Treasurer's Office

The Maricopa County AZ Treasurer's Office plays a crucial role in the efficient operation of the county, focusing on the collection, investment, and disbursement of property taxes. Whether you're a resident, a business owner, or someone interested in the operations of the Treasurer’s Office, this article will walk you through everything you need to know about its functions, services, and key responsibilities. This comprehensive guide aims to provide you with clear and practical insights into the Treasurer’s Office operations, focusing on what taxpayers need to know, and how to navigate the system effectively.

What Is the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office?

The Maricopa County AZ Treasurer's Office is responsible for overseeing property tax collection and ensuring that public funds are managed with transparency and accountability. With over 1,800 tax districts, the office collects taxes for various entities, including state, county, schools, cities, towns, and special districts.

The primary function of the Treasurer's Office includes the efficient collection of property taxes, disbursement of collected funds, and managing investments for the county and its associated districts. The office provides a wide range of services to ensure that taxpayers’ needs are met, from paying taxes online to obtaining important information about tax liens and refunds.

For more details on the responsibilities of the Treasurer, visit the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office.

Key Services Offered by the Treasurer's Office

Property Tax Payment

One of the most important services the Treasurer's Office offers is property tax payment. Taxes are collected annually for real and personal properties, and residents can pay their property taxes in full or in two installments. The Maricopa County Treasurer makes the payment process easy by offering a variety of payment options:

Online Payments: You can easily pay your taxes via credit card, debit card, or electronic check (e-check). The Treasurer’s Office partners with Paymentus to facilitate these payments.

In-Person Payments: If you prefer paying in person, you can visit the office during regular hours, Monday to Friday, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

By Mail: Taxpayers can also mail their payments to the designated address.

To view your current tax statement or make a payment online, visit the Pay Property Taxes page.

Refund Requests

In the event that you overpaid your property taxes or need a refund for other reasons, the Treasurer’s Office allows you to submit a refund request. The process is straightforward, and you can complete it through their online portal. Refunds are processed quickly, and the office ensures that all requests are handled with accuracy.

For more information about how to request a refund, visit the Refund Request page.

Research and Public Records Requests

If you need detailed information on your property taxes or need access to public records, the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office makes the process easy. Through their online research request system, you can inquire about a variety of topics, such as tax lien history, parcel details, and payment records. Public records can also be requested through the office’s platform, ensuring transparency and accountability.

Visit the Research Request page to learn more about how to submit your inquiries.

Payment Options for Property Taxes

When it comes to paying property taxes in Maricopa County, the Treasurer’s Office offers a variety of options to make it easier for residents and businesses. Here are the primary ways you can pay:

Online Payments

The Treasurer’s Office accepts a variety of online payment methods:

Credit and Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
Digital Wallets: PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
E-Checks: If you prefer not to use cards, you can pay using an e-check.

The payments are processed securely via Paymentus, the office's payment processor. Note that a small service fee may apply for card payments, but e-check payments are free of charge.

Visit the Payment Options page for a complete list of payment methods and associated fees.

Mail-in Payments

If you prefer to send payments by mail, you can send your payment directly to the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office. Make sure to include your tax statement and the correct payment amount.

In-Person Payments

For those who wish to make their payment in person, the Treasurer’s Office offers an easy-to-access location in Phoenix. Free parking is available nearby, but be mindful of limited parking hours.

Tax Lien Sale and Delinquent Tax Information

When taxes are left unpaid, the Treasurer’s Office follows strict legal procedures to collect the debts. If property taxes remain unpaid after a certain period, the county may sell tax liens to recover the unpaid taxes. This process is called the Tax Lien Sale.

Tax Lien Web

Tax lien certificates can be purchased at auction, and the Treasurer’s Office provides a convenient online portal to track tax liens and manage them. For investors or individuals interested in buying tax liens, you can register on the Arizona Tax Lien Sale platform to get started.

Visit the Tax Lien Information page to learn more about the tax lien process and how to get involved in bidding.

Delinquent Tax Calendar

The Treasurer’s Office has a dedicated calendar outlining critical deadlines for delinquent taxes. This includes notices of delinquency and final dates for paying taxes before further legal actions are taken. It’s essential to stay informed about these deadlines to avoid additional fees and penalties.

For more details about delinquent tax schedules, visit the Calendar page.

Additional Services

The Maricopa County Treasurer's Office also offers several other important services that make managing property taxes more straightforward:

Corporate Services

For entities such as mortgage companies and tax servicing companies, the Treasurer’s Office offers bulk payment solutions through their Corporate Services unit. This allows companies to efficiently manage and process multiple property accounts.

For more information, visit the Corporate Services page.

Mobile Homes

The Treasurer's Office manages tax collection for mobile homes as well, ensuring that these properties are appropriately taxed and handled. Mobile home owners can find information about their taxes and make payments via the online system.

Visit the Mobile Homes page for more details.

Understanding Your Tax Bill

Property tax bills in Maricopa County can be complex, with various line items and calculations. The Treasurer’s Office provides clear guidance on how to read and understand your tax statement. This includes explanations of assessed values, tax rates, and what each charge on your bill represents.

For more information on how to read your tax bill, visit the Understanding Your Tax Bill page.

Contact Information

If you have questions or need assistance, the Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office is here to help. You can reach them through various means:

Mailing Address:
Maricopa County Treasurer
PO Box 52133
Phoenix, AZ 85072-2133

Physical Office Address:
301 W. Jefferson St. Suite 100
Phoenix, AZ 85003

Phone:
(602) 506-8511

For more detailed inquiries or to get in touch directly with the Treasurer's Office, visit the Contact Us page.

Treasurer's Office Relevant Departments and Units

Administrative Services
Business Operations
Financial Services
Information Services

By understanding the full scope of services provided by the Maricopa County AZ Treasurer's Office, residents and property owners can ensure they are effectively managing their tax responsibilities while benefiting from the office’s wide range of offerings. Whether you need to pay taxes, request a refund, or track your tax liens, the Treasurer’s Office is dedicated to providing transparent and efficient service.

Maricopa County Treasurer's Office FAQs

When are property taxes due in Maricopa County?

Property taxes in Maricopa County are due in two installments. The first half is due on October 1 and becomes delinquent after 5:00 PM on November 1 for tax bills over $100. The second half is due on March 1 of the following year and becomes delinquent after 5:00 PM on May 1. Taxes under $100 must be paid by December 31 to avoid delinquency. For more details, visit the Property Tax Information page.

What happens if I don't pay my property taxes on time?

Failure to pay property taxes on time results in interest charges at 16% per year, prorated monthly. If the taxes remain unpaid for over 13 months, an advertising fee of $5 or 5% of the unpaid tax, whichever is greater, will be assessed. After 16 months, the Treasurer’s Office may sell a tax lien on the property. If the lien is not redeemed within three years, foreclosure proceedings may begin. For more information, check out the Tax Lien Information page.

How can I request a refund for overpaid property taxes?

If you have overpaid your property taxes or need a refund for another reason, you can submit a request through the Treasurer’s Office online portal. The process is straightforward, and you can submit your refund request directly on the Refund Request page.

Can I get an exemption for my property taxes?

Certain individuals, such as widows, widowers, and disabled persons, may qualify for a property tax exemption under Arizona Revised Statutes 42-11111. The Senior Valuation Protection program also offers relief to senior homeowners based on income and age. For more details on eligibility, visit the Senior Valuation Relief page.

How can I track my property tax payments and information?

The Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office offers a personalized platform called My MCTO where you can manage your properties, track payments, and get updated tax information. You can also research your property details through the Treasurer’s research tools.