Colusa County Property Files
Colusa County property records document ownership and transfers of real property in one of California's smallest counties by population. The assessor office in Colusa maintains property assessment data and parcel information while the clerk-recorder handles deed recording. Online property searches are available through ParcelQuest which provides access to assessment rolls and ownership data. Tax records can be accessed through the county tax collector. These public records include property assessments, deeds, liens, and tax bills for all parcels in Colusa County.
Colusa County Information
Property Assessment Services
The Colusa County Assessor is located at 547 Market Street in the city of Colusa. The assessor determines property values for all parcels in the county. These values form the basis for property tax bills. Under Proposition 13, assessed values can only increase by two percent per year unless property changes hands or improvements are made. When property sells, the assessor resets the value to the sale price.
Property data is searchable online through ParcelQuest at assr.parcelquest.com/impl/COLASSR. This portal provides access to assessment information including property values, parcel sizes, building descriptions, and ownership records. Enter an address or APN to find information. The system is free to search though some detailed reports may require payment. Most users can find what they need using the basic search functions.
The assessor maintains parcel maps showing property boundaries and legal descriptions. Maps can be viewed at the assessor office or requested by mail. Some maps are available in digital format. The assessor also handles change in ownership statements which must be filed when property transfers. These forms are due within forty-five days of recording a deed. Failure to file can result in penalties.
Assessment appeals are available if you believe your property value is too high. File your appeal between July 2nd and September 15th for regular assessments. Supplemental assessments have a sixty-day appeal window from the date on the notice. The county appeals board reviews evidence and decides whether to adjust values. Bring recent sales data for comparable properties or documentation of property defects or damage that affect value.
Recorded Property Documents
The Colusa County Clerk-Recorder maintains all official property documents including deeds, trust deeds, liens, and related instruments. These records provide the official chain of title for every parcel in the county. Recording establishes legal notice to the public and protects property rights. California law requires recording of most property transfers and liens.
Recording fees in Colusa County follow the state fee schedule. The base fee is fifteen dollars for the first page and three dollars for each additional page. Senate Bill 2 adds a seventy-five dollar fee to most property transfers to fund affordable housing statewide. Additional fees may include the real estate fraud prevention fee and monument preservation fee. The total depends on document type and page count.
Documents can be recorded in person at the Colusa office, by mail, or through approved e-recording vendors. In-person submissions are recorded the same day if received during business hours. Mailed documents are processed in the order they arrive. E-recording provides fast service with many documents recorded within hours of submission. The recorder timestamps each document showing the exact date and time of recording which establishes priority.
Copies of recorded documents can be requested from the clerk-recorder office. Plain copies cost a few dollars per page. Certified copies include an official seal and signature. Most legal and financial transactions require certified copies. Request copies in person, by phone, or by mail. Include the document number or enough information to locate the record. Payment is required before copies are released.
Property Tax Records
Property taxes in Colusa County are due in two installments each year. First installment is due November 1st and becomes delinquent December 10th. Second installment is due February 1st with a delinquency date of April 10th. Late payments incur a ten percent penalty immediately. Additional costs and interest accumulate on unpaid balances. After five years of non-payment, properties can be sold at tax auction.
The tax collector handles all property tax billing and payments. You can pay online, by mail, or in person at the county office. Most online payment systems charge a fee for credit card use while e-checks are often free. Keep your payment receipt as proof. The tax collector website shows current bills, payment history, and any penalties or defaults. Search by parcel number or property address.
Colusa County offers payment plans through Easy Smart Pay. This program lets you spread tax payments over several months instead of paying twice a year. Monthly installments help avoid penalties and make budgeting easier. Contact the tax collector office to enroll in the payment plan. There may be a small enrollment fee but it can save money compared to late penalties.
Tax rates in Colusa County vary by location and the special districts that cover your property. The base rate is one percent under Proposition 13. Local school bonds, fire districts, and other assessments add to the total. Your tax bill shows a breakdown of all rates and amounts. Different parcels in the county may have different total rates depending on location.
How to Search Property Records
Start with the online ParcelQuest system for assessment data. Enter an address or parcel number to find property values and characteristics. The system shows current assessed value, lot size, building square footage, and year built. It also displays the owner of record and recent sale information if available. This data is public and free to view.
For recorded documents such as deeds and liens, contact the clerk-recorder office directly. Staff can search the index by name or document number. Some older records may not be online yet. The office has books and indexes going back to the county's founding. Staff can pull records and provide copies for a fee.
Tax information is available through the tax collector. Call the office or visit in person to check on tax status for any parcel. The staff will tell you if taxes are current or delinquent. They can also provide payment history and upcoming due dates. Tax sale lists are posted publicly when properties go into default.
In-person visits allow you to access records that may not be online. The assessor, recorder, and tax collector offices are all in the county government complex in Colusa. Bring ID and be ready to explain what you need. Staff can assist with searches and explain how to use public terminals if available. Most simple requests are handled the same day.
Colusa County Communities
Colusa County has no cities with populations over 100,000. The county seat is Colusa with a population of around six thousand. Other communities include Williams, Arbuckle, and several small unincorporated areas. Most of the county consists of agricultural land used for rice, almonds, and other crops. All property records are maintained at the county level regardless of which community the property is in.
Surrounding Counties
Colusa County is in the northern Sacramento Valley and borders several other counties.