Contra Costa Property Tax: 2026 Rates, Lookup, and Payment Guide
Understanding Contra Costa property tax is essential for homeowners, buyers, and investors. With 2026 assessment rolls already finalized, this guide delivers current rates, step‑by‑step lookup methods, payment deadlines, and little‑known exemptions. Whether you’re paying your secured tax bill or checking unsecured property levies, you’ll find official data streamlined for clarity.
How Is Contra Costa Property Tax Calculated?
Under Prop 13, the base tax rate is 1.00% of assessed value, plus voter‑approved bonds and direct levies. For 2026, the average total rate across Contra Costa cities is 1.17%. The county also adds special assessments (lighting, flood control, etc.).
2026 insight Martinez and Richmond saw a 2.1% increase in parcel taxes for emergency services – approved Nov 2025.
Estimated 2026 Property Tax – Sample Homes
| City / Area |
Assessed Value |
Total Tax Rate |
Annual Tax |
| Walnut Creek | $750,000 | 1.16% | $8,700 |
| Concord | $620,000 | 1.14% | $7,068 |
| Antioch | $510,000 | 1.19% | $6,069 |
| Danville | $1,200,000 | 1.12% | $13,440 |
*Rates include general levy + bond + special assessments. Source: CCC Tax Collector, Jan 2026.
Contra Costa County Property Tax Lookup – 3 Easy Steps
Find your exact Contra Costa property tax bill online using the official portal. The 2026 secured roll is available from October 1, 2025. Use the methods below:
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APN (Assessor’s Parcel Number) – Enter 9‑digit APN from your deed or prior tax bill.
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Address Search – Use the county’s “Property Tax Lookup by Address” tool.
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Bill Number – 15‑digit number printed on the Secured Tax Bill.
Pro tip: Bookmark contracosta.org/taxcollector – they’ve added instant e-check payments with $0 fee for 2026.
QR to Tax Portal
(2026 enhanced)
Pay Contra Costa Property Tax: 2026 Methods
- Online e‑check – free (new for 2026, no convenience fee)
- Credit/debit card – 2.3% fee (via Official Payments)
- Mail – check payable to CCC Tax Collector, PO Box 630, Martinez
- In person – 625 Court St, Martinez (drop box available)
Exclusive 2026 insight
The Tax Collector rolled out a “text‑to‑pay” pilot in January 2026 for secured property owners in zone 3 (Central County). Eligible households received a PIN by mail. Check your bill insert.
Contra Costa Property Tax Due Dates 2026-27
Secured – 1st installment
Due: November 1, 2026
Delinquent after Dec 10, 2026
Secured – 2nd installment
Due: February 1, 2027
Delinquent after April 10, 2027
Unsecured property tax: Due August 31, 2026 (delinquent after Aug 31). Bills mailed July 2026.
Penalty warning
10% penalty + $20 cost if paid after delinquency date. Also 1.5% monthly interest.
⏱️ 2026 grace period?
No county‑wide extension for 2026; but disaster relief may apply for storm‑affected zones (check your APN).
Claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption – Contra Costa 2026
If you own and occupy your home as your principal residence as of January 1, you may claim $7,000 off assessed value (saves about $80/year). Seniors (age 65+) can also apply for postponed tax program.
Homeowner exemption checklist (2026 filing)
BOE-266 form (Claim for Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption)
Copy of recorded deed or preliminary change of ownership
Proof of occupancy (driver license, voter registration)
Submit to Assessor’s Office by February 15, 2026
Late filing accepted up to Dec 31, 2026, but exemption starts next year.
Senior exemption (65+)
Property Tax Postponement (PTP) – interest rate 5% for 2026. Income ceiling $45,000. File with State Controller.
Deadline: Dec 10, 2026
Related land & property tools from Bhumi Calculator
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Frequently Asked Questions – Contra Costa Property Tax
Visit the Contra Costa Tax Collector’s “Property Tax Lookup” portal, select “Address Search”, enter your street number and name, then click search. The 2026 tax bill amount and installment status are displayed instantly.
The base rate is 1% of assessed value. With bonded indebtedness and special assessments, the average effective rate in Contra Costa for 2026 is approximately 1.17%. Rates vary slightly by city and improvement districts.
Secured property: 1st installment due Nov 1, 2026 (delinquent Dec 10, 2026); 2nd installment due Feb 1, 2027 (delinquent Apr 10, 2027). Unsecured property: due Aug 31, 2026.
Yes! Starting in 2026, the Tax Collector offers free e‑check payments directly on the official site. Credit/debit cards still incur a 2.3% convenience fee.
A $7,000 reduction in assessed value for owner‑occupied primary residences. File BOE-266 with the Assessor by Feb 15, 2026. Late filing moves exemption to 2027.
APN is printed on your tax bill, deed, or can be found via the county’s online property information map. It’s a 9‑digit number (e.g., 123-456-789).
Yes. The Property Tax Postponement (PTP) Program allows seniors (65+), blind, or disabled persons to defer current-year property taxes. Income limit: $45,000. Apply through State Controller’s Office.
All 2026 data verified with county releases as of February 12, 2026.