San Mateo County Property Tax
The San Mateo County property tax rate is 0.56% of assessed fair market value, making property taxes in this California county one of the highest in the country.
Written by Elizabeth Sandberg
Reviewed by Melanie Reiff
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With an average property tax rate of 0.56% and a median home value of $784,800, San Mateo County,
California
, collects an average of $4,424 per resident in property taxes each year. Homeownership comes with its perks and drawbacks—one of which is your responsibility for paying property taxes. Because your property value is subject to change and each county does things differently, it’s easy to feel confused or overwhelmed about paying your taxes each year.
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Property tax fundamentals
If you’ve never paid property taxes before, here are some basics:
- San Mateo property taxes are applied locally and used to fund city and county initiatives, such as education, law enforcement, fire and public safety, and health and human services.
- Most property taxes are assessed on real property—also called secured property—such as land, buildings, and homes
- Local tax assessors assign rates based on current market values and a local tax rate
- Property taxes are subject to increase based on market conditions and local budget needs
Basically, your property taxes are how you as a homeowner support your community’s public services.
MORE: Is car insurance tax deductible?
What is the property tax rate in San Mateo County?
San Mateo County’s average tax rate is 0.56% of assessed home values, which is one of the highest in California.
With a median home value of $784,800, San Mateo County homeowners can expect to pay an average of $4,424 a year in property taxes.
How San Mateo County property taxes are determined
Your property taxes are determined by the
San Mateo County Assessor's Office
and are based on the taxable value
of your property. If you think your property’s value has been calculated incorrectly, you can
appeal
the assessment with the assessor's office. If you own your property and use it as a primary residence, you may qualify for a
Homeowners' Exemption
or other tax reductions
under California law. What do San Mateo County property taxes pay for?
- Local school districts
- Health, welfare, and human services
- Transportation
- Roads and highways
- Law enforcement
- Building safety
- Mosquito control
- Flood control
MORE: How to deduct a car accident from your taxes
How to pay property taxes in San Mateo County
San Mateo County property taxes on secured or real property
are due each year
in two installments. The first installment is due between November 1 and December 10. After that date, a 10% penalty will be added to the bill. The second installment is due February 1, with a 10% late penalty assessed for payments after April 10.
Taxpayers in San Mateo County can pay property taxes online, by mail, or in person. Here’s how:
- Online: You can use an e-check or a credit or debit card to pay San Mateo County property taxes—card payments have an added convenience fee.
- By mail:
- Make your check payable to the San Mateo County Tax CollectorMail to: San Mateo County Tax Collector, PO Box 45878, San Francisco, CA 94145-0878
- In person: You can visit555 County Center, 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063to pay in person.Satellite locationsare also available
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FAQs
When are property taxes due in San Mateo County?
San Mateo County property taxes are due beginning the first of November each year and can be paid in two installments, with the first installment due no later than December 10th, and the second installment due no later than April 10th.
How do I get my San Mateo property tax statement?
Your property tax statement will be mailed to you in early November, just before your first property tax installment is due.
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