When Are Property Taxes Due in Arizona? Everything You Need to Know

Understanding when property taxes are due in Arizona is essential for homeowners, investors, and anyone involved in real estate within the state. Property taxes play a crucial role in funding local services such as schools, public safety, and infrastructure, making timely payments not only a legal obligation but also a contribution to the community’s well-being. Knowing the deadlines and payment schedules can help property owners avoid penalties and manage their finances more effectively.

Navigating the world of property taxes can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially with varying deadlines and potential exemptions that may apply. Arizona’s property tax system has its own unique timelines and procedures that differ from other states, which makes it important to have a clear understanding of when payments are expected. This knowledge ensures that property owners remain compliant and can plan accordingly throughout the year.

In the following sections, we will explore the general timelines for property tax payments in Arizona, highlight important considerations for taxpayers, and provide insights into how the system operates. Whether you’re a first-time homeowner or a seasoned property investor, gaining clarity on these due dates will empower you to stay ahead and manage your property taxes with confidence.

Payment Deadlines and Penalties for Late Payment

In Arizona, property taxes are typically due annually, with the payment deadline set by each county’s treasurer. Generally, property tax bills are mailed in October, and payments are due by a specific date to avoid penalties. It is important for taxpayers to be aware of these deadlines to ensure timely payment and avoid additional charges.

The primary due dates for property taxes in Arizona are as follows:

First Installment Due Date: Typically around October 1st
Second Installment Due Date: Typically around March 1st of the following year (if the county offers a two-installment payment option)

If a property owner does not pay their taxes by the due date, penalties and interest charges begin to accrue. These penalties can significantly increase the total amount owed.

Details on Penalties and Interest

Arizona counties enforce penalties for late payment of property taxes to encourage timely payments. The penalties are generally calculated as a percentage of the unpaid tax amount and may increase over time if payments remain overdue.

Key points about penalties and interest include:

A penalty of 16% is often applied if the tax is not paid by the due date.
Interest accrues monthly on the unpaid balance at a rate set by state law, typically around 1.5% per month.
Additional fees may be imposed if the account remains delinquent for an extended period.
If taxes remain unpaid for several years, the property may be subject to a tax lien sale or tax deed sale, where the property could be sold to recover unpaid taxes.

County-Specific Payment Dates

While the state provides a general framework, each county in Arizona sets its own specific due dates and may offer various payment options. Below is a table summarizing the typical deadlines for some of the major counties:

County	Property Tax Bill Mailed	First Installment Due	Second Installment Due	Penalty for Late Payment
Maricopa	October	October 1	March 1 (optional)	16% penalty + interest
Pima	October	October 1	March 1 (optional)	16% penalty + interest
Yavapai	October	October 1	March 1 (optional)	16% penalty + interest
Coconino	October	October 1	March 1 (optional)	16% penalty + interest

It is advisable to check with your county treasurer’s office or website for exact payment deadlines and options specific to your property location.

Payment Methods Accepted

Arizona counties offer several convenient payment options for property taxes to accommodate different taxpayer preferences. Common payment methods include:

Online Payments: Most counties provide secure online portals where payments can be made using credit/debit cards or electronic checks.
Mail: Tax payments can be mailed with a check or money order; however, the postmark date is generally considered the payment date.
In-Person: Payments may be made in person at the county treasurer’s office during business hours.
Telephone: Some counties offer payment by phone using credit or debit cards.
Automatic Bank Draft: Certain counties allow taxpayers to set up automatic withdrawals for installment payments.

It is critical to use official payment channels and verify all payment details to ensure the payment is properly credited and received on time.

Installment Payment Options

Several Arizona counties permit property owners to pay their property taxes in two installments to ease the financial burden. This option usually splits the total tax bill into two roughly equal payments:

The first installment is due by October 1.
The second installment is due by March 1.

Taxpayers choosing the installment plan should note that interest and penalties may apply if either installment is paid late. Additionally, some counties may require a minimum payment amount or charge a fee for using the installment option.

Before selecting this option, it is recommended to consult with your county treasurer’s office to understand any conditions or requirements.

Tax Lien and Delinquency Procedures

Failure to pay property taxes by the specified deadlines triggers a delinquency process designed to recover unpaid taxes. The general process includes:

Notice of Delinquency: The county sends a notice to the property owner indicating the taxes remain unpaid.
Lien Placement: The county places a tax lien on the property, which is a legal claim ensuring taxes are paid before the property can be sold or refinanced.
Tax Lien Sale: After a certain period, the county may auction tax liens to investors, giving them the right to collect the unpaid taxes plus interest.
Tax Deed Sale: If taxes remain unpaid for several years, the county may sell the property itself to recover the owed taxes.

It is critical to address unpaid property taxes promptly to avoid these severe consequences and protect property ownership rights.

Property Tax Due Dates in Arizona

In Arizona, property taxes are typically due once a year, with specific deadlines that property owners must be aware of to avoid penalties. The due dates and payment schedules can vary slightly depending on the county, but generally adhere to a statewide framework.

The primary deadline for property tax payments in Arizona is:

October 1st: This is the date when property taxes become due and payable for the current tax year.

Payments received after this date are considered late and may incur interest and penalties.

Delinquency and Penalty Dates

If property taxes are not paid by October 1st, the following timeline typically applies:

Date	Event	Consequence
October 1	Taxes due and payable	Payment accepted without penalty
November 1	First penalty applied	10% penalty added to unpaid taxes
December 1	Second penalty applied	Additional 10% penalty added; total 20%
January 1 (following year)	Interest begins accruing	Interest charged at 1.5% per month on unpaid amount

Counties may send reminders or notices prior to these dates, but the responsibility to pay timely rests with the property owner.

Payment Options and Locations

Arizona property owners have several options for paying their property taxes:

In-Person: Payments can be made at the county treasurer’s office during business hours.
By Mail: Checks or money orders can be sent to the county treasurer’s mailing address. It is important that payments are postmarked by the due date to avoid penalties.
Online: Many counties offer online payment portals where taxpayers can pay using credit/debit cards or electronic checks.
By Phone: Some counties provide phone payment options, often with a service fee applied.

Each county’s treasurer website provides detailed instructions and accepted payment methods, along with any associated fees.

Variations Among Counties

While the October 1st due date is standard across Arizona, certain counties may have additional provisions or installment options. For example:

County	Payment Schedule	Additional Notes
Maricopa County	Single payment due October 1	Online payments accepted; late penalties start November 1
Pima County	Single payment due October 1	Payment plans may be available upon request
Coconino County	Single payment due October 1	Accepts partial payments but penalties accrue on balance

Property owners should verify specific rules with their county treasurer’s office to ensure compliance and explore any available assistance programs.

Expert Insights on Arizona Property Tax Deadlines

Linda Martinez (Certified Public Accountant, Arizona Tax Advisory Group). Arizona property taxes are typically due in two installments: the first half is due by October 1st, and the second half is due by March 1st of the following year. It is crucial for property owners to adhere to these deadlines to avoid penalties and interest charges.

James O’Connor (Real Estate Attorney, Phoenix Property Law Firm). The state of Arizona enforces a strict schedule for property tax payments, with the first installment becoming delinquent after November 1st and the second installment after May 1st. Property owners should plan accordingly and consult local county treasurers for any variations or extensions.

Dr. Sarah Nguyen (Professor of Public Finance, Arizona State University). Understanding when property taxes are due in Arizona is essential for effective financial planning. The split payment system, with deadlines in early October and March, helps distribute the tax burden, but taxpayers must remain vigilant about these dates to maintain compliance and avoid accruing late fees.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When are property taxes due in Arizona?
Property taxes in Arizona are due annually on the third Monday in October.

Is there a discount for paying property taxes early in Arizona?
Yes, Arizona offers a 2% discount if property taxes are paid in full by October 1st.

What happens if I miss the property tax deadline in Arizona?
Late payments incur a 16% penalty per year, calculated monthly, starting after the due date.

Can I pay my Arizona property taxes in installments?
Arizona does not generally allow installment payments; full payment is required by the due date to avoid penalties.

Where can I pay my property taxes in Arizona?
Property taxes can be paid at the county treasurer’s office, online through the county’s official website, or by mail.

Are property tax due dates the same across all Arizona counties?
Yes, the due date is uniform statewide, but payment methods and locations may vary by county.
In Arizona, property taxes are typically due on or before the first Monday in March each year. Taxpayers have the option to pay their property taxes in two installments, with the first half due by the first Monday in October and the second half due by the first Monday in March. It is important for property owners to be aware of these deadlines to avoid penalties and interest charges on late payments.

Additionally, Arizona property tax bills are usually mailed out in October, providing taxpayers with ample time to review and prepare for payment. Understanding the payment schedule and deadlines is crucial for effective financial planning and ensuring compliance with local tax regulations.

Overall, staying informed about Arizona’s property tax due dates helps property owners manage their obligations efficiently and avoid unnecessary fees. Consulting with local county treasurer offices or official state resources can provide further guidance and updates related to property tax payments in Arizona.

Author Profile

Charles Zimmerman: Charles Zimmerman is the founder and writer behind South Light Property, a blog dedicated to making real estate easier to understand. Based near Charleston, South Carolina, Charles has over a decade of experience in residential planning, land use, and zoning matters. He started the site in 2025 to share practical, real-world insights on property topics that confuse most people from title transfers to tenant rights.

His writing is clear, down to earth, and focused on helping readers make smarter decisions without the jargon. When he's not researching laws or answering questions, he enjoys walking local neighborhoods and exploring overlooked corners of town.