Tulare Property Records
Tulare County property records are managed by the Assessor/Clerk-Recorder office. Tara K. Freitas, CPA, serves as the Assessor/Clerk-Recorder. Call 559-636-5100 for assessment questions or 559-636-5050 for recorder services. You can pay taxes online at mytaxes.co.tulare.ca.us. Visit the offices in person to file deeds or get copies of land documents in Tulare County.
Tulare County Quick Facts
Assessor/Clerk-Recorder Office
Tulare County combines the Assessor and Clerk-Recorder functions under one official. Tara K. Freitas, CPA, leads both departments. The Assessor side values property for taxes. The Recorder side handles deeds and liens. You can visit one office for both services.
The Assessor can be reached at 559-636-5100. The Recorder line is 559-636-5050. Staff help with questions about property values, tax bills, and document filings. Bring your parcel number if you have it. That helps them find your property fast in the system in Tulare County.
| Official | Tara K. Freitas, CPA, Assessor/Clerk-Recorder |
|---|---|
| Assessor | (559) 636-5100 |
| Recorder | (559) 636-5050 |
| Tax Payment | mytaxes.co.tulare.ca.us |
Recording Fees
The first page of a document costs $14 to record in Tulare County. Each page after that adds $3. The SB2 fee of $75 per parcel applies to most real estate transfers. Some filings also have a Monument Preservation fee. All fees are due when you submit your document for recording.
For a three-page grant deed, you pay $14 for page one, $6 for two more pages, and $75 for SB2. That totals $95. If your document has more pages or covers more than one parcel, the fee goes up. Ask the clerk for a quote when you bring your papers to file.
Standard recording fees:
- First page: $14
- Each added page: $3
- SB2 Building Homes and Jobs Act: $75 per parcel
- Monument Preservation Fund: $10 on qualifying documents
Paying Property Taxes
You can pay property taxes online at mytaxes.co.tulare.ca.us. Look up your bill by parcel number or property address. The site shows what you owe and when it is due. You can pay with an eCheck or credit card. Many people use eCheck to avoid card fees in Tulare County.
Tax bills are due twice per year. The first part is due November 1 and goes late on December 10. A 10% penalty applies. The second part is due February 1 and becomes late on April 10. That payment gets a 10% penalty plus a $10 cost fee if late.
If you do not pay by June 30, the property goes on the defaulted tax roll. Interest starts at 1.5% per month. A redemption fee is added. The county can sell your property at a tax sale if you do not pay within five years. Keep your taxes current to avoid losing your home in Tulare County.
Property Assessments
The Assessor office values all property in Tulare County. Values are set when you buy a home and can rise by no more than 2% per year under Proposition 13. If you add on to the home or it changes hands, the county reassesses it at current market value. File a change in ownership form within 45 days of buying property.
If you think your assessed value is too high, you can appeal. File between July 2 and September 15. Use form BOE-305-AH. The county holds hearings to review appeals. You must show that the assessed value is more than the market value. Bring an appraisal or sales data for similar homes. Many owners hire professionals to help with appeals in Tulare County.
Cities in Tulare County
Tulare County includes several cities. All property records are kept at the county Assessor/Clerk-Recorder office. No city has a separate recorder. Visit the county office to file or search for deeds and land records.
Other cities in Tulare County include Tulare, Porterville, Dinuba, Exeter, Lindsay, and Woodlake. All file property records at the county Assessor/Clerk-Recorder office.
Nearby Counties
These counties are near Tulare County. If your property is not in Tulare County, check the county where it is located. Each county has its own recorder and assessor.