Are you struggling with paying your unsecured property tax bill in Los Angeles? Don’t worry I’ve got you covered! As someone who’s navigated the LA County tax system for years I’m sharing everything you need to know about paying your unsecured property taxes online. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process, saving you time and helping you avoid those nasty penalties.
What Are Unsecured Property Taxes in Los Angeles County?
Before we dive into payment methods let’s clarify what unsecured property taxes actually are. Unlike secured property taxes (which are attached to real estate) unsecured property taxes in Los Angeles County typically apply to
- Business equipment and fixtures
- Boats and aircraft
- Mobile homes on rented land
- Leased equipment
The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTC) handles these tax collections, and it’s super important to pay on time to avoid penalties.
Online Payment Options for Unsecured Property Taxes
The Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector offers two convenient online payment methods for unsecured property taxes:
1. Electronic Check (eCheck)
This is my personal favorite way to pay because:
- It’s FREE! There are no service fees for eCheck payments
- You can pay up to $2,500,000 per transaction
- It’s available 24/7
- You can pay right up until 11:59 pm Pacific Time on the delinquency date
To make an eCheck payment, you’ll need:
- Your Roll Year
- Bill Number
- Personal Identification Number (PIN)
All of these can be found on your Unsecured Property Tax Bill. One thing to remember is that each PIN is unique to each Roll Year and Bill Number, so make sure you’re using the correct one!
2. Credit or Debit Card
If you prefer using a credit or debit card, you can also pay that way online. The TTC accepts all major credit and debit cards. However, keep these points in mind:
- There’s a 2.22% service fee (minimum $1.49 per transaction)
- Maximum transaction amount is $99,999.99 (including the service fee)
- Like eCheck, you’ll need your Roll Year, Bill Number, and PIN
I typically stick with eCheck to avoid the service fees, but it’s nice to have options, especially if you want to rack up those credit card points!
Step-by-Step Guide to Paying Online
Let me walk you through exactly how to pay your unsecured property taxes online:
-
Gather your information first. You’ll need your unsecured property tax bill which contains your Roll Year, Bill Number, and PIN.
-
Visit the Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector website at https://ttc.lacounty.gov/
-
Navigate to the “PAY YOUR PROPERTY TAXES (UNSECURED)” section
-
Choose your payment method – eCheck or credit/debit card
-
Enter the required information including your Roll Year, Bill Number, and PIN
-
Provide your payment details:
- For eCheck: Enter your bank routing number and account number
- For credit/debit card: Enter your card information
-
Verify all information is correct before submitting
-
Complete the transaction and save your confirmation number for your records
It’s literally that simple! The whole process takes about 5 minutes, and you never have to leave your couch.
Important Things to Know About Your Bank Account
If you’re paying by eCheck, there are a few important things to know:
- Your bank account must be Automated Clearing House (ACH)-enabled
- If your bank has a debit block to prevent unauthorized organizations from debiting your account, you need to notify your bank to authorize ACH debits from Los Angeles County
- You’ll need to provide them with the Company Identification Number: 0 0 0 0 0 7 9 1 6 1
I learned this the hard way when my first payment was rejected! Make sure to check with your bank if you’re not sure about these details.
Finding Your Unsecured Property Tax Bill Information
“But what if I lost my bill?” I hear this question all the time! Don’t worry – if you can’t find your original bill, you can:
- View a copy online at the TTC website
- Call them at 1(213) 893-7935 (press 1, 2, and then 9 to reach an agent)
- Service hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time (except LA County holidays)
Avoiding Penalties: What You Need to Know
One of the biggest headaches with property taxes is getting hit with penalties. For unsecured property taxes in LA County, penalties can add up fast:
- If you miss the deadline, you’ll face penalties
- The TTC recommends paying the total amount due to reduce penalties
- While partial payments are accepted, they won’t prevent penalties on the unpaid portion
Alternative Payment Methods
While online payment is the most convenient option (and my personal recommendation), the Los Angeles County TTC offers other payment methods too:
Mail Payments
You can mail your payment to:
LOS ANGELES COUNTY TAX COLLECTOR
P.O. BOX 54027
LOS ANGELES, CA 90054-0027
Important tips for mailing payments:
- Write your Roll Year and Bill Number on your check
- Use the envelope enclosed with your tax bill
- Don’t attach staples, clips, tape, or correspondence
- Be aware that UNSECURED Property Tax Bill Numbers change EVERY YEAR
- Payments must be received or USPS postmarked by the delinquency date
Pay in Person
If you’re old-school or just want to make sure your payment is received, you can pay in person at:
225 North Hill Street, First Floor Lobby
Los Angeles, CA 90012
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time
(excluding Los Angeles County holidays)
They accept cash, check, money order, and cashier’s check.
Understanding Postmarks for Mailed Payments
This is something that trips up a lot of people! The TTC is very specific about postmarks:
- Property tax payments must be received or USPS postmarked by the delinquency date
- Not all mail gets postmarked the same day it’s deposited
- Standard postage stamps typically get postmarked
- Metered mail, pre-canceled stamps, APC stamps, and permit imprints often DO NOT get postmarked
If you’re mailing your payment close to the deadline, I strongly recommend getting a Postage Validated Imprint (PVI) Label from a USPS retail counter. This ensures your mail is properly postmarked with the correct date.
Why I Recommend Paying Online
After years of dealing with LA County property taxes, I can confidently say that online payment is the way to go. Here’s why:
- It’s faster: No dealing with mail delays or post office lines
- It’s more secure: You get an immediate confirmation of your payment
- It’s available 24/7: Pay anytime, even on weekends or holidays
- It reduces errors: Less chance of your payment getting lost or misapplied
- It’s environmentally friendly: No paper checks or envelopes needed
Common Questions About Unsecured Property Tax Bills in LA County
How do I find my Bill Number?
Your Bill Number is an eight-digit number assigned by the Office of the Assessor to each Unsecured Bill issued in Los Angeles County. It always starts with the number four (4) and is always eight digits long. You can find it on the left side of your Unsecured Bill under Property Description.
What if I can’t pay my full bill at once?
The TTC does accept partial payments, but they recommend paying the total amount due to reduce penalties. Partial payments won’t prevent penalties on the unpaid portion.
Can I pay through my bank’s online bill pay service?
The TTC actually recommends against using online banking or online bill payment services for unsecured property taxes. This is because these services often use permit imprint presorted envelopes, which the USPS doesn’t postmark. Without a USPS postmark, the TTC applies penalties based on the date they receive your payment, which could be after the deadline.
What happens if my payment is returned?
If your payment is returned for any reason, the TTC will charge a $33 fee to your Unsecured Property Tax Bill, and any applicable penalties will be applied retroactively from the delinquency date.
Final Thoughts
Paying your unsecured property taxes in Los Angeles County doesn’t have to be complicated or stressful. With the online payment options available through the Treasurer and Tax Collector’s website, you can take care of your tax obligations quickly and securely.
I personally recommend setting a reminder on your calendar a few weeks before the delinquency date each year. This gives you plenty of time to gather your information and make your payment without rushing.
Remember, the key to avoiding penalties is to pay on time and to keep track of your bill numbers, which change every year for unsecured property taxes. By following the guidance in this article, you’ll be well-equipped to handle your unsecured property tax payments with confidence!
Cannabis Business Tax Monthly Computation Form
Annual Secured Property Tax Bill The annual bill, which includes the General Tax Levy, Voted Indebtedness, and Direct Assessments, that the Department of Treasurer and Tax Collector mails each fiscal tax year to all Los Angeles County property owners by November 1, due in two installments.
Adjusted Secured Property Tax Bill A bill that replaces the Annual Secured Property Tax Bill due to the following reasons: a change or correction to the assessed value of the property; the allowance of an exemption that was previously omitted; the correction of a Direct Assessment placed on the property from a municipality or special district; or the inclusion of a penalty for failure to comply with certain requirements of the Office of the Assessor prescribed by law (this excludes a penalty resulting from a delinquent payment).
Ad Valorem “According to the value” – Based on value. For example, the Office of the Assessor calculates property taxes based on the assessed value of a property.
Non-Ad Valorem “Not according to the value.”
Assessment The rate or value of a property for taxation purposes.
Assessor’s Identification Number (AIN) A 10-digit number (a.k.a., map book, page, and parcel) that identifies each piece of real property for property tax purposes, e.g., 1234-567-890.
California Relay Service A telecommunications relay service that provides full telephone accessibility to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired.
Closing/Settlement Statement A document that provides the closing details on a real estate transaction including the escrow deposits for property taxes, commissions, loan fees, points, hazard insurance, and mortgage insurance. Also called HUD-1 Settlement Statement or Settlement Sheet.
Current Year The current fiscal tax year in which the Department of Treasurer and Tax Collector issues an Annual Secured Property Tax Bill.
Current Assessed Value The assessed value the Office of the Assessor assigns to a property.
Current Market Value The estimated resale value of a property.
Delinquent/Delinquency Each current year installment payment that is past due.
Delinquency Date The close of business on the last business day to make a timely installment payment, e.g., December 10 for the 1st installment payment due on November 1 and on April 10 for the 2nd installment due on February 1, for the Annual Secured Property Tax Bill. A payment is late if the Treasurer and Tax Collector does not receive your payment by the delinquency date, or if the United States Postal Service does not postmark your payment on or before the delinquency date. If the delinquency date falls on a Saturday or Sunday, by law, the Treasurer and Tax Collector extends the delinquency date to the close of business on the next business day.
Defaulted The unpaid property taxes at the end of the fiscal tax year.
Direct Assessment The costs of services or benefits (e.g., weed removal, landscape, flood control, refuse, sewer, sidewalk repair, and lighting) that the Department of Auditor-Controller adds to the Secured Tax Roll at the request of local taxing agencies.
Electronic Check An electronic form of payment made via the Internet that is designed to perform the same function as a conventional paper check.
Escape Assessment A taxable or an assessable prior year event that escaped the Office of the Assessor, which as a result, was not added to the corrected property’s assessed value to the prior year Annual Secured Property Tax Bill.
Escrow A contractual arrangement in which a third party (title company or escrow company) receives and disburses money or documents related to the sale of a property.
Escrow Statement A statement with the breakdown of credits, debits, and payments for the buyer and the seller at the closing of a real estate transaction.
Exemption A protection or exclusion on a portion of property taxes.
Fiscal Tax Year/Tax Roll Year A fiscal tax year runs from July 1 through June 30; a tax roll year refers to the fiscal tax year. For example, Fiscal Tax Year 2023-24 runs from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024, and the Tax Roll Year is 2023-24.
Five-Pay Plan A five-year payment plan that allows defaulted property taxes to be paid in 20 percent increments of the redemption amount, with interest, along with the current year property taxes annually.
Four-Pay Plan A four-year payment plan that allows prior year escaped assessments to be paid in 20 percent increments of the escaped property taxes, without penalties or interest, along with the current year property taxes annually.
Impound/Escrow Account An account a taxpayer establishes with his/her lender to pay property taxes.
Military Orders The documentation required for military personnel to apply for relief of property tax penalties.
Pay Online To make an electronic payment for property taxes via the Department of Treasurer and Tax Collector’s website. This is not a payment through your bank’s online bill payment or home banking functions.
Personal Identification Number (PIN) An alphanumeric code necessary for completing electronic financial transactions. The PIN can be found on any original Secured Property Tax Bill.
Postmark A United States Postal Service (USPS) marking on an envelope or package that indicates the date and time a mail piece was taken into custody by the USPS. Please visit https://ttc.lacounty.gov/avoid-penalties-by-understanding-postmarks/ for samples.
Prior Year The property taxes that have defaulted or escaped during the prior fiscal tax year.
Property Tax Postponement A State program offered to senior, blind, or disabled citizens to defer their current year property taxes on their principal residence if they meet certain criteria.
Public Auction An auction, held pursuant to the California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 3691, in which the Department of Treasurer and Tax Collector auctions and sells tax-defaulted properties subject to the power of sale.
Reassessment The rate or value of a property when a change in ownership or completion of new construction occurs.
Reassessment Exclusion A taxpayer’s request to be excluded from reassessment of the value of a property after meeting certain conditions (e.g., transfer of property from parent/grandparent to child/grandchild or transfer of base year value).
Secured Property Tax Information Request form A form to request information on multiple properties all at once.
Service Fees A charge for processing all credit/debit card transactions for property tax payments.
Substitute Secured Property Tax Bill A replacement bill used for making property tax payments on lost or missing original bills. This bill does not contain the Personal Identification Number or a breakdown of the General Levy, Voted Indebtedness, or Direct Assessments.
Supplemental Secured Property Tax Bill An additional tax bill issued as a result of the reassessment of the value of a property upon a change in ownership or completion of new construction.
Supplemental Tax Estimator A tool to estimate the expected amount of Supplemental Secured Property Taxes on a recent purchase of property. Please visit https://assessor.lacounty.gov/homeowners/supplemental-tax-estimator/.
Taxable Event An event that requires the Office of the Assessor to assess or reassess the value of a property (e.g., change in ownership or completion of new construction).
Taxing agency A local agency within a specific tax rate area (e.g., schools, fire, water, parks, districts, departments, community services, etc.).
TDD Equipment A telecommunication device such as a teleprinter that is designed for people who have hearing or speech difficulties.
Third-Party Payment Processor A Los Angeles County contracted vendor that processes all credit/debit card property tax payments.
OFFICIAL NOTICES AND PUBLICATIONS
LACO NEWSPAPERS FOR NOTICE OF DIVIDED PUBLICATION 3361/3381
| PAPER NAME | DISTRICT NUMBER | PUBLICATION DATES |
| NUESTRA COMMUNIDAD | 504 | 5/29,6/5 |
| GLENDALE INDEPENDENT | 505 | 5/29,6/5 |
| BEVERLY HILLS COURIER | 512 | 5/30,6/6 |
| BURBANK INDEPENDENT | 513 | 5/29,6/5 |
| CLAREMONT COURIER | 515 | 5/30,6/6 |
| CULVER CITY NEWS | 516 | 5/29,6/5 |
| MONTEREY PARK PRESS | 517 | 5/29,6/5 |
| EL MONTE EXAMINER | 518 | 5/29,6/5 |
| SIGNAL | 525 | 5/30,6/6 |
| MONROVIA WEEKLY | 527 | 5/29,6/5 |
| SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS | 534 | 5/30,6/6 |
| ACORN | 537 | 5/30,6/6 |
| LOS CERRITOS COMMUNITY NEWS | 538 | 5/30,6/6 |
| METROPOLITAN NEWS CO, | 539 | 5/29,6/5 |
| GARDENA VALLEY NEWS | 556 | 5/29,6/5 |
| WHITTIER DAILY NEWS | 583 | 5/30,6/6 |
| LA MIRADA LAMPLIGHTER | 607 | 5/30,6/6 |
| BELMONT BEACON | 610 | 5/29,6/5 |
| WEST COVINA PRESS | 611 | 5/29,6/5 |
| PASADENA PRESS | 614 | 5/29,6/5 |
| WILMINGTON BEACON | 615 | 5/28,6/4 |
| COMMERCE COMMUNITY NEWS | 616 | 5/30,6/6 |
| ANTELOPE VALLEY JOURNAL | 617 | 5/30,6/6 |
You are now leaving the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector website and linking to a website that may contain commercial advertising. The County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector does not endorse or support any of the advertising that may be contained on this site.
Do you wish to continue?
You are now leaving the County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector website and linking to a website that may contain commercial advertising. The County of Los Angeles Treasurer and Tax Collector does not endorse or support any of the advertising that may be contained on this site.
Do you wish to continue?
