Chico homebuyers pay a base property tax of 1% of the purchase price, plus voter-approved charges that vary by address. Your assessed value resets when you buy, then can rise up to 2% a year. Expect a one-time supplemental bill within a year of closing, on top of your regular bill.
How much are property taxes in Chico, CA?
California's Proposition 13 sets the base property tax at 1% of a home's assessed value. Butte County then adds charges for voter-approved items such as school bonds and maintenance districts, and those add-ons depend on where the home sits. Two homes with the same price can have different bills because they fall in different tax areas.
Here is a simple example. On a $450,000 purchase, the 1% base is $4,500 a year, or about $375 a month, before any voter-approved charges. The real number will run higher. The exact total for any address is on its tax bill, and I can help you find it while you shop, so you are not guessing when you build a monthly payment.
The Butte County Treasurer-Tax Collector collects on behalf of the county, its five incorporated cities, school districts, and special districts, then distributes the money to each one. That is why one bill can carry several line items.
What is a supplemental tax bill, and when does it arrive?
This is the one that surprises buyers. When you buy, the county reassesses the home at the new purchase price. If that is higher than the previous owner's assessed value, the county sends a one-time supplemental bill for the difference, retroactive to your closing date. Butte County says it is generally mailed within one year of purchase.
Depending on when you close and whether new construction is involved, you can get more than one supplemental bill. If your lender collects taxes through an impound account, ask them who pays the supplemental bill. In most cases, lenders do not pay it, so plan to set that money aside yourself.
When are Butte County property taxes due?
The tax year runs July 1 to June 30. The first installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent after 5 p.m. on December 10. The second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent after 5 p.m. on April 10. A 10% penalty is added when an installment is late, and you can pay both installments at the first due date if you prefer.
For the 2026/27 tax year, Butte County's first installment is due November 1, 2026 and becomes delinquent after December 10, 2026. If you close mid-year, the bill may still be mailed to the previous owner. You are responsible for paying on time either way, so call the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 530-552-3720 if the bill has not reached you as a due date approaches.
Will my property taxes go up every year?
Your assessed value does not follow the market. It is set at your purchase price and can rise by up to 2% a year, tied to the California Consumer Price Index. That is why a neighbor who bought years ago often pays far less than you will on a similar house. Voter-approved charges can change from year to year, so the total can move a little even when the assessed value barely does.
The assessed value is reset again when the property changes hands or when new construction is completed. On new construction or a major addition, the added portion is generally reassessed. With my construction background, I flag this on any home with unpermitted work or a recent addition, because it can affect the tax picture and the disclosures.
What can lower a Chico property tax bill?
Two things are worth knowing about:
- Homeowners' exemption: If the home is your primary residence, you can file a one-time claim with the Butte County Assessor to reduce the assessed value by $7,000. That saves roughly $70 a year, and it is easy to miss.
- Proposition 19: Homeowners who are 55 or older, severely disabled, or affected by a disaster can transfer their existing tax base to a replacement home anywhere in California, up to three times. Transfers between parents and children are also more limited than they used to be.
Rules and deadlines apply to both, so confirm the details with the Butte County Assessor's Office or a tax professional. I am a Realtor, not a tax advisor.
What should you ask about taxes before you make an offer?
Ask for the current tax bill and look at the assessed value, not just the total. Then run the numbers on your purchase price instead of the seller's bill, since the seller's number is often much lower. Put the supplemental bill on your closing checklist, and ask your lender how the impound account is set up. For the other costs that show up around closing, see my guide to closing costs in Chico, CA.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much are property taxes on a $500,000 home in Chico, CA?
The base tax is 1% of the assessed value, which is $5,000 a year on a $500,000 purchase. Voter-approved charges are added on top, and they vary by address, so the real bill will be higher. Check the tax bill for the specific parcel before you build your payment estimate.
Will I get a supplemental tax bill after buying in Butte County?
Usually, yes, if your purchase price is higher than the previous owner's assessed value. It is a one-time bill for the difference, retroactive to your purchase date, and it is generally mailed within a year of closing. You may get more than one depending on when you close.
Are property taxes paid through escrow in Chico?
Most lenders collect one-twelfth of the annual tax with each monthly payment and pay the county for you. Supplemental bills are different. In most cases, the lender does not pay them, so ask early who is responsible.
Is there a way to lower my Butte County property tax bill?
If the home is your primary residence, file for the homeowners' exemption with the Butte County Assessor. Buyers who are 55 or older, severely disabled, or disaster victims may also be able to transfer their existing tax base under Proposition 19. Confirm the rules with the Assessor or a tax professional.
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