Envelope with Annual Property Tax Bill

April 10th is the Last Day to Pay the 2nd Installment of the Annual Secured Property Tax Bill Without Penalties

Author: Auditor-Controller-Treasurer-Tax Collector
Date: 4/4/2026 9:32 AM

After April 10th, state law requires that payments must also include a 10% penalty.

Taxpayers are encouraged to pay online at the Tax Collector’s website or by telephone at (805) 781-5831, during business hours. Payments via electronic check can be made with no additional fee, while payments with a credit or debit card require an additional 2.35% ($1.49 minimum) fee. Please see below for more options to pay your property taxes.

How to Pay Your Property Taxes:

  • Tax Collector’s Website: Payments are available 24 hours per day. Electronic check payments may be made with no additional fee. Credit and debit card payments require an additional 2.35% ($1.49 minimum) fee.

 

  • Telephone: (805) 781-5831, M-F, 8AM-5PM. Electronic check payments may be made with no additional fee. Credit and debit card payments require an additional 2.35% ($1.49 minimum) fee.

 

  • Mail: Check payments postmarked April 10th, 2026 or earlier, will be credited as timely. Please include your assessment number on your check and mail your payment to: County Tax Collector, 1055 Monterey St., Rm D-290, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.

 

  • In Person: Payments may be made via check, cash, electronic check, or credit/debit cards. Electronic check payments may be made with no additional fee. Credit and debit card payments require an additional 2.35% ($1.49 minimum) fee. Our office is open M-F, 8 AM-5 PM. We are located on the 2nd floor of the County Government Center, 1055 Monterey St., Rm D-290, San Luis Obispo, CA 93408.


Mailing Your Payment?

If you plan to mail your payment, there are a few things to know that can help you avoid an unexpected penalty.

Under California law, a mailed tax payment is considered on time based on the United States Postal Service (USPS) postmark date  on the envelope, not the the date you put it in the mail. Recent changes to USPS postal handling procedures have made this distinction more important than ever:
  • The postmark date may not be the same day you mail your payment. The USPS applies a postmark when your mail receives its first automated processing at a postal facility, which may be one or more days after you drop it off.
  • Some types of postage do not receive a USPS postmark at all, including metered mail, online postage(such as stamps.com), postage from self-service kiosks, and mail sent through bank bill pay or other online banking services. If your payment does not have a postmark and arrives after April 10th, it will be considered late.



Tips for Mailing your Payment on Time

  • Mail early. Don't wait until the last day. Give your payment a few extra days to arrive or be postmarked.
  • Use a regular postage stamp. Standard stamps on your envelope are the most reliable way to receive a USPS postmark.
  • Request a hand-stamped postmark. You can take your payment to the USPS counter and ask the clerk to apply a manual postmark. It's free and confirms the date your mail was accepted.
  • Or skip the mail entirely! Paying online at https://services.slocountytax.org is free by electronic check, available 24/7, and there's no worry about postmarks or mail delays.