Start with the county
California counties handle property-tax billing and refunds locally. Visit your county Treasurer-Tax Collector or tax office website first.
How to track a property tax refund.
If an assessment reduction or overpayment may result in a refund, these steps can help you find the right county office, check the status, and locate unclaimed funds.
Check the status
Use the county’s online tools when available. You may need your APN, assessment number, property address, or refund information.
Ask the right office
If the refund relates to an assessment appeal or Proposition 8 reduction, the Assessor’s Office may help explain the adjustment.
Search unclaimed funds
If a refund check was issued but never cashed, it may eventually be reported to the California State Controller’s unclaimed-property program.
HAVE THESE DETAILS READY
Make the conversation easier.
When contacting a county office, keep your parcel number or APN, property address, assessment number, tax bill, appeal decision, and any refund notice nearby.
OFFICIAL STARTING POINTS
External government resourcesGo directly to the source.
California unclaimed property
Search for property that may have been turned over to the State Controller.
Open source Los Angeles County refundsReview Los Angeles County’s refund request information and instructions.
Open source California property-tax resourcesFind statewide guidance and links to official property-tax information.
Open sourceRefund eligibility, timing, documentation, and payment methods vary by county and situation. Assessify cannot issue or guarantee a refund. Confirm the current status and requirements with the appropriate county office.
