The escrow process collects the payment (in full) from your buyer, assuring you complete payment. I am in escrow, selling a CA rental condo, and I do not know how to complete Form 593.In Santa Clara County the custom is for the seller to pay the escrow fee and the owner's policy of title insurance. It provides protection and security for both buyers and sellers, ensuring that all conditions of the agreement are met before funds and property change hands. By California law, whoever owns the property on January 1st of the current calendar year is responsible for taxes up until the close of escrow date. The amount is withheld from the Seller right in the escrow transaction and sent to the Franchise Tax Board at closing. What is an escape assessment, and does it mean I owe more taxes? Escrow companies can only pay property taxes if the Treasurer and Tax Collector issues a property tax bill. Why do some sellers want to stay in the property after close of escrow? You do not need to fill out any forms or notify the Assessor's office of your sale or purchase until you close escrow on both properties.