SLO County property taxes still due April 10. But don’t stress if you can’t pay on time

The deadline for paying state and federal income taxes has been pushed back to July 15 — but there’s no such luck with San Luis Obispo County property taxes.

That deadline is still April 10, which is right around the corner.

Don’t blame county officials for that; property tax deadlines are set by state law. According to CalMatters, a Sacramento-based nonprofit news organization, it would take an act of the state Legislature or an executive order from the governor to push back the deadline.

Lawmakers are sheltering at home along with the rest of us, and the governor has so far resisted requests to extend the deadline. As recently as Thursday, he said he did not want to “overpromise” relief for property owners, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Individual counties can, however, opt to waive late payment penalties and interest for property owners who can’t pay on time due to the coronavirus pandemic.

That’s what San Luis Obispo County is doing.

“We recognize many taxpayers are facing difficulties with the upcoming April 10 property tax deadline and we are committed to provide relief where allowed under state law,” county tax collector Jim Hamilton said in a news release.

Primary residences and small businesses — defined as having annual revenue under $7.5 million — are eligible for waivers. Vacation rentals are considered small businesses, according to the county website.

Here’s what to do: Submit a waiver request form available on the San Luis Obipso County website. The form isn’t complicated: It just asks for the property by parcel number, the address and name of the property owner.

Applicants for the waivers also must claim — under penalty of perjury — that they were unable to pay on time due to the COVID-19 stay-at-home order.

Now here’s the really important part: Do not file the waiver application form until you actually pay the property tax installment.

In other words, there is no need to notify the county in advance if you aren’t able to make the April 10 deadline. Wait until you put the check in the mail and submit the waiver request along with it.

Of course, property owners who can pay their taxes on time should do so.

Property taxes are a major source of revenue for local governments, which can really use the money right now — especially since sales and bed taxes are going to be way, way down with so many shops, restaurants and hotels shuttered.

Taxpayers with questions about the waiver application process can contact the Tax Collector’s Office via email at ttc@co.slo.ca.us or by calling 805-781-5831 during regular business hours.