San Rafael, California Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in San Rafael, CA, is 1.43%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the California state median of 1.21%. With the median home value in San Rafael at $698,202, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $9,771, exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in San Rafael are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which typically falls below the market value due to various exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding San Rafael's property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for reductions can lead to significant annual savings. Whether you're in the heart of San Rafael or another part of the city, understanding the local property tax system will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
San Rafael, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$2,500,000
$5,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.21%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$2,420
Ownwell’s San Rafael Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in San Rafael with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in San Rafael to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities. If you’re interested in seeing trends on a neighborhood level, scroll down to find more localized information. Your property’s assessed value is the value assigned by the county for property tax calculations, accounting for any exemptions that may apply.
Property Tax Rates Across San Rafael, California
Property taxes in San Rafael, California, are crucial in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in San Rafael is 1.43%, significantly higher than both the California state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within San Rafael set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, San Rafael estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year, then divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property within the jurisdiction to calculate the property tax rate. While tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basis of setting property tax rates. The data below compares San Rafael's effective property tax rate to other areas in Marin County and the national median. For comparison, the 94903 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.48%, while the 94970 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 1.09%. Understanding how these cities compare with San Rafael provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Marin County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average San Rafael Tax Rate
1.43%
Average Marin County Tax Rate
1.38%
Average California Tax Rate
1.21%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across San Rafael, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94901 | 1.23% | 1.29% | 1.38% | 1.62% | 2.09% |
| 94903 | 1.28% | 1.36% | 1.48% | 1.76% | 2.36% |
| 94937 | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.12% | 1.12% |
| 94970 | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.09% | 1.09% |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Rafael, California
In San Rafael, California, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial for comprehending property taxes. The market value is the price a willing buyer would pay a willing seller in an open and competitive market, influenced by factors like location, property condition, and economic trends. This value is estimated by the Marin County Assessor's Office for tax purposes. In contrast, the assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits based on local laws and available programs. The assessed value is then used to calculate your property taxes by multiplying it by the combined tax rates of all relevant taxing entities. In San Rafael, assessment notices are typically mailed out in the spring, usually by mid-April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By understanding the distinction between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and comprehend how their property taxes are determined. San Rafael's median home price stands at $698,202. The highest median tax bill is found in zip code 94970 at $30,097, while the lowest is in zip code 94903 at $9,022. Being aware of these valuation processes helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Rafael, California
Source: Ownwell
$37,528
$1,404,773
$2,772,017
Average San Rafael Assessed Value
$698,202
Average Marin County Assessed Value
$766,131
Average California Assessed Value
$378,421
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Rafael, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94901 | $179,310 | $372,300 | $783,080 | $1,218,340 | $1,800,240 |
| 94903 | $147,296 | $309,688 | $621,291 | $973,025 | $1,324,133 |
| 94937 | $1,670,868 | $1,670,868 | $1,670,868 | $1,670,868 | $1,670,868 |
| 94970 | $2,766,440 | $2,766,440 | $2,766,440 | $2,766,440 | $2,766,440 |
Source: Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across San Rafael, California
In San Rafael, located in Marin County, CA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of the property, which is determined by the county assessor. This value is typically a percentage of the property's market value. Homeowners in San Rafael can expect to pay varying amounts depending on their property's assessed value. The median home price in the area is $698,202, and property taxes can range significantly. For instance, the 25th percentile tax bill is around $5,723, while the 75th percentile tax bill reaches $14,210. At the higher end, the 90th percentile tax bill is approximately $19,330. These figures are influenced by various factors, including property improvements and market conditions. Homeowners in certain zip codes, like 94970, may face the highest median tax bill at $30,097, whereas those in zip code 94903 experience a lower median tax bill of $9,022. Understanding these factors is crucial for homeowners to manage their financial planning effectively.
Average San Rafael Tax Bill
$9,771
Average Marin County Tax Bill
$10,481
Average California Tax Bill
$4,683
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across San Rafael, California
| Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 94901 | $3,745 | $5,952 | $10,566 | $15,476 | $21,847 |
| 94903 | $3,676 | $5,526 | $9,022 | $13,132 | $16,833 |
| 94937 | $18,770 | $18,770 | $18,770 | $18,770 | $18,770 |
| 94970 | $30,097 | $30,097 | $30,097 | $30,097 | $30,097 |
Source: Ownwell
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | November 30 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| Marin Tax Assessor | |
| Website | apps.marincounty.org |