Said to be one of the best places in the nation to raise a family, Rancho Cucamonga is known as a warm and welcoming community that offers some of the best schools in the country. Residents usually come together and enjoy outdoor concerts and events throughout the year.

The City of Rancho Cucamonga Families plans and organizes various programs and events, such as pool parties, dances, and tennis lessons. The Recreation and Events Department hosts family-friendly gatherings during the holidays, aside from fun activities that promote art, entertainment, and culture.

If you’re planning to move to this wonderful city in San Bernardino County or are already a resident who is considering buying your own house, one of the things you need to know about is the property taxes in this location. This article provides you with recent data regarding property taxes in Rancho Cucamonga.

What are Property Taxes?

• Simply put, property taxes, also called real estate taxes, are taxes levied on real estate properties by governments, typically on the state, county, and local levels.
• Homeowners are obligated to pay taxes based on their home’s value and the property tax rates for the county or city.
• Most areas charge property taxes semiannually, and are paid in arrears; meaning, the property taxes for the current year are paid the next year.
• Taxes are used by government to provide taxpayers with various services, such as schools, police, fire,

Property Taxes in Rancho Cucamonga, CA

• The median property tax in San Bernardino County, CA is $1,997 per year, based on the median home value of $319,000.
• On average, San Bernardino County collects 0.63% of a property’s assessed fair market value as property tax.
• San Bernardino County has one of the highest median property taxes in the United States, ranking 445th out of 3143 counties.
• The average property tax in San Bernardino County is about 2.87% of the homeowner’s annual income.

The Role of the County Assessor

• Property taxes are managed on a county level by the local tax assessor’s office.
• The San Bernardino County Assessor is responsible for assessing the fair market value of properties within San Bernardino County and determining the property tax rate that will apply.
• The Tax Assessor’s office also provides property tax history or property tax records of a real estate property–tax records that are hold important information when buying a new property or appealing a recent appraisal.
• The County Assessor may be contacted for concerns regarding the following:
  • Property tax due date
  • Payment of property taxes
  • Property tax bill
  • Appeal on property tax appraisal
  • Information on property tax assessment
  • To report upgrades or improvements on property

When Should You Pay Your Property Taxes?

• Customarily, full-year property taxes are paid upfront at the beginning of the tax year.
• When buying a house mid-year, tax responsibility goes with the ownership transfer upon the closing or settlement of the real estate purchase.
• From the closing date, the buyer is responsible for the reimbursement of the seller’s property tax payment on a proportional basis.
• Instead of paying the seller a prorated tax refund, loan companies, settlement attorneys, or escrow companies will factor in the prorated tax with the buyer’s other payment responsibilities upon closing.

What is New Assessed Value?

• When there is a change in property ownership, a new assessed value will be used in determining the homeowner’s property taxes. 
• The new assessed value will be based on the amount paid for the property.
• New homeowners who have questions regarding the new assessed property value, may contact the County Assessor at (909) 387 – 8307.

Calculating Supplemental Tax Bills

• Supplemental tax bills are one-time tax bills which occur when there is a change of ownership on a property.
• The amount of the supplemental tax bill is the difference between the new assessed property value and the previous assessed property value.
• The supplemental tax bills are pro-rated from the date of purchase through July 1st of the same year.
• Supplemental tax bills are the responsibility of the new property owner, not the mortgage companies.
• New supplemental tax bills are mailed within 6 to 9 months of purchasing the property.

Who is Qualified for Homeowners Exemption?

• If your property is owned and occupied as your principal place of residence as of the lien date (January 1st), you may qualify for an exemption of $7,000 of assessed value. 
• The Assessor will send you a Homeowner’s Property Tax Exemption Form within 2 to 3 months from your home purchase date.
• If you do not receive a the exemption form after 4 months, you may contact the Assessor’s office.

San Bernardino County Property Tax Deduction

• 100% of your San Bernardino County property taxes may be deducted from your taxable income on your Federal Income Tax Return as an itemized deduction.
• California may also allow you to deduct some or all of your San Bernardino County property taxes on your California income tax return.

San Bernardino County Property Tax Appeal

• You have the right to appeal the property tax amount you are charged with and request for a reassessment if you believe that the value determined by the San Bernardino County Tax Assessor’s office is incorrect.
• To appeal the San Bernardino County property tax, contact the San Bernardino County Tax Assessor’s Office.
• Once you are given a property tax appeal form, indicate on the form the tax assessor’s current appraisal of your property as well as your proposed appraisal, along with a description of why you believe your appraisal is more accurate.
• You may attach supporting documentation to your appeal, such as previous appraisals, expert opinions, and appraisals for similar properties.
• If your appeal is approved, your property will be reassessed at a lower valuation and your San Bernardino County property taxes will be lowered accordingly.
• If your appeal is denied, you may still re-appeal the decision.
• If no further administrative appeals can be made, you can appeal your San Bernardino County tax assessment in court.

If you want to read more about property taxes in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, visit the official website of the San Bernardino County Assessor’s Office.