.

Understanding San Bernardino Property Taxes

How Property Taxes Are Calculated

In San Bernardino County, property taxes are calculated based on the assessed value of the property and the local tax rate. The San Bernardino County Tax Assessor evaluates the property’s market value, applies exemptions if applicable, and sets the taxable amount.

The standard base rate in California is about 1% of the assessed value, plus any voter-approved local assessments.

Types of Property Taxes

• Secured Property Taxes – Attached to real estate, such as land and buildings.
  
• Unsecured Property Taxes – Applied to personal property like business equipment, boats, or airplanes.
  

San Bernardino Property Tax Payment Options

The San Bernardino County Tax Collector offers several ways to pay your property tax bill:

Online Payment

• Available through the county’s official Tax Collector website.
  
• Accepts credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks.
  
• A small service fee may apply for card transactions.
  

Payment by Mail

• Send checks or money orders payable to “San Bernardino County Tax Collector.”
  
• Include your parcel number on the payment to avoid processing delays.
  
• Mail early to ensure it arrives before the due date.
  

In-Person Payment

• Pay at the Tax Collector’s office during regular business hours.
  
• Cash, checks, and card payments are accepted.
  

Phone Payment

• The county offers an automated payment system for certain transactions.
  

San Bernardino Property Tax Due Dates

Property tax bills are mailed in late October each year, and taxes are due in two installments:

1. First installment – Due November 1, delinquent after December 10.
   
2. Second installment – Due February 1, delinquent after April 10.
   

Late payments result in penalties:

• 10% penalty for the first installment.
  
• 10% penalty plus a $10 fee for the second installment.
  

If taxes remain unpaid for five years, the county can sell the property at a tax sale to recover the owed amount.

San Bernardino County Property Tax Search by Address

Property owners can search tax information by address through the county’s online portal:

1. Go to the San Bernardino County property search page.
   
2. Enter your full street address.
   
3. Review your tax bill, payment history, and outstanding balance.
   

This search is useful for confirming payment status or checking taxes before purchasing a property.

San Bernardino County Property Search by Name

If you do not have the property address, you can search by the owner’s name:

1. Visit the county’s property records search tool.
   
2. Enter the first and last name of the property owner.
   
3. View the associated property details and tax information.
   

This feature is often used by real estate professionals, attorneys, or individuals checking family-owned properties.

The Role of the San Bernardino County Tax Assessor

The San Bernardino County Tax Assessor determines the taxable value of each property. Key functions include:

• Assessing property value after sales or construction.
  
• Maintaining accurate property ownership records.
  
• Applying exemptions, such as the homeowner’s exemption, which reduces taxable value by $7,000.
  

How Property Taxes Are Used

Property taxes collected by the San Bernardino County Tax Collector fund critical services, including:

• Public schools and community colleges.
  
• Police and fire departments.
  
• Road maintenance and infrastructure projects.
  
• Parks and recreation programs.
  

Consequences of Late Property Tax Payments

Failing to pay property taxes on time can result in:

• Penalties and Interest – Added to the unpaid balance.
  
• Delinquent Tax Status – Public record of nonpayment.
  
• Tax Lien Sale – After five years, the property may be sold to recover the unpaid taxes.
  

To avoid these issues, pay on time and verify payment status using the county’s property search tools.

Tips for Managing Property Tax Payments

• Keep your contact information current with the Tax Assessor’s office.
  
• Mark due dates on your calendar.
  
• Use reminders to make sure payments are made on time.
  
• Consider paying early to avoid last-minute issues.
  

Contact Information for the San Bernardino County Tax Collector

• Office Address: 172 West Third Street, San Bernardino, CA 92415
  
• Phone: (909) 387-8308
  
• Website: San Bernardino County Tax Collector
  

FAQs 

1. How do I make a San Bernardino property tax payment online?

Visit the Tax Collector’s official website, select the payment option, enter your parcel number, and choose to pay via credit card, debit card, or electronic check. A service fee may apply for card payments.

2. What are the San Bernardino property tax due dates?

The first installment is due November 1 (late after December 10), and the second installment is due February 1 (late after April 10). Payments after these dates incur penalties.

3. Can I search for my property tax bill by address?

Yes. The San Bernardino County property tax search by address is available on the county’s online portal, allowing you to view payment history, due amounts, and tax details.

4. What is the difference between the Tax Collector and Tax Assessor?

The Tax Assessor determines your property’s taxable value, while the Tax Collector is responsible for billing and collecting the taxes owed.

5. What happens if I don’t pay my property taxes?

Unpaid taxes will incur penalties and interest. After five years of nonpayment, the property can be sold at a tax sale to recover the amount owed.

6. Can I pay both installments at once?

Yes. You can pay both installments together if you prefer, either online, by mail, or in person.

Conclusion

The San Bernardino County Tax Collector is responsible for managing the collection of property taxes that fund essential services in the county. Property owners should be aware of payment methods, due dates, and the roles of both the Tax Collector and the San Bernardino County Tax Assessor. Tools like the property tax search by address and property search by name make it easier to stay informed and avoid late penalties.

By keeping track of deadlines, using available payment options, and confirming payment status online, you can ensure your property taxes are handled on time, avoiding unnecessary fees and complications.