If you do not pay the first installment of your annual tax bill at the Santa Barbara Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office by 5 p.m. on December 10 or payment is not postmarked by that date, then the taxes become delinquent and a 10% delinquent penalty is added to any unpaid balance.

If you fail to pay the second installment by 5 p.m. on April 10, or payment is not postmarked by that date, it becomes delinquent and a 10% penalty plus a charge of $30.00 is added to the unpaid balance. If you fail to pay either or both installments at the Treasurer-Tax Collector's Office by 5 p.m. on June 30, or payment is not postmarked by that date, then the property becomes tax defaulted and additional penalties and costs accrue.

If you fail to pay the installments of your supplemental taxes by the applicable delinquency dates, the same penalties accrue as for delinquent secured taxes. 

Please note that if either December 10 or April 10 falls on a weekend or holiday, taxes are not delinquent until 5 P.M. the next business day.

Due dates for annual secured taxes in Santa Barbara County are as follows: 

• Taxes for the first installment are due November 1 and considered late after December 10. 
• Taxes for the second installment are due February 1 and considered late after April 10. 

You may pay both installments, if you choose, by December 10. If you choose to pay the total amount, it must be paid by December 10.

You should first discuss the matter with the Santa Barbara County Assessor's Office and if the question is not resolved to your satisfaction there is an Assessment Appeals Board established for the purpose of reviewing taxable values and such matters.

Appeals on regular assessments must be filed each year between July 2 and November 30. The valuation information may be obtained from the Assessor's Office by July 1 each year. If you choose to appeal your assessment, you should nonetheless pay the tax installment presently due and payable by the appropriate deadline. If your appeal is granted a refund will be made. If you have not made a timely payment, you may incur penalties while the case is in appeals.

If you were unable to pay your Santa Barbara County Property Tax Bill by the delinquent date due to circumstances, including health or financial, related to  COVID-19, you can complete the penalty cancellation form and turn it in by mail or in person with your tax payment.