If you’re a San Francisco County property owner, knowing about property taxes is crucial. This reader’s guide covers current property tax rates, payment, due dates, as well as penalties. It contains information about homeowner, senior, and veteran exemptions, as well as online payment directions, information about service charges, and mail payment validation. It also details property tax appeal, penalty waiving, as well as California’s Property Tax Postponement Program. With this information, you can keep up to date with property tax obligations and avoid extra costs.
1. Property Tax Rates in San Francisco County
San Francisco County’s property tax rates vary slightly by location and applicable local assessments. Here’s an overview of current rates:
| Tax Type | Rate |
|---|---|
| Base Property Tax | Approximately 1.179% of assessed value |
| Local Assessments | Varies by district |
| Total Average Rate | Around 1.2% – 1.5% (based on location) |
For your property’s exact rate, check with the San Francisco County Tax Assessor.
2. How to Pay Your Property Taxes
San Francisco County offers several convenient payment methods for property taxes:
Online Payment Options
- Electronic Check (eCheck): No service fee for payments by eCheck. Simply enter your checking account details.
- Credit and Debit Cards: Service fees of 2.25% (with a $2.00 minimum) for property tax payments, which cover administrative costs.
Payment Portal: You can view and print current property tax statements and view past payment history on the Property Tax Payment Portal. Watch our instructional video on making online payments.
| Payment Type | Property Tax Fee |
|---|---|
| Electronic Check (eCheck) | No Fee |
| Credit Card (AmEx, Discover, MasterCard, Visa) | 2.25% with $2 minimum |
| Debit Card (NYCE, Pulse, STAR) | 2.25% with $2 minimum |
Browser Compatibility: Our systems support Microsoft Internet Explorer 11+, Windows EDGE, and current versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Safari.
In-Person Payment
- Location: Treasurer & Tax Collector’s Office, City Hall, Room 140
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (walk-ins until 4 p.m.; payments until 5 p.m.)
Mail Payments
- Requirements: Postmarked by the due date. Make checks payable to “SF Tax Collector” and include your Block and Lot number.
- Mailing Address:mathematicaCopy code
Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector P.O. Box 7426 San Francisco, CA 94120-7426
3. Property Tax Deadlines and Penalty Fees
San Francisco property taxes are due in two installments. Late payments incur penalties:
| Installment | Due Date | Penalty Date | Penalty Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Installment | November 1, 2024 | December 11, 2024 | 10% of unpaid taxes |
| 2nd Installment | February 1, 2024 | April 11, 2024 | 10% of unpaid taxes, plus $10 late fee |
For unpaid taxes by June 30, a 1.5% redemption penalty applies monthly (18% annually). Missed payments over five years may result in public auction.
4. Property Tax Exemptions and Deductions
San Francisco County offers various tax exemptions for eligible residents:
| Exemption | Eligibility | Reduction |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowner’s Exemption | Primary residence owners | Up to $7,000 off assessed value |
| Veteran’s Exemption | Qualified veterans | Up to $4,000 off assessed value |
| Senior Citizen Exemption | Low-income seniors | Varies |
Find more details at the California State Board of Equalization.
5. Understanding Property Tax Calculation
San Francisco property taxes are based on your property’s assessed value, updated under California’s Proposition 13 law:
- Assessed Value: Set upon purchase or new construction.
- Base Tax Rate: Roughly 1.179% of assessed value.
- Adjustments: Minor increases (up to 2%) may occur annually.
For assistance, contact the San Francisco Tax Assessor’s Office.
6. Appeals and Corrections for Property Tax Assessment
Homeowners believing their assessment is too high can appeal:
- Application: how to File watch video: Assessment Appeals Board.
- Evidence: Include recent sales data or comparable property values.
- Hearing: Present your case to the board.
Appeals must be submitted between July 2 and November 30 annually.
7. Payment Verification and Additional Options
Check your Property Tax Payment Portal for payment status. If your payment isn’t displayed, confirm with your financial institution. Remember, taxes are not marked paid until received and processed by the office.
ACH or Wire Transfer
For electronic transfers, use the following details:
- Bank: JPMorgan Chase, New York, NY
- Account Number: 20000043472203
- Routing Numbers:
- ACH: 028000024
- FedWire: 021000021
- SWIFT: CHASUS33
Include your Block/Lot number or Bill number for reference.
8. Property Tax Postponement and Penalty Waivers
The State Controller’s Property Tax Postponement Program helps eligible seniors, persons with disabilities, and those who qualify to defer current-year property taxes. For more information, please contact the San Francisco Treasurer’s Office.
Penalty Waivers are available under limited circumstances for late fees. Submit documentation to support your request, as outlined by the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code.
9. Real Estate Impact of San Francisco Property Taxes
Property tax rates influence San Francisco’s real estate market:
| Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| High Tax Rates | Increases property costs |
| Affordability | Affects home prices and rentals |
| Demand Influence | Direct impact on buyer choices |
Understanding these trends can help buyers and investors make informed decisions.
10. Contact Information for San Francisco Tax Assessor’s Office
For assistance or specific questions:
- Address: 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, City Hall, Room 190, San Francisco, CA 94102
- Phone: (415) 554-5596
- Website: San Francisco Tax Assessor
Conclusion
Waivers of penalty can be made in limited situations for late charges. Present evidence to justify your appeal, as determined by the San Francisco Business and Tax Regulations Code.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the current property tax rates in San Francisco County for 2024?
The San Francisco County base property tax rate is around 1.179% of assessed value. The total can go as high as 1.2% to as low as 1.5% after factoring in local assessments, depending upon location.
2. Are there any online services that can assist in paying San Francisco County property taxes, and does a fee exist?
You can pay online via the San Francisco Property Tax Payment Portal by eCheck, credit, or debit card. There’s no service charge for eChecks, but credit and debit card charges have a minimum of $2 with a 2.25% fee.
3. What happens if I miss the property tax due date in San Francisco County?
For 2024, a penalty begins December 11 for the first installment, and April 11 for the second installment, with a penalty of 10%. There is a $10 fee to make a payment on the second installment. There’s a penalty of 1.5% each month for unpaid taxes due June 30 until payment.
4. Is a property tax penalty waiver available in San Francisco County?
Yes, a waiver can be requested subject to certain circumstances. Apply to the Treasurer & Tax Collector with supporting documentation to waive penalties under San Francisco taxation regulations.
5. What San Francisco County property tax exemptions exist?
Some common exemptions include the Homeowner’s Exemption, which lowers the assessment by $7,000, and the Veteran’s Exemption, which lowers it by $4,000. Low-income seniors can also receive extra help.
6. How do I ensure that my property tax payment was made?
Check the Property Tax Payment Portal to see if your payment was posted. If it doesn’t show, contact your financial institution. Taxes are posted once fully processed by the Treasurer’s Office.
7. Are there fines for rejected property tax electronic check payments?
Yes, a $50 fee is charged if an eCheck payment fails, plus any late charges if it becomes delinquent. Double-check your account information to avoid extra fees.
8. What is the process for appealing my property tax assessment in San Francisco County?
To appeal, submit an application to the Assessment Appeals Board between July 2 and November 30. Bring current property data or a professional appraisal to support your case at the hearing.
9. What can I do to make sure my property tax payment is postal-mailed appropriately?
Use USPS mail with proper postmarks—do not use meter mail, pre-cancelled or APC stamps, as they may lack valid postmarks. A USPS Certificate of Mailing is recommended as proof.
10. What is California’s Property Tax Postponement Program (PTP), and who qualifies?
The Property Tax Postponement Program lets eligible seniors, blind, or disabled homeowners defer current-year property taxes. Visit the State Controller’s website to check your eligibility.
