Butte Property Tax Rates & Deadlines – Quick Official Guide

Butte Property Tax rates for fiscal year 2026‑2026 average roughly 0.825% while individual districts may add extra assessments, and the Butte County tax collector’s office (phone 530‑552‑3800, email taxes@buttecounty.net) publishes the official tax bill lookup tool that shows exact amounts for any parcel; homeowners can also view property tax statements online through the county’s portal, explore the Butte County property tax calendar 2026 for upcoming due dates, and check the Butte County tax roll public records for historical trends. The primary payment deadlines in Butte are November 1 for the first installment and February 1 for the second, with a late‑payment penalty applied after the February due date, and taxpayers may avoid penalties by using the 24‑hour credit‑card service at 1‑844‑882‑3391; the Butler County Assessor’s Office (phone 530‑552‑3800, email assessorsoffice@buttecounty.net) provides a parcel‑search link to verify assessed values and calculate property tax in Butte County. If you qualify for exemptions such as the homestead, senior, or agricultural land relief programs, the Assessor’s Office will reflect the reduction on your bill, and the tax collector’s office can confirm eligibility and guide you through the refund process for over‑payments.

Butte Property Tax appeals must be filed between July 2 and November 30 with the Butte County Tax Valuation Appeals Board, and the assessor’s office offers detailed instructions on the online appeal portal, including required documentation and contact information for the appeals hotline (530‑552‑3800). Property owners seeking relief can explore tax credit programs, mortgage escrow tax portions, and special rates for commercial or agricultural properties, all listed on the county’s official website; the Butte County tax collector’s office also maintains a list of delinquency penalties that commence after the lien date of January 1, and provides payment options such as electronic check, credit card, or installment plans. For quick answers, call the tax collector during office hours—Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.—or email the assessor’s office to request a property tax exemption form, ensuring you meet the February 15 filing deadline for homeowner exemptions.

Search Butte County Property Tax

The official Butte County property tax portal gives every property owner a fast way to pull parcel data, assessed values, and tax bill amounts. The Assessor’s Office runs this free public tool through the county website. The system pulls live records from the county tax roll, so the numbers match what appears on a mailed tax bill.

Follow these steps to search a Butte County property tax record:

1. Visit the Butte County Assessor page on the county website to open the parcel search tool.
2. Type the Assessor’s Parcel Number into the search box when you have it on hand.
3. Enter the full street address as an alternate method if the APN is not available.
4. Press the search button to load the parcel detail page.
5. Review the assessed value, exemption status, and tax amount fields for the current fiscal year.
6. Save or print the page if you need it for an appeal, escrow, or refund request.

Property owners who cannot find their parcel online can call the Butte County Assessor-Recorder at (530) 538-7691. Office staff confirm APNs, fix address typos, and walk callers through the search tool step by step. For tax billing and payment questions, contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 530-552-3720 or email taxes@buttecounty.net.

Records You Can Pull From the Portal

The portal shows several useful fields for any parcel in the county. Owners can confirm ownership, view the parcel map, and check the latest sale price recorded with the Clerk-Recorder. The tool also shows whether any exemption applies to the parcel.

• Assessed land value and assessed structure value
• Total assessed value before and after exemptions
• Tax rate area code that decides the local tax rate
• Special districts and voter-approved measures on the parcel
• Property tax bill amount for the current fiscal year

Butte County Property Tax Rates by Area

Butte County property tax rates change from one tax rate area to the next. Each tax rate area combines the county base rate with city rates, school rates, and special district rates. A home in Chico often pays a different total rate than a home in Oroville or Paradise, even when both sit inside the same county.

The state rule under Proposition 13 limits the general property tax to one percent of assessed value. Local voter-approved measures and bonded debt add to that base amount. A typical combined rate across many Butte County areas lands near 0.825 percent, though exact figures range by district. Contact the Butte County Assessor-Recorder at (530) 538-7691 for your specific tax rate area.

Sample Rate Areas Across the County

The table below shows a sample combined rate for Chico, Butte County. Each area combines the one percent base rate with local additions. Owners should confirm the exact rate for their parcel through the Assessor’s Office before budgeting a payment.

Source data: buttecounty.net public tax rate area maps and the State Board of Equalization. The combined rate changes after each election that adds a new bond or parcel tax to a local agency. Contact the Assessor-Recorder at (530) 538-7691 to confirm rates for other Butte County communities.

How to Calculate Property Tax in Butte County

Calculating a Butte County property tax bill starts with the assessed value on file. The Assessor sets the base year value at the 1975 market price for most properties, then raises it by no more than two percent each year under Proposition 13. A new purchase resets the assessed value to the sale price on the deed.

Follow this basic formula to estimate an annual tax bill:

1. Find the assessed value on the parcel search page or the most recent tax bill.
2. Identify the tax rate area code printed on the bill or the parcel record.
3. Multiply the assessed value by the combined tax rate for that area.
4. Subtract any approved exemption amount from the result.
5. Add any direct charges, special assessments, or 1915 Bond Act parcels.

The Treasurer-Tax Collector mails the official bill each fall with the exact amount owed. The number printed on the bill matches the formula above plus any penalties or fees carried over from a prior year. Property owners can call the Assessor-Recorder at (530) 538-7691 to confirm the tax rate area code for a specific parcel.

Butte County Property Tax Payment Deadlines

Butte County uses a two-installment billing system for secured property taxes. The first installment covers the first half of the fiscal year and falls due in late fall. The second installment covers the second half of the year and falls due in early winter of the following calendar year.

Missing a deadline triggers a late penalty, and the penalty grows the longer the bill stays unpaid. The Treasurer-Tax Collector also adds a redemption fee once a parcel moves to the default tax list. Paying on time keeps the parcel in good standing and avoids the extra charges.

Annual Secured Property Tax Calendar

The table below lists the key dates printed on the Butte County secured property tax bill. Owners should mark these dates and set up a payment plan through their bank or escrow company. Postmarks count as the official payment date for mailed checks.

Source: buttecounty.net Treasurer-Tax Collector calendar and State of California Revenue and Taxation Code. The dates stay the same each year unless the calendar pushes a deadline to the next business day.

Tax Bill Lookup and Online Statements

Butte County posts every secured and unsecured tax bill on the Treasurer-Tax Collector website at www.buttecounty.net/ttc. The bill lookup page accepts a parcel number, an address, or a bill number to pull a current statement. The same page also shows a payment history for the past several years.

Online statements look just like the printed bill, with the same line items and a total due. Owners can download the PDF and send it to a lender, an accountant, or a title officer. The system refreshes each night, so the balance updates the day after a payment clears.

To pull a current bill, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Treasurer-Tax Collector page at www.buttecounty.net/ttc on the county website.
2. Open the tax bill lookup tool and pick the search type.
3. Type the parcel number or full street address into the search box.
4. Press the search button to load the current bill.
5. Review the bill and use the print or save option to keep a copy.

Property owners without internet access can visit the Treasurer-Tax Collector office in Oroville during open hours. The clerk at the counter can pull the bill and print a copy for a small fee. Call the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 530-552-3720 for help finding the correct parcel number before a visit.

Butte County Property Tax Exemptions

Exemptions lower the taxable value of a parcel or cancel the bill for a specific group. The most common claim comes from the homeowners exemption, which subtracts a set amount from the assessed value of a primary residence. Other claims cover veterans, disabled veterans, church property, and welfare recipients.

Most claims sit on a single-page form that goes to the Assessor’s Office. The office reviews the form, verifies the facts, and applies the reduction to the next tax bill. A property owner can hold more than one exemption at a time if the parcel meets each set of rules.

Common Exemptions on the Butte County Roll

The table below lists the most common exemptions claimed on Butte County parcels. Each line shows who qualifies, the form used, and the value of the reduction. Property owners should confirm the current amounts with the Assessor before filing.

Source: California State Board of Equalization exemption forms and the Butte County Assessor exemption page. For full details on veterans, disabled veterans, church, and college exemptions, contact the Butte County Assessor-Recorder at (530) 538-7691.

How to File a Butte County Property Tax Appeal

A property tax appeal asks the Assessment Appeals Board to lower the assessed value on a parcel. The board hears cases between July 2 and November 30 each year. Owners must file the application before the close of the window or wait for the next filing season.

The appeal process starts with a form filed with the Clerk of the Assessment Appeals Board. Owners should gather sales of similar homes, photos of defects, and repair estimates to support the claim. Strong evidence raises the chance of a value reduction and a smaller tax bill.

Follow these steps to file a Butte County property tax appeal:

1. Pull the assessed value and parcel details from the search portal.
2. Compare the assessed value with recent sales of similar parcels nearby.
3. Fill out the Assessment Appeal Application form from the Clerk of the Board.
4. Attach supporting evidence such as comparable sales, photos, or repair bids.
5. File the application with the Clerk before November 30 of the appeal year.
6. Wait for the board to schedule a hearing and mail a notice to the owner.
7. Attend the hearing and present the case to the appeals panel.

Property owners can reach the Assessor-Recorder at (530) 538-7691 to ask about comparable sales in their area. The Clerk of the Board takes the final filing and posts the hearing date on the county website. A successful appeal refunds the overpayment and lowers the next year’s bill.

Butte County Tax Relief Programs

Several state and local programs lower the tax bill for owners who meet income, age, or disability rules. The most common program is the homeowners exemption, which goes to every owner-occupied primary residence. More targeted programs help seniors, low-income households, and disaster victims.

Each program has its own form, deadline, and proof of eligibility. The Assessor’s Office can answer questions about the rules and walk owners through the paperwork. Most programs combine with other exemptions, so the total reduction on the bill can be large.

Key relief programs on the Butte County tax roll include:

• Homeowners Property Tax Exemption for primary residences
• Disabled Veterans Exemption for service-connected injuries
• Senior Citizen Postponement of property tax payments
• Low-Income Property Tax Postponement for low-income households
• Substandard Housing Reassessment for health and safety repairs
• Disaster Relief Reassessment for fire, flood, or earthquake damage
• Wildfire Reassessment for owners in declared disaster zones

Source: California State Board of Equalization and the Butte County Assessor’s Office. Each program sets its own deadline, so owners should call the Assessor-Recorder at (530) 538-7691 before the February 15 filing window closes.

Butte County Property Tax Delinquency Penalties

A secured property tax bill becomes delinquent the day after each installment deadline. The county adds a late penalty once the bill reaches the past-due mark. An additional redemption fee applies after the parcel goes to the default tax list at the end of the fiscal year.

Penalties grow the longer the bill stays unpaid. A parcel with a multi-year unpaid bill can rack up penalties, interest, and fees that match the original tax amount. The county also lists the parcel for a tax sale after extended default.

Common penalties on a delinquent Butte County parcel include:

• Late penalty after each installment deadline
• Redemption fee once the parcel enters default
• Interest on the unpaid balance
• Recording fee for a tax-defaulted parcel
• Default listing fee when the parcel moves to the auction roll

Source: California Revenue and Taxation Code and the Butte County Treasurer-Tax Collector delinquency schedule. Paying on time keeps a parcel off the default list and out of the tax sale auction.

How to Request a Butte County Property Tax Refund

A property tax refund happens when the owner pays more than the amount owed. The most common reason is a successful appeal that lowers the assessed value. Other reasons include a payment error, a duplicate payment, or a misapplied exemption.

Refund claims go to the Treasurer-Tax Collector with proof of the overpayment. The county reviews the claim, verifies the amount, and issues a refund check or applies the credit to the next year’s bill. Most refunds process within a few months of the filed claim.

Follow these steps to request a Butte County property tax refund:

1. Pull the payment history and tax bill from the lookup tool.
2. Compare the bill with the amount paid to find the overpayment.
3. Gather proof such as canceled checks, escrow statements, or appeal results.
4. Fill out a refund claim form from the Treasurer-Tax Collector page.
5. File the claim with the supporting proof at the county office.
6. Wait for the county to mail a refund check or post a credit to the next bill.

Refund claims have a four-year statute of limitations, so owners should act quickly. Call the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 530-552-3720 for help pulling the payment history and finding the form.

Butte County Property Tax for Seniors and Special Groups

Seniors, disabled owners, and surviving spouses get extra exemptions and postponement options. The senior postponement program lets owners delay payment of the current year tax bill until the property changes hands. The disabled veterans exemption can wipe out a large share of the tax bill for qualified veterans.

Each program has its own eligibility list, including age, income, and disability status. The Assessor’s Office confirms the proof and applies the reduction to the next bill. A surviving spouse of a veteran can also keep the exemption after the veteran’s death.

Key programs for seniors and special groups include:

• Homeowners Exemption for owners 55 and older who own a primary residence
• Disabled Veterans Exemption for service-connected injuries
• Senior Citizen Postponement of property tax payments
• Disabled Person Postponement of property tax payments
• Surviving Spouse Exemption continuation after a veteran’s death

Source: California State Board of Equalization and the Butte County Assessor’s Office. Call the Assessor-Recorder at (530) 538-7691 to ask which form fits your situation before the February 15 filing deadline.

Butte County Commercial and Agricultural Property Tax

Commercial parcels pay property tax on the full market value of the land, the building, and the fixtures. Agricultural parcels receive a special assessment under the Williamson Act, which values the land at a lower use rate tied to farm production. Both types of parcels file annual property statements with the Assessor.

Commercial owners should track the assessed value each year, because business income does not lower the bill. Agricultural owners should keep the Williamson Act contract in good standing to keep the lower tax rate. New construction on either type of parcel adds supplemental assessment on the next bill.

Key facts about commercial and agricultural parcels in Butte County include:

• Commercial parcels file a Business Property Statement each year
• Agricultural parcels file an Agricultural Property Statement each year
• Williamson Act contracts lower the land value on qualifying farms
• New construction triggers a supplemental assessment
• Property tax for a commercial parcel does not factor in business income
• Personal property on the parcel pays tax on the business statement

Source: California Revenue and Taxation Code and the Butte County Assessor’s Office. Contact the Assessor-Recorder at (530) 538-7691 for filing instructions and office hours.

Butte County Property Tax Payment Options

Butte County offers several ways to pay a property tax bill. The fastest option is an electronic payment through the Treasurer-Tax Collector website at www.buttecounty.net/ttc. The website accepts e-check, credit card, and debit card payments for both installments.

Pay by credit card 24 hours a day using the automated service at the toll-free number 844-882-3391. Mailed checks still count as paid on the postmark date. Owners can also pay in person at the Treasurer-Tax Collector counter in Oroville. The county offers an installment plan called the 5-Pay Plan for owners who need to spread the bill across the fiscal year.

Common payment options on a Butte County tax bill include:

• Online e-check through the Treasurer-Tax Collector website at www.buttecounty.net/ttc
• Credit or debit card payment through the county payment portal
• Automated credit card payment at 844-882-3391 (24 hours)
• Check mailed to the Treasurer-Tax Collector office
• In-person payment at the counter in Oroville
• Installment plan called the 5-Pay Plan for qualifying owners

Source: Butte County Treasurer-Tax Collector payment page. The 5-Pay Plan spreads the bill across the fiscal year and qualifies owners who cannot pay in two installments. Eligibility rules apply and the county posts a sample contract on its website. Contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 530-552-3720 or taxes@buttecounty.net for details.

Accessing the Butte County Tax Roll Public Records

The tax roll lists every parcel in the county along with the owner, the assessed value, and the tax amount. The Assessor’s Office posts a public copy of the roll on the county website. A printed copy sits at the county office for public review during open hours.

Public records requests pull the same data as the tax roll. Owners can ask for a copy of any record that involves the parcel, the sale, or the exemption. The county charges a small copy fee for paper prints and gives electronic copies for free.

To pull a tax roll record, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Butte County Assessor page on the county website.
2. Open the parcel search tool and pull the parcel record.
3. Review the assessed value, ownership, and tax fields.
4. Download the PDF copy from the portal for personal records.
5. Visit the county office for a certified copy if needed for a legal case.

Call the Assessor-Recorder at (530) 538-7691 for help finding a specific record.

Butte County Assessor Parcel Search Tool Features

The Assessor parcel search tool goes beyond a basic tax bill lookup. The tool shows a parcel map with the lot lines, the building footprint, and the street frontage. It also shows the latest recorded sale and the document number for the deed.

Owners can compare the assessed value with the recorded sale to check for an overassessment. The tool also shows whether the parcel sits in a flood zone, a fire hazard zone, or a historic district. Each layer adds a piece of the parcel story that helps an owner plan a tax strategy.

Key features of the Assessor parcel search tool include:

• Parcel map with lot lines, building footprint, and street frontage
• Assessed value, exemption status, and tax amount fields
• Latest recorded sale price and document number
• Owner name and mailing address on file
• Flood zone, fire hazard zone, and historic district overlays
• Tax rate area code for the parcel

Source: buttecounty.net Assessor parcel search page. Call the Assessor-Recorder at (530) 538-7691 for help using the tool or pulling a specific layer.

Butte County Clerk-Recorder Records and Deeds

The Clerk-Recorder keeps the official record of every deed, lien, and reconveyance on a Butte County parcel. The office files the document, scans the page, and posts the image to the public portal. A copy of the recording proves ownership, debt, and other legal facts tied to the parcel.

Property owners can pull a recorded document through the Clerk-Recorder online portal. The portal accepts a name search, a document number search, and a parcel number search. Each result shows the document type, the recording date, and the names of the parties on the document.

To pull a recorded document, follow these steps:

1. Visit the Clerk-Recorder page on the county website.
2. Open the Official Record Look Up tool from the menu.
3. Type the document number, the name, or the parcel number into the search box.
4. Press the search button to load the list of matches.
5. Click the document link to open the scanned image.
6. Print or save the image if you need a copy for a legal case.

Contact the Butte County Clerk-Recorder through the county website for help finding a specific document or requesting a certified copy.

Butte County Property Tax Lien Information

A property tax lien attaches to the parcel on January 1 of each year. The lien stays with the parcel until the bill, the penalties, and the fees clear in full. A buyer who takes title to a parcel also takes on the unpaid tax bill from prior years.

The county records a Notice of Default on parcels that stay unpaid for an extended period. The notice starts the tax sale auction, which lets a buyer bid on the lien at a public sale. A winning bidder pays the back taxes and earns interest on the amount until the owner pays the bill in full.

Key facts about tax liens in Butte County include:

• Lien date sits on January 1 of each fiscal year
• Lien stays with the parcel through any sale or transfer of title
• Default status happens after extended nonpayment of taxes
• Tax sale auction runs each year through the Treasurer-Tax Collector
• Winning bidder earns interest on the lien amount
• Owner can redeem the lien by paying the full amount plus fees

Source: California Revenue and Taxation Code and the Butte County Treasurer-Tax Collector. Call the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 530-552-3720 to check the lien status on a specific parcel before a purchase.

Butte County Mortgage Escrow Tax Portion

Most lenders set up an escrow account that holds a portion of the mortgage payment for property tax. The lender pays the tax bill from the escrow account each year and sends the owner a statement after the payment clears. The escrow account keeps the bill current and avoids a missed deadline.

Escrow accounts also handle the homeowner’s insurance and the flood insurance premiums. The lender sets the escrow payment based on the most recent tax bill and adjusts the amount each year after the new bill arrives. A shortage in the escrow account leads to a higher mortgage payment in the next year.

To check the escrow tax portion on a Butte County mortgage, follow these steps:

1. Pull the most recent mortgage statement from the lender’s portal.
2. Find the escrow section on the statement.
3. Confirm the tax amount matches the current year’s bill.
4. Check the escrow balance for a shortage or a surplus.
5. Contact the lender if the escrow payment looks too low or too high.
6. Request an escrow analysis once a year to keep the payment on track.

Source: buttecounty.net Treasurer-Tax Collector and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau escrow rules. Call the Treasurer-Tax Collector at 530-552-3720 to confirm the exact tax amount on file for the parcel.

Contact, Local Details, and Map

The Butte County Assessor-Recorder handles property assessments, parcel records, and exemption claims. The Clerk-Recorder handles deeds, liens, and recorded documents. The Treasurer-Tax Collector handles billing, payment, and delinquency. All offices sit in Oroville and answer questions by phone, email, and walk-in.

Butte County Assessor-Recorder

• Department Name: Butte County Assessor-Recorder
• Official Website URL: https://www.buttecounty.net
• Main Phone: (530) 538-7691
• Official Email: Not Available
• Physical Address: Contact the Assessor-Recorder for the current office address
• Mailing Address: Contact the Assessor-Recorder for the current mailing address

Butte County Treasurer-Tax Collector

• Department Name: Butte County Treasurer-Tax Collector
• Official Website URL: www.buttecounty.net/ttc
• Main Phone: 530-552-3720
• Automated Credit Card Payment (24 hours): 844-882-3391
• Official Email: taxes@buttecounty.net
• Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Physical Address: County Center Drive, Suite 125, Oroville, CA 95965
• Mailing Address: County Center Drive, Suite 125, Oroville, CA 95965

Butte County Clerk-Recorder

• Department Name: Butte County Clerk-Recorder
• Official Website URL: https://www.buttecounty.net
• Main Phone: Contact the Clerk-Recorder through the county website
• Official Email: Not Available
• Physical Address: Contact the Clerk-Recorder for the current office address
• Mailing Address: Contact the Clerk-Recorder for the current mailing address

Frequently Asked Questions

Butte Property Tax services let owners see their tax bill, check exemptions, and pay on time. Knowing where to find the assessor’s portal, payment deadlines, and appeal steps helps avoid penalties and can lower your bill.

How can I look up my Butte County property tax bill online?

Visit the Assessor’s portal at https://www.buttecounty.net/191/Parcel-Search-Assessed-Value-Lookup. Enter the parcel number or address, then click Search. The page shows the assessed value, tax rate, and total due. You can also print or download the bill. If you need help, call (530) 552-3800 during office hours.

What are the main payment deadlines for Butte County property taxes?

Payments are due on November 1 and February 1 each fiscal year. Paying before the due date avoids a 10 percent penalty. The Treasurer‑Tax Collector accepts credit cards 24 hours a day at 1‑844‑882‑3391 or in‑person at the county office, 25 County Center Drive, Suite 125, Oroville.

Where do I find information on property tax exemptions in Butte County?

Exemption forms are on the Assessor’s website. Common exemptions include the Homestead (homeowners) and Disabled Veteran (BOE‑231). Download the form, fill it out, and mail it to 25 County Center Drive, Suite 100, Oroville, or email assessorsoffice@buttecounty.net. Submit by the February 15 deadline to apply for the current year.

How do I appeal my property tax assessment in Butte County?

First, review the notice of assessed value on your bill. If the amount seems high, gather recent sales data or an independent appraisal. File an appeal with the County Assessment Appeals Board between July 2 and November 30. Include the parcel number, reason for appeal, and supporting documents. Contact the Assessor’s Office at (530) 552‑3800 for guidance.

What payment options does the Butte County Treasurer‑Tax Collector offer?

You can pay by credit or debit card online, by phone at 1‑844‑882‑3391, or in‑person at the Treasurer‑Tax Collector’s office, 25 County Center Drive, Suite 125. The office also accepts e‑checks through the Easy Smart Pay platform. For installment plans, call the office at (530) 552‑3720 and request the 5‑pay contract.