COVID-19 FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions During COVID19

Q. Under what circumstances could a property tax deadline be extended?

A.  The Tax Collector DOES NOT have the authority to extend the property tax due date.  Only the State can extend the due date.  However, pursuant to Revenue and Taxation Code (RTC) 2619, if the Tax Collectors office is closed, the next business day that it is open is when the deadline applies.

Q:  What if I am quarantined on April 10 and unable to make my tax payment in person on April 10?

A:  There are other options available to make your property tax payment besides appearing in person.  The majority of tax collectors accept most electronic payments, credit card payments over the phone, checks and money orders in addition to cash.   Your bank may also be able to schedule a payment from your account through bill pay.  If you are quarantined and unable to take advantage of alternate payment options provided, your tax collector may be able to waive any penalties or interest because Revenue and Taxation Code Section 4985.2 grants authority for delays beyond the taxpayer’s control. Justifiable documentation to support your appeal may be requested. If you cannot pay because the office is closed, the next business day the office is open becomes the deadline date. There would be no extension beyond that date without approval from the State.  Under RTC 2619, the tax collector will waive penalties and interest as long as the bill is paid the day the office reopens.  (see links at bottom for each county office.)

Q: What if the Tax Collector’s Office is closed on April 10 or can’t accept a cash payment because of the lack of staff available to process a cash payment?

A: Your tax collector has the authority to waive any penalties or interest because RTC 2619 (see above) covers what happens if a tax collector’s office is closed on the date the tax is due. If the office is closed, then the next day the tax collector’s office is open is the day the payment is due. 

Q: How can I find out what my payment options are to make sure I don’t have to pay penalties? 

A: County tax collectors must accept all forms of legal tender: checks drawn on a US Bank  denominated in US Dollars, cash, money orders, cashiers checks, electronic funds transfer, credit card online and by phone. Most banks offer a free or low-cost electronic bill pay service to their customers.  Payments are not delinquent if postmarked April 10.  You may wish to consider purchasing a Proof of Mailing from the USPS if you mail your payment at the last minute.  You may also deposit your payment in the drop-box/mailbox attached to the exterior of the building by the front doors  at 555 County Center, Redwood City.

For payment information for each county, please visit: