Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector Department
Tax Payer Rights
If you disagree with the valuation placed on your property, you may take the matter up with the Assessor to see if that office will change the valuation. Additionally, the Board of Supervisors has established several Assessment Appeals Boards for the purpose of resolving valuation problems. Appeals on regular assessments must be filed each year between July 2 and November 30 (valuation information is available July 1 at the Assessor's Office). Appeals on corrected assessments, escaped assessments (assessments that did not take place when they should have), or supplemental assessments must be filed no later than 60 days from the date of notice or the postmark of that notice, whichever is later.
If you choose to appeal your assessment, you should still pay your tax installments in full by the appropriate deadlines; otherwise, you may incur penalties while the case is in appeals. If your appeal is granted, a refund will be issued to you.
Appeals applications and further information about the appeals process can be obtained by calling (707) 565-2241 or writing to: Assessment Appeals Board, 575 Administration Dr., Room 100A, Santa Rosa, CA 95403, or you may visit the Assessor's Assessment Appeals website.
Ownership Changes Backlog
Due to an extraordinary number of ownership changes, the Sonoma County Assessor’s Office is experiencing a significant backlog processing these changes. If you received a tax bill for a property you no longer own, please write “sold” on the bill and return it to our office. Should you need additional assistance please reach out to our office at (707) 565-2281 or taxcollector@sonoma-county.org.