INLAND EMPIRE – (INT) – Property tax bills for the 2025-26 fiscal year are arriving in mailboxes across Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Some residents are expressing concern about increased property taxes. County assessor-tax collector’s offices have noticed an uptick about higher bills.

Numerous school bond measures, approved by voters, were added to property tax bills this year.

California voters are generally receptive to school bond measures, with 205 out 267 proposed school bonds passing across the state in November, said EdSource.

In 1978, voters in California approved Proposition 13, which limits annual property tax increases to 2%. While that is a benefit compared to other states where property taxes can rise much more year-to-year, Southern California still has some of the most expensive priced housing in the nation. Many property owners still pay a lot even if it is just a 2% assessed value increase.

The Washington, D.C.-based Tax Foundation’s recent report on property taxes said California was ranked No. 32 for highest property taxes. Illinois had the highest, followed by New Jersey and Connecticut.

Local property tax bills can be paid in two installments---in December and another in April.

San Bernardino County Auditor-Controller/Treasurer/Tax Collector (ATC) Ensen Mason has announced that the Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP) is now available to qualifying taxpayers. This loan program allows eligible homeowners, including low-income seniors and disabled individuals, to postpone the payment of their current year’s property taxes on their primary residence.

“Low-income seniors, the blind, and disabled residents of San Bernardino County deserve all the assistance we in government can provide,” said Mason. “Helping residents remain in their homes, despite having financial challenges, is a top priority for me," he said.

Story Date: October 23, 2025