By Paarth Shah, REALTOR® · July 24, 2026 · Silicon Valley / San Jose
If you own a home in San Jose, your property taxes are collected by the Santa Clara County Department of Tax and Collections (DTAC), and they arrive on a schedule worth memorizing. Secured property taxes are billed in two annual installments.
The first installment is due on November 1 and becomes delinquent after December 10. The second installment is due on February 1 and becomes delinquent after April 10. Miss either delinquent date and the county adds a 10% penalty, plus a $20 cost on the second installment. If December 10 or April 10 lands on a weekend or county holiday, the deadline moves to the next business day. This post focuses on the calendar and the logistics, not the tax rate itself.
You have several ways to pay. Online, you can use an eCheck (no fee) or a credit or debit card (a processing fee applies) through the county's payment portal. You can mail a check or money order with the payment coupon in the envelope provided, and it helps to write your Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) and installment number on the check. You can also pay in person at the DTAC office at 110 West Tasman Drive in San Jose. If you have questions about a bill, the county's phone line is (408) 808-7900.
One thing that surprises many new buyers: the supplemental tax bill. When you buy a home, the assessor reassesses it at your purchase price, and the county sends a separate supplemental bill for the difference, prorated for the months left in the fiscal year. This bill usually shows up a few months after closing, and it is not covered by your lender's impound account. Set aside cash for it so it does not catch you off guard. Supplemental bills have their own due and delinquent dates printed on them.
If you think you will be late, contact the county before the deadline rather than after. Options can be limited once a payment is delinquent, so it is worth a call.
If you are buying or selling in San Jose and want help thinking through the tax timeline for your situation, reach out through the contact page or email me at paarth@brokerbela.com. I am a REALTOR, not a tax advisor, so confirm specifics with the county or a tax professional before you rely on them.
Santa Clara County collects secured property taxes in two installments: the first is due November 1 and delinquent after December 10, and the second is due February 1 and delinquent after April 10.
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This is general market commentary, not financial, investment, or legal advice; figures are as of publication and can change. Verify specifics, including any school assignments, ratings, or boundaries, independently. Bela Realty & Investments is committed to Equal Housing Opportunity and does not steer clients toward or away from any neighborhood on the basis of a protected characteristic.