Property taxes are a critical funding source for local governments

WOODLAND, CA (MPG) – The Yolo County Tax Collector’s Office wants to remind taxpayers who own property in Yolo County that property tax penalty waivers for circumstances associated with COVID-19 will be accepted until May 6, 2021. After this date, the Tax Collector’s office no longer has the authority to review or authorize penalty waivers due to COVID-19.

In order to qualify, the following must be met:

·         A penalty waiver request must be accompanied by full payment of the original taxes.

·         Taxes must be for a residential property occupied by the taxpayer or real property owned and operated by a small business under SBA guidelines

·         The taxes were not delinquent prior to March 4, 2020 (Pre-COVID)

·         The taxpayer files a claim for relief in the manner and form prescribed by the tax collector available here, which includes payment: https://www.yolocounty.org/government/general-government-departments/financial-services/revenues-taxes-fees/property-tax

·         The taxpayer demonstrates to the satisfaction of the tax collector that the taxpayer has suffered economic hardship, or was otherwise unable to tender payment of taxes in a timely fashion, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, or any local, state, or federal government response to COVID-19

·         Penalty waiver due to COVID-19 is not allowed for properties where taxes are paid through an impound account.

For inquiries or more information concerning property tax penalty waivers:

·         Go online: https://www.yolocounty.org/government/general-government-departments/financial-services/revenues-taxes-fees/property-tax

·         Call: (530) 666-8190 during business hours

·         Visit the Yolo County Tax Collector’s Office at 625 Court Street, Room 102 in Woodland, during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The ability to review and approve qualifying penalty waivers due to COVID-19 was announced on May 7, 2020 in Executive Order N-61-20 and provided temporary authorization for one year to Tax Collection offices. Property taxes are a critical funding source for local governments including cities, school districts, local cemetery districts, community colleges, rural fire districts and others. For example, more than half of property taxes received go to local school districts. The County receives about 9% of property taxes, which is 9 cents of every dollar.