The State of Arizona taxes all properties unless they are identified as tax exempt. Some examples of exemptions are owned by governmental, educational, charitable, religious, and non-profit institutions. The property is divided into different categories. For example, the term real property means land. Improvements are buildings and other improvements to the land.
Who collects property taxes in Arizona?
The County Treasurer of the county in which your real estate is located will bill you or your designated paying agent (for example, your mortgage company) for Arizona real estate taxes owed on your property.
When do I receive the invoice and when do I have to pay it?
Property taxes in Arizona are assessed by calendar year, and property tax returns are mailed in September.
Here’s a tricky part: Your September statement has two pay stubs, so you won’t receive a second billing for the payment that is due the following March.
- The due date for the first semester of taxes is October 1. The first semester is late after 5 pm on November 1. If November 1 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, you have until 5 p.m. the next business day to pay or the payment will be considered late.
- The second half of the taxes is due on March 1 of the following year and becomes delinquent after 5 p.m. on May 1. If May 1 falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, you have until 5 p.m. of the next business day to pay or the payment will be considered late.
What happens if I forget to pay the bill?
If you pay late, interest / penalties will start to accrue. Eventually, the State of Arizona could put a lien on your property for unpaid taxes.
You will have to remember on your own to make that second payment; No reminders will be sent. If that makes you nervous, you can simply pay the full amount at once after receiving the September billing. If you pay the full amount before December 31, you will not be charged penalties or interest.
I never get the bill, my mortgage company does that
Many homeowners have taxes (and insurance) on their real estate collected by their mortgage company, the designated paying agent, along with the actual loan amount, and in turn, the mortgage company pays the county when payments are due. This instruction is generally established at the time the mortgage loan is approved. If you’re not sure whether your mortgage company is setting aside (seizing) money from your monthly payments to pay your taxes, you can find out on your monthly mortgage statement.
This is a convenient way to make payments if (a) you are concerned about remembering to pay, and / or (b) you prefer smaller monthly payments to your mortgage company to cover taxes than having to make a larger lump sum one or two payments times a year.
Warning: Even if your mortgage company pays your taxes automatically from your Arizona real estate tax liability deposit, you are ultimately responsible for making sure your taxes are paid. Even if the invoice does not arrive in the mail, you are responsible for knowing that taxes are due. If I’m not making it clear, here it is in layman’s terms: There are no excuses for not paying Arizona property taxes.
I can’t find the invoice. How much do I owe you?
You can check online.
For properties in Maricopa County:
- Go to the Maricopa County Parcel Search
- Enter your last name in the search line
- Find your name in the search results and select “Taxes”
- See how much was billed and how much you owe.
For properties in Pinal County:
- Go to Pinal County Parcel Search
- Enter your last name in the search line. Find your name in the search results and click on the package number.
- On the next page, there is a link to “Tax Information” next to the package number.
- See how much was billed and how much you owe.
What else should I know about Arizona property taxes?
If you don’t receive the bill or if you have questions about your real estate tax bill, contact your county treasurer.
Some people over the age of 65 who meet certain residency and income requirements may be eligible for Senior Valuation Protection, which prevents the value of a primary residence from increasing and therefore keeps taxes stable. If someone has already been accepted into that program, they may be eligible for the Senior Assistance Fund which effectively reduces property taxes on the residence by the amount of school district taxes.
Widows, widowers, and people with total and permanent disabilities can also receive certain tax breaks. Here is the application for Maricopa County.
The last word
There are no excuses for not paying your property taxes. If you are a homeowner, you are responsible for knowing that taxes must be paid, whether or not your mortgage company pays, or whether the bill is mailed or not.
Disclaimer: The writer is not a tax professional, nor does he work for the Arizona Department of Revenue or for any Arizona State or County authority. The information provided here is subject to change without prior notice.
