Orinda Property Taxes: A Complete Guide for Orinda, CA Homeowners

Orinda consistently ranks among California's most affluent communities—and its property tax bills reflect that status. With a median annual tax bill of $15,377, Orinda homeowners pay nearly $13,000 more than the national median.

But high home values don't automatically mean accurate assessments. The question isn't whether your taxes are high—it's whether they're right.

This guide breaks down everything Orinda homeowners need to know about property taxes: current rates, payment deadlines, exemptions, and how to challenge an assessment that's higher than your home is actually worth.

Orinda Property Tax Rates Explained

Orinda's effective property tax rate hovers between 1.11% and 1.32%—higher than both California and national averages.

California's base property tax rate is 1% under Proposition 13. But your actual rate includes additional assessments for:

• School district bonds (Orinda Union School District, Acalanes Union High School District)
• East Bay Regional Park District
• Contra Costa County services
• Various special assessments and Mello-Roos districts

These additions push Orinda's effective rate to 1.1-1.3%—meaning a home assessed at $1.5 million faces an annual tax bill of $16,500-$19,500.

Importantly, tax rates vary even within Orinda based on your specific Tax Rate Area (TRA). Homes near the Lafayette border might have different rates than those closer to Moraga. Your exact rate appears on your tax bill.

How Orinda Property Taxes Are Calculated

Your property tax starts with assessed value—not market value.

Under Proposition 13, your home's assessed value is typically based on its purchase price (the "base year value"). This value can increase by no more than 2% per year, regardless of how much the actual market value increases.

Here's a real example: Someone who bought an Orinda home for $400,000 in 1995 might have an assessed value around $700,000 today (after 30 years of 2% increases). Even if that home is now worth $2 million on the open market, they're taxed on $700,000.

This creates huge disparities between long-time owners and recent buyers. A new buyer paying $2 million for that same home would owe nearly three times the property taxes as their neighbor.

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Orinda Property Tax Payment Schedule

Property taxes in Orinda are paid in two installments to the Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector.

First Installment:

• Due: November 1
• Delinquent after: December 10
• Covers: July 1 through December 31

Second Installment:

• Due: February 1
• Delinquent after: April 10
• Covers: January 1 through June 30

You can pay the entire annual amount with your first installment if preferred. Payments can be made:

• Online: Through the Contra Costa County Treasurer-Tax Collector website
• By phone: Call 925-608-9500 (available 24/7)
• By mail: Using the return envelope with your tax bill
• In person: At the Finance Building in Martinez, CA (8 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday)

Tax bills are typically mailed in October. If you haven't received yours by November 10, contact the Tax Collector's Office—you're responsible for paying on time even if you didn't receive a bill.

How to Appeal Your Orinda Property Tax Assessment

Contra Costa County has a December 1 filing deadline—later than many California counties.

If you believe your Orinda property is assessed at more than its fair market value as of January 1, you can file an assessment appeal. The process:

Step 1: Review Your Assessment

Access your property's assessment through the Contra Costa County Assessor's website. Compare it to recent sales of similar homes in Orinda. If comparable properties are selling for less than your assessed value, you may have grounds for an appeal.

Step 2: Contact the Assessor (Optional)

Before filing a formal appeal, you can request an informal review by contacting the Assessor's Office. They may correct obvious errors without requiring a formal hearing.

Step 3: File Your Appeal

Submit an Assessment Appeal Application to the Contra Costa County Clerk of the Board by December 1, 2025 (for the 2025-2026 tax year). The filing period begins July 2.

Step 4: Gather Evidence

Strong appeals include:

• Comparable sales data (similar homes sold for less)
• Professional appraisal (optional but helpful)
• Photos showing condition issues
• Documentation of assessment errors

Step 5: Present Your Case

The Assessment Appeals Board will schedule a hearing. You can represent yourself or have a professional represent you. The Board has up to two years to decide, though most cases resolve within 6-12 months.

When Does an Orinda Property Tax Appeal Make Sense?

Not every high tax bill means you're overpaying. But many Orinda homeowners have legitimate grounds for reduction.

Consider appealing if:

Market Values Have Dropped

If recent sales in your neighborhood show homes selling for less than your assessed value, you may qualify for a Proposition 8 decline-in-value reduction. Even temporary market dips can justify temporary assessment reductions.

Your Home Has Condition Issues

Outdated systems, deferred maintenance, foundation problems, or other condition issues that affect market value often aren't reflected in assessments. Document these issues with photos and repair estimates.

The County Has Errors

Pull your property record from the Assessor's website. Check for wrong square footage, incorrect bedroom/bathroom counts, improvements that don't exist, or other factual errors. These happen more often than you'd think.

You Paid Less Than Assessment

If you recently purchased and your sale price was lower than the current assessed value—perhaps due to seller concessions, condition issues, or market timing—you may have grounds for a base year correction.

Exemptions That Lower Orinda Property Taxes

Several exemptions can reduce your tax bill, regardless of whether you appeal your assessment.

Homeowners' Exemption

Every owner-occupant is entitled to a $7,000 reduction in assessed value, saving approximately $70-$90 annually. You must file once with the Assessor's Office. This is free money—claim it if you haven't.

Senior Citizen Benefits (Proposition 19)

Homeowners 55+ can transfer their existing property tax base to a new primary residence anywhere in California. This allows downsizing or relocating without losing Prop 13 protection you've built over years of ownership.

Disabled Veterans' Exemption

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for substantial property tax reductions. Those with 100% disability may be completely exempt from property taxes.

Property Tax Postponement

California's Property Tax Postponement Program allows eligible seniors (62+), blind, or disabled homeowners to defer property tax payments until the home is sold or transferred.

How Much Can Orinda Homeowners Save?

Successful property tax appeals in Orinda typically save homeowners $1,000-$3,000 per year.

The savings depend on two factors: how overassessed your property is and Orinda's effective tax rate. A $100,000 reduction in assessed value saves $1,100-$1,300 annually at Orinda's typical rates.

These savings compound. A Proposition 8 decline-in-value reduction might apply for 3-5 years until the market recovers, saving $5,000-$15,000 total. A base year correction is permanent—saving you money for as long as you own the property.

Get Help With Your Orinda Property Tax Appeal

Navigating property tax appeals takes time and expertise. You need to understand comparable sales, assessment methodology, appeal procedures, and hearing presentation.

Or you can let someone handle it for you.

TaxDrop's licensed property tax professionals specialize in Contra Costa County assessments. We analyze your property, identify reduction opportunities, file all paperwork, and represent you through the entire process. You do nothing except sign up—which takes about three minutes.

Best part? You only pay if we win. No reduction, no fee. If we save you money, we keep 25% of your first year's savings. You keep the other 75%—plus 100% of savings in future years.

Start your free Orinda property tax analysis →