Helena, California Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Helena, CA is 0.97%, slightly below the national median of 0.99% and significantly lower than California's state median of 1.21%. With a median home value of $150,770 in Helena, the typical annual property tax bill amounts to $1,472, which is below the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Helena are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the market value due to various exemptions such as primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding Helena'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 Helena or another part of the city, grasping the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
Helena, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.21%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,420
Ownwell’s Helena Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in Helena with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in Helena to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. 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 Helena, California
Property taxes in Helena, California, are essential for funding vital local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Helena is 1.07%, higher than both the California state median of 0.76% and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Helena set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Helena 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 Helena's effective property tax rate to other counties in California and the national median. For comparison, the 96048 zip code has both the highest and the lowest median property tax rate of 1.07%. Understanding how these rates compare with Helena provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Trinity County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Helena Tax Rate
0.97%
Average Trinity County Tax Rate
1.03%
Average California Tax Rate
1.21%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Helena, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96048 | 0.97% | 0.97% | 0.97% | 0.98% | 0.98% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Helena, California
In Helena, 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 Trinity County Appraisal District 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 Helena, 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. 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 Helena helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. The zip code with the highest median tax bill is 96048, with a value of $1,472.
Average Helena Assessed Value
$150,770
Average Trinity County Assessed Value
$172,640
Average California Assessed Value
$378,421
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Helena, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96048 | $105,154 | $122,260 | $150,770 | $179,280 | $196,386 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across Helena, California
In Helena, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of your home, which is determined by the county assessor in Trinity County. The assessed value is a percentage of the market value of your property. Various factors such as the location, size, and condition of the property are considered in this assessment. Once the assessed value is determined, it is multiplied by the local property tax rate to calculate the tax bill. The median home price in Helena is $150,770, which means many homeowners see tax bills ranging from $1,189 at the 25th percentile to $1,755 at the 75th percentile. For those at the 90th percentile, tax bills can go up to $1,925. Comparatively, the highest and lowest median tax bills in the area are both $1,472, falling within the same zip code, 96048. This method ensures that homeowners contribute fairly based on their property’s value, impacting their annual financial planning.
Average Helena Tax Bill
$1,472
Average Trinity County Tax Bill
$1,719
Average California Tax Bill
$4,683
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Helena, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96048 | $1,019 | $1,189 | $1,472 | $1,755 | $1,925 |
Source: Ownwell