Contra Costa County Property Assessor 2026: Search & Records

by
Contra Costa County Property Records Navigator

Search Contra Costa County Assessor Records, APNs, Parcel Maps and Values

A Contra Costa County property search can involve several different systems. The Assessor maintains parcel ownership and assessed-value information, ParcelQuest Lite provides public parcel lookup, CCMAP helps locate an Assessor’s Parcel Number and map layers, the Treasurer-Tax Collector handles actual tax bills, and the Clerk-Recorder handles deeds and recorded documents.

This guide shows exactly where to begin, how to locate an APN, what property-record fields mean, when to use ParcelQuest versus CCMAP, how Prop 13 and supplemental assessments affect value, how to request a free Prop 8 review, and when a formal Assessment Appeal is appropriate.

Find APN, owner, value and parcel information
Use ParcelQuest and CCMAP correctly
Understand Prop 13, Prop 8 and Prop 19
Separate assessment records from tax bills and deeds
Search Assessor Parcels Open CCMAP Look Up Tax Bill Assessment Appeals
County Assessor Gus Kramer
Assessor phone 925-313-7400
Assessor office 2530 Arnold Drive, Suite 100
Office hours Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Last reviewed August 11, 2026
August 2026 action status

What Contra Costa Property Owners Can Do Right Now

The regular 2026 Assessment Appeal filing period is currently open. Contra Costa County accepts regular assessment appeals from July 2 through November 30. If you believe the Assessor’s enrolled value is incorrect, you can first request a free informal value review and still protect your right to file a formal appeal before the applicable deadline.
2026 value appears too high Compare the assessed value with market evidence, request a free Prop 8 review from the Assessor and consider a formal Assessment Appeal before November 30 if unresolved.
2025–26 tax bill remains unpaid The normal second secured-property-tax installment became delinquent after the April payment period. Use the live Tax Collector portal for the current amount rather than the original bill.
Waiting for the 2026–27 tax bill Annual secured property-tax bills are normally mailed by November 1. Assessment data and an actual tax bill are separate records.
Important: Filing an appeal or requesting an informal value review does not automatically suspend the property-tax payment requirement. Pay the bill by the applicable deadline to avoid penalties; a successful value reduction can result in an adjustment or refund.
California office-routing guide

Which Contra Costa County Office Handles Your Property Question?

California property-tax work is divided among several county departments. Knowing the correct custodian prevents unnecessary calls and conflicting answers.

Assessor Values property, maintains parcel and ownership assessment records, applies exemptions and exclusions, handles Prop 8 informal reviews and produces the assessment roll.
Auditor-Controller Applies tax rates to assessed value, extends ad valorem taxes and adds qualifying special assessments to create the tax charge.
Treasurer-Tax Collector Issues and collects secured, supplemental, unsecured and defaulted property-tax bills and maintains payment history.
Assessment Appeals Board Independently hears formal disputes between taxpayers and the Assessor when informal review does not resolve the assessment.
Do not ask the Assessor to change a tax rate or remove a payment penalty. The Assessor determines assessed value. The Tax Collector handles collection and delinquency. The Assessment Appeals Board—not the Assessor—decides formal value appeals.
Different states use different office names: Contra Costa County uses a California County Assessor system. For comparison, our existing Volusia County Property Appraiser guide explains the Florida model, where a Property Appraiser performs many valuation functions handled by an Assessor in California.

Choose What You Need to Find

Find a property by address Start with CCMAP to identify the parcel and Assessor’s Parcel Number, then move to the Assessor or ParcelQuest record.
Search by APN Use the exact Assessor’s Parcel Number in ParcelQuest, CCMAP, Public Works records or the Tax Collector lookup.
Check assessed value Review the enrolled value, base-year history, ownership changes and possible Prop 8 decline-in-value status.
Find the actual tax bill Use the Treasurer-Tax Collector portal rather than relying on the Assessor property record.
Research a deed or transfer Use the Clerk-Recorder for recorded deeds and ownership instruments, then compare the resulting Assessor record.
Challenge the value Request a free informal value review first, then file a formal Assessment Appeal if necessary and timely.

Jump to Your Contra Costa County Property Task

County-authorized off-site property search

Using Contra Costa ParcelQuest Lite Without Getting Lost

Contra Costa County links to ParcelQuest Lite for public assessor parcel access. ParcelQuest is operated by a private company working with participating counties, so the county first displays a disclaimer before sending users to the service.

50 Parcel searches per month

ParcelQuest Lite currently limits a user to 50 searches per month.

25 Parcel maps per month

The Lite service currently limits a user to 25 parcel maps per month.

Basic parcel detail is available without a fee within the stated usage limits. ParcelQuest may separately offer paid reports or document products. Do not purchase a report merely to obtain information that is already available through an official county record system.
Use ParcelQuest for Assessor parcel detail, assessment information and parcel-level research after identifying the correct property.
Use CCMAP for Finding the parcel from an address, map context, aerial imagery and selected county GIS layers.
Use Tax Collector for Actual tax amount due, installment status, payment history, delinquency and tax payment.
Map disclaimer: Online parcel lines are useful for property research but should not be treated as a legal boundary survey. Use a recorded map, title information and a licensed land surveyor when exact boundaries or easements matter.
GIS parcel research

How to Use CCMAP for APNs, Parcel Context and Zoning Research

CCMAP is Contra Costa County’s interactive mapping application. County guidance says Assessor property information is updated on the first business day of each month.

Open CCMAP. Use the Contra Costa County CCMAP application.
Search the street address or road. Enter a simplified address first. If the result is unclear, zoom to the property and select the appropriate parcel.
Copy the APN. Save the Assessor’s Parcel Number before opening another system.
Open useful map layers. Review aerial imagery, parcel boundaries and other county layers relevant to your research.
Understand zoning coverage. General-plan and zoning information in CCMAP applies to unincorporated Contra Costa County. For property within an incorporated city, verify zoning with that city.
Move to recorded maps when needed. Use the APN with Public Works annotated Assessor parcel books and Laserfiche to locate subdivisions, records of survey or corner records.
Parcel ID Find and copy the APN.
Aerial Compare current map context and visible improvements.
Zoning Useful for unincorporated areas; verify city parcels separately.
Creeks View geographic context but do not substitute for legal or environmental research.
Roads Public Works layers can help determine county-maintained-road status.

Six Items to Verify Before Using a Contra Costa Property Record

APN Match the complete parcel number.
Address Confirm the actual parcel location.
Owner Check current and recent transfer status.
Assessment year Do not compare different roll years.
Value Separate assessed value from market evidence.
Tax bill Verify through the Tax Collector separately.
New-buyer warning: Ownership records can lag behind a recently recorded deed. If the seller still appears, verify the recording with the Clerk-Recorder and keep the deed or closing information available when contacting the Assessor.
Property-card decoder

What Contra Costa Assessor Property Record Fields Mean

Record field What it tells you Best action
APN Assessor’s Parcel Number used to identify the assessment parcel. Copy it first and use it when contacting county offices.
Owner Ownership information maintained for assessment purposes. Check recorded documents if a recent transaction is missing.
Situs / location Physical property location associated with the parcel. Compare it with CCMAP before relying on an address match.
Assessed value Taxable assessment established under California property-tax law. Review Prop 13 base-year history and Prop 8 status.
Land value Assessment allocated to land. Do not treat it as independent market-sale value.
Improvement value Assessment allocated to buildings or taxable improvements. Review new-construction changes if the number recently increased.
Exemption Qualifying assessed-value reduction such as Homeowners or Disabled Veterans. Confirm the correct exemption appears for the correct year.
Transfer information Ownership events that may affect the assessment. Compare with the recorded deed and Prop 19 or other exclusion rules.
California assessment framework

Prop 13: Why Assessed Value Can Be Far Below Market Value

California property taxes do not simply reset to current market value every year. Under Proposition 13, a property generally receives a base-year value when it changes ownership or when qualifying new construction occurs. Annual increases to that taxable base are generally limited under state law unless another reassessment event occurs.

Illustrative Prop 13 value path

Visual is explanatory only and does not represent an actual parcel.

Why can the value suddenly jump?
BASE YEAR → NEW BASE YEAR

A qualifying change in ownership or completion of taxable new construction can create a new base-year component and may generate a supplemental assessment.

Normal annual enrollment The Assessor enrolls the Prop 13 factored base-year value unless a lower market value applies under Proposition 8.
Change in ownership A sale or other ownership transfer can cause reassessment unless a statutory exclusion applies.
New construction Qualifying additions or improvements may create a new assessed-value component without necessarily reappraising the entire property.
Do not compare only tax bills: Two similar neighboring homes can have very different assessed values because they may have different base years, ownership histories, exemptions or new-construction events.
Free informal review

Prop 8 Decline-in-Value Review: What to Do When Market Value Falls

If the market value of a property on the applicable valuation date is lower than its Prop 13 factored base-year value, a temporary reduction may be appropriate under Proposition 8. Contra Costa County allows property owners to request an informal value review from the Assessor at no charge.

1. Find enrolled value Open the Assessor record and identify the current assessed value.
2. Estimate market evidence Gather comparable sales and condition evidence relevant to the valuation date.
3. Request review Submit the appropriate residential or commercial Prop 8 value-review form.
4. Appeal if needed If unresolved, consider a timely formal Assessment Appeal.

Evidence that makes a value review more useful

  • Comparable sales near the valuation date
  • Recent purchase information
  • Independent appraisal when available
  • Photographs of deferred maintenance
  • Repair estimates for major defects
  • Evidence of access or site limitations
  • Correct living area and lot size
  • Property-specific market conditions
Comparable-sale tip: Use sales that are genuinely similar in location, size, condition, quality and property type. A low transfer price caused by a family transfer, partial interest or unusual transaction may not be good market evidence.
Request Free Value Review Open Contra Costa County’s official Review Your Value page and select the residential/multi-family or commercial/apartment form. Open Assessor Forms Find value-review, address-change, exemption and change-in-ownership forms.
2026 filing period currently open

Contra Costa County Assessment Appeal Deadlines and Filing Steps

Roll delivered The Assessor produces and delivers the annual assessment roll around July 1.
Appeal period opens Regular Assessment Appeal filing begins July 2.
Current position As of this guide’s review date, the regular 2026 appeal filing window is open.
Regular deadline Regular assessment appeals must generally be filed by November 30.
Special notices Supplemental or escape assessments generally have a 60-day filing period from the Assessor’s notice.
Do not confuse informal review with an appeal filing. Asking the Assessor to review your value does not automatically file a formal Assessment Appeal or extend the November 30 filing deadline.
Save the Assessor record and notice. Identify the assessment year, APN, enrolled value and exact issue being disputed.
Request an informal review first when practical. The Assessor will review assessed value for taxpayers without charging a fee.
Prepare evidence independently. Use comparable sales, appraisals, photos, repair estimates and correct property characteristics.
File the Assessment Appeal Application before the deadline. Contra Costa County currently lists a $40 application fee for a regular formal appeal.
Pay property taxes on time while the appeal is pending. An appeal does not suspend the payment obligation. Penalties can apply if the bill becomes delinquent.
Keep the filing packet. Save the application, fee proof, evidence, correspondence, hearing notices and final decision.
Assessment Appeals Clerk 1025 Escobar Street, 1st Floor
Martinez, CA 94553
925-655-2008
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Open Official Appeals Page Access the application, fee information, process guide, rules and current Assessment Appeals resources.
California Homeowners’ Exemption

Contra Costa Homeowners’ Exemption: $7,000 Assessed-Value Reduction

A qualifying owner who owns and occupies the property as a principal residence may receive a $7,000 reduction in assessed value. County guidance explains that this generally reduces the annual tax bill by at least $70.

Full exemption deadline February 15 is the published deadline for the full exemption on the annual secured assessment.
Late filing A partial exemption may be available when filing between February 16 and December 10 if the ownership and occupancy requirements were met.
Eligibility date For the annual secured exemption, the owner must meet the applicable ownership and principal-residence occupancy requirements as of January 1.
August 11, 2026: The February 15 full-exemption deadline has passed. A qualifying owner who owned and occupied the home on January 1 may still want to review the county’s partial late-filing rules before December 10.

New homeowner workflow

Check whether the Assessor has processed the deed. New owners often receive an exemption application with the supplemental-assessment notice several months after recording.
Do not wait indefinitely for the form. County guidance says that if you acquired the property more than approximately 120 days ago and have not received an application, contact the Assessor.
Confirm principal-residence status. The exemption is for an owner-occupied principal residence rather than an ordinary rental or second home.
Submit the claim. Use the official Homeowners’ Property Tax Exemption form from the Assessor’s Forms page.
Check the next assessment. Confirm the Homeowner exemption code or value reduction appears on the applicable Assessor record and tax calculation.
Supplemental exemption timing: When an exemption claim card accompanies a supplemental assessment notice, returning it within 30 days of the notice is important for full supplemental credit. Partial relief may be possible later under the county’s published rules.
Change-in-ownership exclusion planning

Proposition 19 and Contra Costa County Property Transfers

Proposition 19 can affect both base-year-value transfers and reassessment exclusions after certain family transfers. The exact result depends on the type and date of transfer, whether the property is a principal residence, the relationship of the parties and other statutory requirements.

Base-year-value transfer Qualifying owners age 55 or older, severely disabled persons, and some disaster victims may be able to transfer a base-year value to a replacement principal residence under Proposition 19 rules.
Parent-child or grandparent-grandchild transfer Proposition 19 narrowed prior family-transfer exclusions. The principal-residence and value requirements must be reviewed before assuming an inherited or transferred property will keep the prior assessment.
Do not rely on an old Prop 58/193 article for a post-February 15, 2021 transfer. Transfer dates matter. Use the current Proposition 19 forms and instructions that correspond to the actual transaction date.
Open Contra Costa Proposition 19 Resources Review county forms for base-year-value transfers, parent-child or grandparent-grandchild exclusions and disaster-related transfers.
New buyer and new-construction guide

Why You Received a Contra Costa Supplemental Assessment or Tax Bill

A change in ownership or completion of qualifying new construction can create a new assessment as of the applicable event date. The difference between the new assessed value and the prior enrolled value can create one or more supplemental tax bills in addition to the normal annual secured tax bill.

1. Event occurs Property changes ownership or qualifying new construction is completed.
2. Assessor values property The Assessor determines the new taxable value as of the reassessment event.
3. Supplemental difference The new value is compared with the previously enrolled value for the applicable period.
4. Auditor calculates tax The Auditor-Controller computes the tax associated with the supplemental assessment.
5. Tax Collector bills One or more supplemental tax bills may be issued separately from the annual secured tax bill.
Why can there be two supplemental bills? Depending on when the ownership change or new construction occurs within the fiscal cycle, the reassessment can affect more than one fiscal period.
Does a supplemental bill replace the annual bill? No. The annual secured bill remains separate and must still be paid according to its own installment schedule.
Can a supplemental value be appealed? Yes. Supplemental and escape assessment appeals generally must be filed within 60 days of the Assessor’s notice.
Escrow warning: Mortgage escrow accounts may not automatically pay supplemental tax bills. New owners should confirm with the lender instead of assuming the supplemental amount is included in the regular escrow payment.
Treasurer-Tax Collector workflow

How to Look Up and Pay a Contra Costa County Property Tax Bill

Copy the APN from the Assessor or CCMAP record. This reduces the chance of selecting the wrong property in the tax system.
Open the official Tax Collector account lookup. Use the Contra Costa County Tax Lookup portal.
Confirm the correct fiscal year and installment. Distinguish annual secured, supplemental, unsecured and defaulted amounts.
Review pending payments or corrections. The portal warns that displayed balances can be affected by pending transactions or account corrections.
Choose the payment method carefully. eCheck currently has no service fee. PayPal, credit-card and debit-card payments currently carry a 2.50% service fee with a $3.50 minimum.
Save proof of payment. Keep the confirmation number, amount, date, payment method and final posting until the account shows paid.
eCheck Published service fee: $0. A rejected eCheck can be subject to the county’s returned-check charge, currently listed as up to $85.
Card / PayPal Published service fee: 2.50% of the transaction with a minimum $3.50 charge. Always review the live payment screen before authorizing.

Annual secured-property-tax calendar

July 1 Fiscal tax year begins.
By Nov. 1 Annual secured tax bill is normally mailed.
Nov. 1 First installment is due.
Dec. 10 First installment becomes delinquent after the applicable deadline.
Feb. 1 Second installment is due.
Apr. 10 Second installment becomes delinquent after the applicable deadline.
Fiscal year: Contra Costa County’s property-tax fiscal year runs July 1 through June 30. The first installment generally covers July through December and the second covers January through June.
Assessor parcel books and Public Works records

How to Find Parcel Maps, Surveys and Historical Assessor Books

Public Works maintains recorded maps and annotated Assessor parcel books through its electronic Laserfiche records system.

Find the APN in CCMAP. The Assessor’s Parcel Number identifies the parcel book and page needed for deeper map research.
Open Public Works Maps & Records. Use the Contra Costa Maps & Records page.
Search the annotated Assessor parcel book. Locate the parcel book and page associated with the APN.
Look for survey references. County guidance explains that survey references may appear in red with LSM or CR book-and-page references.
Open the referenced recorded map. Use Laserfiche’s Recorded Maps search to retrieve the applicable subdivision, minor subdivision, record of survey or corner record.
Do not assume the map shows every easement. A subdivision map may show some easements existing when it was recorded but should not be treated as a complete title search.
Public Works Records 255 Glacier Drive
Martinez, CA 94553
925-313-2000
Records Counter hours Monday–Thursday
7:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Friday closed
Use a surveyor when Exact boundary location, encroachments, monuments or legal survey work matters.
Recorded ownership documents

Where to Find Contra Costa County Deeds and Recorded Property Documents

The Assessor’s ownership record is not a substitute for the recorded deed. When you need the legal transfer document, lien, release or another recorded instrument, use the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder.

Use Assessor records for Assessment ownership, APN, values, exemptions and parcel-related property information.
Use Clerk-Recorder records for Recorded deeds, transfers, liens, releases and other recorded real-property instruments.
Use a title company for Insured title research, complete lien/easement analysis and transaction due diligence.
Clerk-Recorder: 555 Escobar Street, Martinez. County public information lists the office phone as 925-335-7910.
Property-fraud awareness: Contra Costa County operates a property-title fraud notification program that sends a notice to the original owner when a property title is transferred. An unexpected transfer notice should be reviewed immediately.
Prepare before submitting

Assessor Forms for Address Changes, Exemptions and Ownership Issues

Change of Address Use when the Assessor’s mailing address is no longer correct. Keep a copy until the public record updates.
Homeowners Exemption Use when the property qualifies as the owner’s principal residence.
Prop 8 Value Review Separate forms are available for residential/multi-family and commercial/apartment property.
Change in Ownership Forms include Preliminary Change of Ownership Report and death-of-owner statements.
Prop 19 Current transfer forms cover qualifying base-year-value and family-transfer situations.
Disability-related relief Forms cover qualifying new-construction exclusions and base-year transfers.
Open Official Contra Costa Assessor Forms Choose the exact form for your property and transfer date rather than downloading an old form from a third-party website.
Temporary property-tax relief

Property Damaged by Fire, Flood or Other Calamity

Contra Costa County publishes temporary assessment-reduction rules for qualifying property damaged by a calamity.

Damage threshold County guidance states that qualifying damage must exceed $5,000.
Normal filing period A completed calamity claim generally must be filed with the Assessor within 60 days of the damage.
Delayed Assessor discovery Special rules may apply when the Assessor later determines a qualifying calamity occurred within the preceding six months.
Do not wait for the annual appeal period. Calamity relief has its own filing rules and should be addressed promptly after the damage occurs.

Permit, Zoning and Property-Research Records

Need Where to start Important limitation
APN or parcel location CCMAP Parcel boundaries are informational, not a legal survey.
Building permit history ePermits Center County information generally applies to county jurisdiction; city records may be separate.
Construction plans Records Research Division Plans may require a records request and licensed-professional release.
Unincorporated zoning CCMAP / Planning City zoning must be verified with the incorporated city.
Recorded subdivision or survey map Public Works Laserfiche An APN or parcel-book reference makes the search much easier.
Deed or recorded lien Clerk-Recorder Recorded-document access is not the same as insured title research.
Records Research: County property-research guidance lists approximately a ten-business-day turnaround for some construction and planning records requests. Documents stamped by a licensed professional can take additional time because release authorization may be required.

What Different Contra Costa Property Users Should Check

Situation Records to check Best next action
New homebuyer Deed, APN, ParcelQuest, supplemental assessment, annual tax bill, homeowner exemption. Do not assume escrow covers supplemental taxes.
Long-time homeowner Prop 13 assessed value, exemption, market evidence and tax bill. Request Prop 8 review if market value falls below enrolled value.
Buyer researching land CCMAP, APN, parcel books, surveys, zoning, permit records and title. Use legal survey/title work for boundary or easement conclusions.
Owner age 55+ Existing base-year value, replacement property and Prop 19 requirements. Review transfer eligibility before assuming the old tax base will move.
Inherited property Recorded transfer, ownership statement, Prop 19 exclusion, occupancy and value. Determine whether reassessment exclusion requirements are satisfied.
Value appeal filer Assessment notice, ParcelQuest record, comparable sales, photos and review correspondence. File the formal appeal before the applicable deadline even if informal review is pending.
Rental or business owner Assessment, business personal property, unsecured tax and ownership information. Do not apply homeowner exemption rules to a non-qualifying rental.
Disaster-damaged owner Damage date, repair evidence, photographs and value-loss documentation. Review calamity relief immediately because the filing window is short.

Contra Costa County Assessor Office, Tax Collector and Appeals Contacts

County Assessor 2530 Arnold Drive
Suite 100
Martinez, CA 94553

925-313-7400
Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Treasurer-Tax Collector Finance Building
625 Court Street, Room 100
Martinez, CA 94553

925-608-9500
Walk-in: Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Assessment Appeals Clerk 1025 Escobar Street
1st Floor
Martinez, CA 94553

925-655-2008
Mon–Fri, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Before visiting: Bring the APN, relevant assessment or tax notice, photo identification when needed, ownership documentation and any evidence connected to the exact issue you want the office to review.

Contra Costa Property Search Problems and Fixes

Problem Practical fix Best office or tool
I do not know the APN Search the property address in CCMAP, select the parcel and copy the APN. CCMAP
ParcelQuest does not open directly Start at the official county ParcelQuest disclaimer and select Accept. Assessor / ParcelQuest
Recent buyer is not listed Confirm the deed was recorded and allow processing time; provide recorded ownership documentation when contacting the Assessor. Clerk-Recorder then Assessor
Assessed value seems too high Collect market evidence and request a free Prop 8 review; preserve the formal appeal deadline. Assessor / Appeals Board
Tax bill is higher than expected Separate assessed value, tax rate, voter-approved debt and special assessments before deciding which office to contact. Assessor, Auditor or Tax Collector depending on issue
No annual bill arrived after purchase Search the tax account directly rather than waiting for another mailing. Treasurer-Tax Collector
I received a supplemental bill Compare the change-in-ownership or new-construction date with the Assessor’s supplemental notice. Assessor and Tax Collector
Need exact parcel boundaries Use recorded maps and a licensed land surveyor rather than treating CCMAP parcel lines as a legal survey. Public Works / Surveyor
Need an old parcel map Use the APN with archived or annotated Assessor parcel books in Laserfiche. Public Works Records
Wrong mailing address Use the Assessor’s Change of Address form and retain a copy until the record updates. Assessor
Homeowner exemption missing Check filing status, eligibility date and late-filing rules before December 10 where applicable. Assessor Exemptions
Property damaged in disaster Document the damage and review the county calamity claim immediately because the normal claim window is short. Assessor
“I am researching Contra Costa County APN __________ for the property at __________. My question concerns the __________ assessment year. The record currently shows __________, but my deed, notice, tax bill or other evidence shows __________. Please confirm which department or form handles this issue.”
Official live-action routes

Contra Costa County Property Record Action Center

Use these portals after identifying the correct parcel and office.

Assessor Parcel Search Open the county disclaimer and continue to ParcelQuest Lite. CCMAP Find an APN from an address and review parcel-map context. Tax Lookup Check tax amounts, installments, history and payment options. Assessment Appeal Access the application, fee and filing instructions.
Search-intent answers

Contra Costa County Property Assessor FAQs

1. How do I search Contra Costa County property assessor records?

Start with CCMAP if you only know the address, select the correct parcel and copy the Assessor’s Parcel Number. Then use the county-authorized ParcelQuest Lite search to review parcel and assessment information. Use the Tax Collector separately when you need the actual tax bill.

2. How can I find a Contra Costa County APN from an address?

Open Contra Costa County CCMAP, enter the property address or road name, select the correct parcel and copy the displayed Assessor’s Parcel Number. The APN can then be used for assessor, tax, map and Public Works record research.

3. Is Contra Costa County ParcelQuest free?

ParcelQuest Lite currently allows parcel-detail access without a fee within its usage limits. Its published limits are 50 searches and 25 parcel maps per month. Separate reports or document products may carry charges.

4. What is the difference between CCMAP and ParcelQuest?

CCMAP is a county GIS tool useful for locating parcels, finding APNs and viewing map layers. ParcelQuest Lite is the county-linked parcel-data search used for Assessor property information. CCMAP is usually the easier first step when you know the address but not the APN.

5. Who is the Contra Costa County Assessor and where is the office?

The Contra Costa County Assessor is Gus Kramer. The Assessor’s Office is at 2530 Arnold Drive, Suite 100, Martinez, California 94553. The main phone number is 925-313-7400, and published office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

6. How do I challenge my Contra Costa County assessed value in 2026?

You can first request a free informal value review from the Assessor. If the issue remains unresolved, regular Assessment Appeals for 2026 may be filed from July 2 through November 30. Supplemental or escape assessments generally have a 60-day filing period from the Assessor’s notice.

7. What is the Contra Costa County Homeowners’ Exemption?

A qualifying owner-occupied principal residence may receive a $7,000 reduction in assessed value. The published deadline for the full annual exemption is February 15. A partial exemption may be available for qualifying late filings between February 16 and December 10.

8. Why did I receive a supplemental property-tax bill after buying a Contra Costa County home?

A property purchase or qualifying new construction can trigger reassessment. The difference between the new assessed value and the previously enrolled value may create one or more supplemental tax bills in addition to the normal annual secured property-tax bill.

9. When are Contra Costa County secured property taxes due?

The annual secured bill is normally mailed by November 1. The first installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent after December 10. The second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent after April 10, subject to applicable weekend or holiday rules.

10. Where can I find Contra Costa County parcel maps, surveys and deeds?

Use CCMAP to identify the parcel and APN. Public Works Laserfiche provides recorded maps, surveys, corner records and annotated Assessor parcel books. Recorded deeds and liens are handled by the Contra Costa County Clerk-Recorder rather than the Assessor.

Official Sources and Verification Notes

Contra Costa County Assessor Office duties, contact information and Assessor services. Official ParcelQuest Route County disclaimer and access to the linked public parcel-search service. Property Research CCMAP, permit research, zoning, recorded documents and Public Works resources. Review Your Value Free informal Prop 8 value-review resources. Assessment Appeals Filing period, application, fee information and Board process. Property Tax Information Secured, supplemental, unsecured and defaulted tax information.
Verification scope: Assessor contact details, ParcelQuest access and limits, CCMAP use, property-tax office responsibilities, annual tax dates, Homeowners’ Exemption timing, Prop 8 informal review, 2026 Assessment Appeal dates, appeal fee, supplemental assessments, Prop 19 resources and Public Works map-record procedures were reviewed for this guide.

CountyPropertyAppraiser.org is an independent informational website. It is not affiliated with Contra Costa County, the Contra Costa County Assessor, Treasurer-Tax Collector, Auditor-Controller, Clerk-Recorder, Assessment Appeals Board, ParcelQuest, ArcGIS or any other county agency or service provider.

Assessed values, ownership information, exemptions, deadlines, office hours, filing fees, tax-payment service fees, parcel interfaces and government forms can change. Always use the responsible official office or live portal before filing an appeal, paying taxes, transferring property or making a legal or financial decision.

Editorial verification date: August 11, 2026.

Slug: contra-costa-county-assessor-property-search

Leave a Comment

County Property Search, Homestead & Tax Help Toolkit

Use this free helper to find the right county office, prepare a property search, understand appraised value, review homestead exemption steps, and organize TRIM notice or tax bill questions before using official county websites.

Built for Florida county property guides
Helps users find official resources
No fake database or approval claim
Useful after every article

Find the Correct County Office

Property Appraiser, Tax Collector, Clerk, GIS, and VAB offices do different jobs. Pick your task below.

Quick rule: Property Appraiser = value, records, parcel details, exemptions. Tax Collector = bill and payment. Clerk/Recorder = deeds and recorded documents. VAB = formal value disputes.

Official Property Search Helper

Use this when a county article tells you to search by owner, address, parcel number, folio, PCN, STRAP, or alternate key.

Search tip: If address search fails, try only the house number and main street name. Avoid typing Street, Avenue, Road, Drive, unit numbers, or punctuation unless the official portal requires it.

Homestead Exemption Readiness Check

This helps homeowners prepare before filing through the official county Property Appraiser website.

Important: This is not an eligibility decision. The official county Property Appraiser decides approval, required documents, late filing options, and exemption status.

TRIM Notice & Value Review Helper

Use this to organize your questions before calling the Property Appraiser or preparing an appeal.

Your preparation checklist

Value term Simple meaning
Market value The appraiser’s estimate of the property’s value as of the assessment date.
Assessed value The value after limits or caps may be applied.
Exemptions Approved reductions such as homestead or other exemptions.
Taxable value The value used by taxing authorities after exemptions.

Property Tax Bill Direction Helper

The Property Appraiser values property, but the Tax Collector usually handles the actual bill and payment.

Florida timing reminder: Many Florida tax bills are mailed around November and become delinquent if unpaid after March 31. Always verify exact dates, discounts, and payment fees with the official county Tax Collector.

County Office Call Script Generator

Generate a simple call or email script so you can ask the right office the right question.