State statute
Sonoma Tax Collector redemption-of-defaulted-property-taxes
California foreclosure, tax-defaulted, court-ordered and probate-sale law and official procedures — verbatim and citable.
- Edition
- 2026-09-26
- Last updated
- 2026-09-27
- Jurisdiction
- Sonoma County
Sonoma Tax Collector redemption-of-defaulted-property-taxes¶
Auditor-Controller Treasurer-Tax Collector Department
Revenue Accounting Division
County Of Sonoma
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Installment Plans
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Redemption of Defaulted Property Taxes
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Installment Plans
Installment Plans of Redemption for Defaulted Property Taxes
If a property owner has property taxes that are at least one year past due, they may qualify for a 5‑year installment plan of redemption. This plan allows for the payoff of the defaulted prior‑year taxes over time, per California Revenue and Taxation Code section 4216 et Seq..
While your plan is active and in good standing:
The property may not be tax‑defaulted subject to the power to sell.
The right of redemption will not be terminated.
Starting an Installment Plan
To begin an installment plan, our office must receive in person or by mail a signed Installment Plan Agreement and an initial payment of at least 20% of the redemption amount, plus a one‑time $25 payment plan fee. Please contact our office for assistance calculating the initial payment.
Important Dates
You may open an installment plan any time after your property taxes become default and before the property becomes subject to power to sell.
-Current-year taxes become defaulted on the last day of the fiscal year, June 30
-A property becomes subject to power to sell if defaulted taxes remain unpaid after 5 years and the property is not enrolled in an installment plan.
Starting a plan between July 1 – April 10:
-Current‑year and supplemental taxes must be paid by April 10, or the plan will default.
Starting a plan between April 11 – June 30:
-All current‑year taxes and supplemental taxes including any penalties, fees, and charges must be paid prior to starting an installment plan.
Making Payments on an Installment Plan
To start a payment plan, the initial payment must be submitted directly to our office.
Initial payments are accepted:
-In person in cash, check, money order, credit/debit card
-By mail with a check or money order and submitted with the signed agreement
After the plan is active:
-You may pay your annual installment or full redemption amount online, by mail or in person.
-You may make partial or additional payments at any time during the year directly with our office in person or by mail.
*Please note, partial payments are not accepted online.
For more information on amounts due on active installment plans, contact the Tax Collector’s office or check the red “Default Tax” tab on our website.
How to Remain in Good Standing
To avoid defaulting the installment plan, the property owner must complete the following each year by April 10th:
Pay the current year taxes, including supplemental assessments, if any.
Make the annual installment payment.
-At least 20% of the redemption amount and accrued interest of 1.5% per month on the unpaid balance, calculated on the first day of each month.
Prior to the April 10th due date, contact our office to confirm the total amount due including:
-Current Taxes
-Supplemental Taxes, if any
-Annual Installment Plan amount
Default or Cancellation of Installment Plan
A plan will default if you miss either requirement above. If this happens:
You will no longer be able to make partial payments on your redemption balance.
Redemption penalties will be recalculated, which may increase your balance due.
Payments already made will be credited towards the balance owed.
You may start a new plan only after July 1, unless your property has become subject to tax sale, in that case a new plan cannot be started.
Starting a new plan requires a new signed agreement and a new 20% initial payment and $25 payment plan fee.
Forms
5 Year Installment Plan Terms and Agreement
Información en Español
Plan de Pagos Para Amortizar Impuestos Atrasados
Para obtener asistencia adicional, llame a nuestra oficina al 707-565-2281. Contamos con personal bilingüe dedicado disponible para ayudar a responder cualquier pregunta.
If you have any questions about the installment plan, property eligibility or amounts due please contact the Tax Collector’s Office at (707) 565-2281