Lafayette, California Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Lafayette, CA is 1.26%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the California state median of 1.21%. With the median home value in Lafayette at $994,500, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $12,669, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Lafayette are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Lafayette's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of Lafayette or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Lafayette, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.26%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$12,531
$11,628
$1,148
Average Tax Savings
Ownwell’s Lafayette Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Lafayette with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Lafayette to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool not only helps you understand potential tax liabilities but also illustrates how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Lafayette. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across Lafayette, California
Property taxes in Lafayette, California, play a crucial role in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Lafayette is 1.26%, higher than both the California state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Lafayette set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Lafayette estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares Lafayette's effective property tax rate to other counties in California and the national median. For comparison, the 94595 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.30%, while the 94549 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 1.26%. Understanding how these cities compare with Lafayette provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Contra Costa County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Lafayette Tax Rate
1.26%
Average Contra Costa County Tax Rate
1.36%
Average California Tax Rate
1.21%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Lafayette, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94549 | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.26% | 1.39% | 1.72% |
| 94595 | 1.21% | 1.24% | 1.30% | 1.48% | 1.86% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Lafayette Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lafayette, California
In Lafayette, California, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Contra Costa County Assessor for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In Lafayette, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. For example, the highest median tax bill in the area is $12,783 in the 94549 zip code, while the lowest median tax bill is $11,486 in the 94595 zip code. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. Being aware of these valuation processes in Lafayette helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lafayette, California
Source: Ownwell
$16,243
$1,002,640
$1,989,037
Average Lafayette Assessed Value
$994,500
Average Contra Costa County Assessed Value
$485,124
Average California Assessed Value
$378,421
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Lafayette, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94549 | $212,409 | $544,596 | $1,003,964 | $1,602,241 | $2,288,069 |
| 94595 | $159,073 | $437,803 | $877,862 | $1,196,204 | $1,559,274 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Lafayette Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Bills Across Lafayette, California
In Lafayette, CA, property tax bills are determined based on the assessed value of a home, which is often influenced by the market value. The median home price in Lafayette is $994,500, and property tax rates are applied to this assessed value. While the national median property tax rate is 0.99%, Lafayette homeowners face varying tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $7,443 and the 75th percentile reaching $19,223. The highest median tax bill in Lafayette is $12,783, located in zip code 94549, whereas the lowest is $11,486 in zip code 94595. Homeowners in Lafayette can benefit significantly from appealing their property tax assessments. Ownwell specializes in property tax appeal and exemption services, helping homeowners lower their tax bills by ensuring their properties are assessed accurately. By leveraging expert knowledge and local market data, Ownwell can identify discrepancies in assessed values and advocate for fair adjustments, potentially saving homeowners thousands of dollars annually on their property tax bills.
Average Lafayette Tax Bill
$12,669
Average Contra Costa County Tax Bill
$6,706
Average California Tax Bill
$4,683
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Lafayette, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94549 | $3,930 | $7,530 | $12,783 | $19,459 | $27,039 |
| 94595 | $3,487 | $6,638 | $11,486 | $14,979 | $18,804 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Lafayette Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | November 30 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Contra Costa Tax Assessor | |
| Website | www.contracosta.ca.gov |
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