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HomeGovernment CodeDiv. 1Pt. 1Ch. 1Art. 3.5§ 50077 Local Special Tax Approval

§ 50077 Local Special Tax Approval

Government Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 50077 Local Special Tax Approval

Key Takeaways

  • •Local governments (like cities or counties) can ask voters to approve a special tax for their area.
  • •The tax must be clearly explained (what it’s for, how much it costs, and how it’s collected) before voters decide.
  • •At least two-thirds of voters must say 'yes' for the tax to pass.
  • •The government can collect the tax themselves or ask the county to help (and the county can take a small fee for doing the work).

Example

A city wants to build a new park but needs extra money. They propose a special tax of $50 per year for homeowners.

The city must hold a public meeting to explain the tax, then put it to a vote. If at least two-thirds of voters agree, the tax is added to property tax bills. The county can help collect it but might keep a small amount for their trouble.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 50077 Local Special Tax Approval

(a)  Except as provided in Section 7282 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, the legislative body of any city, county, or district may, following notice and public hearing, propose by ordinance or resolution the adoption of a special tax. The ordinance or resolution shall include the type of tax and rate of tax to be levied, the method of collection, and the date upon which an election shall be held to approve the levy of the tax. The proposition shall be submitted to the voters of the city, county, or district, or a portion thereof, and, upon the approval of two-thirds of the votes cast by voters voting upon the proposition, the city, county, or district may levy the tax. (b) The legislative body of a city, or district, may provide for the collection of the special tax in the same manner and subject to the same penalty as, or with, other charges and taxes fixed and collected by the city, or district, or, by agreement with the county, by the county on behalf of the city, or district. If the special taxes are collected by the county on behalf of the city, or district, the county may deduct its reasonable costs incurred for the service before remittal of the balance to the city. (c) The legislative body of a local agency which is conducting proceedings for the incorporation of a city, the formation of a district, a change of organization, a reorganization, a change of organization of a city, a municipal reorganization, or the disincorporation of a city may propose by ordinance or resolution the adoption of a special tax in accordance with the provisions of subdivision (a) on behalf of an affected city or district. (d) As used in this section “district” means an agency of the state, formed pursuant to general law or special act, for the local performance of governmental or proprietary functions within limited boundaries. (Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 304, Sec. 1. (AB 851) Effective January 1, 2016.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

resolutionordinanceadoptiondistrictagreementperformancepenaltycorporation

Related Statutes

  • § 91520 Public Agency Revenue Bonds
  • § 50022.4 Ordinance Adoption And Penalties
  • § 5007 Bond Registration Authorization Rules
  • § 50077.5 Voter-Approved Special Tax Challenges
  • § 52080 County Authority Commissioner Appointments

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Government Code. Section 50077.
View Official Source