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San Mateo County property tax

Published: 15.04.2023

Example of San Mateo County Property Tax Calculation

San Mateo County calculates property tax based on the assessed value of the property. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and is equal to the market value of the property at the time of purchase, plus any improvements made to the property.

To calculate the property tax, the assessed value is multiplied by the tax rate, which is set by the county each year. For example, if the assessed value of a property in San Mateo County is $500,000 and the tax rate is 1%, the property tax would be $5,000 per year.

It is important to note that there may be additional fees and assessments added to the property tax, such as special assessments for roads or schools. These fees vary by location and can increase the total property tax owed.

Property owners in San Mateo County have the option to pay their property taxes in two installments, due on December 10th and April 10th of each year. Failure to pay property taxes on time can result in penalties and interest charges.

Overall, it is important for property owners in San Mateo County to understand how their property tax is calculated and to budget accordingly for these expenses.

If you want appeal your property tax assessment - contact your local tax assessor.

San Mateo County Property Tax Rates

The table below lists the San Mateo County Property Tax rates in US dollars per 100$ of assessed value:

Tax Rate per $100 of Assessed Value
General Tax $0.5764
Voter-Approved Debt Tax $0.0347
Countywide Direct Charges Varies by location
Special Taxes Varies by location

It's important to note that the Countywide Direct Charges and Special Taxes vary depending on the location of the property. As a tax advisor, it's always recommended to double-check the specific rates for each property with the San Mateo County Tax Collector's office.

Who sets property tax rates in San Mateo County ?

  • In San Mateo County, property tax rates are set by the County Board of Supervisors.
  • The property tax rates are determined annually in June.
  • The County Board of Supervisors reviews the assessed values of properties and calculates the amount of revenue needed to fund various services, such as schools, police and fire departments, and local government operations.
  • Once the required revenue is determined, the County Board of Supervisors sets the property tax rates accordingly.
  • Property owners in San Mateo County receive their property tax bills in October and have until December 10th to pay without penalty.

Homestead exemptions in San Mateo County ?

To provide a comprehensive overview of Homestead exemptions and deductions in San Mateo County, California, the blogger has created a table with the following columns:

Column Description
Exemption The type of exemption or deduction available for homeowners
Eligibility The criteria homeowners must meet to qualify for the benefit
Amount The monetary value or percentage of the exemption or deduction
Notes Additional information or requirements for the benefit

Below are the county-specific Homestead exemptions and deductions in San Mateo County:

  • Basic Homeowners' Exemption: This exemption provides a deduction of $7,000 from the assessed value of a homeowner's primary residence. To be eligible, the owner must occupy the residence on January 1st of the fiscal year and file a claim form with the County Assessor.

  • Supplemental Homeowners' Exemption: This exemption provides an additional $25,000 deduction from the assessed value of a homeowner's primary residence if the homeowner is at least 65 years old, blind, or disabled. The homeowner must meet the same eligibility requirements as the Basic Homeowners' Exemption and file a supplemental claim form.

  • Parent-Child Exclusion: This exclusion allows the transfer of a primary residence between parents and their children without triggering a reassessment of the property's value for property tax purposes. The child must occupy the residence as their primary residence, and there are certain limitations on the value of the property and the amount of the exclusion.

  • Senior Citizens' Replacement Dwelling Benefit: This benefit allows eligible seniors (at least 55 years old) to transfer the assessed value of their primary residence to a replacement dwelling within San Mateo County. The replacement dwelling must have a lower assessed value than the original residence, and there are certain requirements for timing, ownership, and occupancy.

  • Disaster Relief Assistance: Homeowners who experience a significant loss of value to their property due to a disaster may be eligible for temporary property tax relief. The amount of relief varies based on the extent of the damage and the value of the property before the disaster. Homeowners must apply for this benefit within 12 months of the disaster.

It is important to note that each of these exemptions and deductions has specific eligibility requirements and limitations, and homeowners should consult with the San Mateo County Assessor's Office for more information and to determine their eligibility.

When is San Mateo County Property Tax due ?

San Mateo County property tax is typically due on December 10th of each year. However, if this date falls on a weekend or holiday, the due date will be extended until the next business day. It is important to note that failure to pay property taxes on time may result in penalties and interest charges.

There are several methods of payment available to San Mateo County property owners:

  • Online: Payments can be made online using the county's secure payment system. This method accepts e-checks and credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover).
  • Mail: Checks or money orders can be mailed to the Tax Collector's office. The envelope must be postmarked by December 10th to avoid late fees.
  • In-person: Payments can be made in person at the Tax Collector's office using cash, checks, or money orders.

It is highly recommended that property owners pay their property taxes on time to avoid any penalties or interest charges. If you have any questions or concerns about San Mateo County property tax, please contact the Tax Collector's office.

If you have more questions - contact your local tax collector.

How is San Mateo County Property Tax penalty calculated ?

San Mateo County calculates property tax penalties based on the delinquent tax amount and the number of days late. The penalty is applied at a rate of 1.5% per month, which is equivalent to 18% per year. Here's an example to illustrate the calculation:

Let's say a property owner has an annual property tax bill of $10,000 due on December 10th. However, the owner fails to pay the full amount by the due date and has an unpaid balance of $5,000 after December 10th. The owner fails to pay the remaining balance for 90 days, bringing the total days late to 90.

The calculation for the penalty would look like this:

$5,000 Unpaid balance
x 1.5% Penalty rate
= $75 Total penalty

Therefore, the total penalty for being 90 days late on a $5,000 unpaid balance is $75.

Property owners should be aware that the penalty increases each month and can accumulate quickly. It's advisable to pay property taxes on time to avoid accruing penalties and interest charges.

We recommend contacting the San Mateo County Tax Office or a local tax professional for the most up-to-date and accurate information.

San Mateo County tax offices:


Author: Michael Davis
Bio: Michael is a civil servant based in the United States with a deep understanding of property tax. He uses his expertise to educate homeowners and investors on the intricacies of the property tax system through his blog. Michael believes in empowering his readers with knowledge to make informed decisions about their property taxes. When he's not working, Michael enjoys hiking and exploring the great outdoors.