Orange County: fire or flood damage? You may be able to delay your Dec 10 property tax payment
On Oct 21, 2026 Orange County Treasurer-Tax Collector Shari Freidenrich said owners whose property was damaged or destroyed by the recent coastal flooding and fires may qualify for property tax relief. First, file an Application for Reassessment of Property Damaged by Misfortune or Calamity with the OC Assessor. If the Assessor approves it and confirms you qualify for deferral, your 2026-27 first installment can be put off without penalty or interest until the property is reassessed; the old bill (and any penalties) is cancelled, a lower corrected bill is mailed, and you have 30 days to pay it. For a home with a homeowners' exemption, the damage generally must be at least 10% of its value or $10,000, whichever is less. Deferral isn't available if your taxes are paid through a mortgage impound (escrow) account. Otherwise, the first installment is still due by Dec 10, 2026. Update your mailing address so you get the new bill, and see octreasurer.gov/faq/property-tax-disaster-relief or call 714-834-3411.