Santa Clara County Offers Express Service for Property Tax Bill

From the County of Santa Clara:

SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CALIF. — Want to avoid long lines or wait times when paying your property taxes? The SantaClara County Office of the Tax Collector is offering an express pay service option for individuals making single payments for the second installment of the 2015/2016 property tax bill. The Express Pay Option will be available on April 7, April 8, and April 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Clerk-Recorder’s Window No. 1, 70 W. Hedding St., East Wing, First Floor. Property taxes are due by 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 11, 2016.

The Office of the Tax Collector on the Sixth Floor of the County Government Center frequently experiences a high volume of traffic and long lines in the days leading up to the property tax due date, often because taxpayers have questions, or need assistance with making multiple payments.

“The Office of the Tax Collector’s Express Pay Service Option is a convenient and expedient payment option that reduces the wait time for taxpayers wanting to make a single payment by check, in person,” said George W. Putris, Santa Clara County Tax Collector. “Taxpayers can also choose to pay online or via mail.”

Taxpayers have the following options to pay their property taxes by the April 11, 2016, 5:00 p.m. deadline:

1) Express Pay Service Window (single payments by check only)

Location: 70 W. Hedding St., East Wing, First Floor, Window 1

(Window 2 will be opened if needed)

Office Hours: April 7, April 8, and April 11, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Taxpayers can take advantage of the Express Pay Window if they are making a single payment by check and have a tax bill, web page, check tissue, etc. on hand to give to the clerk for receipting. This window does not provide full service or answer questions regarding tax bills.

2) Property Tax “Mail” Drop Box

Location: 70 W. Hedding St., East Wing, First Floor

Property tax payments may be made by using the drop “mail” box located on the First Floor of the County Government Center, before or on April 11 during business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. No postage is required.

Office of the Tax Collector Location: 70 W. Hedding St., 6th Floor, San Jose

Office Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday – Friday, excluding County Holidays.

In-person payments made by cash must be made at the Tax Collector’s Office.

3) U.S. Mail

Tax payments made by mail must be postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) on the pay-by date (April 11) on the bill to avoid penalties. Payments may be made by mailing the envelope provided with the appropriate installment stub. Include the mailing address and the Parcel Number of the bill being paid on the check or money order. Mail payments to the Office of the Tax Collector, 70 West Hedding Street, 6th Floor, East Wing, San Jose, CA 95110. The U.S. Postal Services postmark must be April 11, 2016, or earlier to avoid penalties. Note: The Office of the Tax Collector cannot accept partial payments. Each installment must be paid in full.

Web Site - www.scctax.org

To pay taxes with a credit card, debit card or e-check, visit the Office of the Tax Collector’s website atwww.scctax.org. There is no fee when paying by electronic check (eCheck). However, there is a convenience fee collected with credit or debit card payments.

Did You Receive a Property Tax Bill?

Property owners are responsible for paying taxes even if they have not received a bill. If you have not received your bill and need a duplicate, contact the Office of the Tax Collector at

(408) 808-7900. Taxpayers can also look up property tax payments at www.scctax.org. Property owners whose taxes are paid by their lending agency usually receive a copy of the tax bill indicating that the original statement was sent to the lending agency.

Property Tax Questions?

Property owners who need information about paying their taxes can visit the Office of the Tax Collector’s website atwww.scctax.org, call (408) 808-7900 (9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday, excluding County Holidays), or submit questions online.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Transportation and Parking near 70 W. Hedding St., San Jose

Public transit access is available to and from the County Government Center, located at Hedding and First Streets in San Jose by VTA bus lines 61, 62, 66, 181 and Light Rail. The Light Rail stop for this location is Civic Center.
Bicycle parking racks are located in the James McEntee, Sr., Plaza in front of the County Government Center building.
Public Parking is available on San Pedro St., next to the West Wing at 70 W. Hedding St. Visitors may park here for free for 1 hour. Public parking is also available in the Civic Center garage at a rate of $1.25 for ¼ hour.

Metered Parking A limited number of metered parking spots are located along Hedding Street, Mission Street, San Pedro Street, and Guadalupe Parkway. The rate for most parking meters ranges between $1.00 and $2.00 per hour, and will be indicated on the meter.

Parking Map: https://www.sccgov.org/sites/scc/Documents/Main%20County%20ParkingMap.pdf