Supplemental tax bill

An extra property tax bill sent to a new buyer in states where the assessed value resets on sale. Comes after closing and isn't in the escrow account, so buyers should plan for it.

Taxes & insurance · Updated September 2026

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Part 1 of 4

Why a seller cares

In states where the assessment resets on sale, the buyer gets an extra bill after closing for the difference. It is the buyer's, and a seller who mentions it avoids a confused call two months later.

Part 2 of 4

A simple example

Your California home was assessed at $250,000 and sells for $600,000. The buyer receives a supplemental bill for the difference, prorated, a few months after closing.

Supplemental tax bill: a simple example
Whose billWhat it covers
The buyer'sThe reset from the old assessment to the sale price
Not the seller'sYour taxes were prorated on the old assessment at closing
Not in the buyer's escrowIt arrives separately, which is the surprise

The supplemental bill belongs to the buyer and arrives after everyone thinks the taxes were settled.

Part 3 of 4

What people get wrong

That it is a mistake in the proration. It is a second bill for a second assessment, and it was always coming.

Part 4 of 4 · where to read next

Where it appears in the sale

What a definition is, and what it isn't

Keighbor is a software company, not a law firm, brokerage, or tax adviser. This is general information, not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice about your sale. Your situation may differ. Before acting on a contract, disclosure, title, tax, or pricing question, ask an appropriately licensed professional in your state.

Written and researched by Keighbor Research · drawn from the reference glossary · how we research and check what we publish

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