San Francisco County Property Taxes

The median property tax rate in San Francisco is 1.23%, which is significantly higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the California state median of 1.21%. With the median home value in San Francisco at $720,071, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $8,744, far exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in San Francisco are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which generally falls below the actual market value due to various property tax exemptions like the primary residence and agricultural exemptions. Understanding San Francisco's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in the city of San Francisco or another part of the county, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.

Last Updated June 14, 2024

San Francisco County Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$2,500,000

$5,000,000

Average Tax Rate

1.21%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$2,420

$1,272

$1,148

Average San Francisco County Tax Savings

Ownwell’s San Francisco Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in San Francisco with just two data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in San Francisco to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool not only helps you understand potential tax liabilities but also highlights how Ownwell can help lower property taxes in San Francisco. If you’d like to see trends on a city level, scroll down to navigate to a more local informational page. Your property assessed value is the value assigned to your property by your county for property tax calculations. Assessed value takes into account any exemptions you may have on your property.

Property Tax Rates Across San Francisco County, California

Property taxes in San Francisco play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in San Francisco is 1.23%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within San Francisco set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, San Francisco estimates its required budget to maintain services for the upcoming fiscal year and divides this budget by the total value of all taxable property in the jurisdiction, resulting in the property tax rate. Although tax rates and budgets are influenced by laws and voter input, this calculation forms the basic process for setting property tax rates. For comparison, Daly City has one of the higher property tax rates in California at 1.88%, while the city of San Francisco itself has a median rate of 1.23%. Analyzing how San Francisco's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.

Property Tax Rates Across San Francisco County, California

Source: Ownwell

1.20%

1.54%

1.88%

Average San Francisco County Tax Rate

1.23%

Average California Tax Rate

1.21%

Average United States Tax Rate

0.99%

Property Tax Rates Across San Francisco County, California

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Rate	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Daly City	1.39%	1.58%	1.88%	2.19%	2.37%
San Francisco	1.16%	1.19%	1.23%	1.31%	1.51%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Francisco County, California

In San Francisco, understanding the difference between "market value" and "assessed value" is key to comprehending property taxes. The market value represents the price a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open, competitive market, considering location, property condition, and current economic trends. For tax purposes, this value is estimated by the San Francisco Appraisal District. The assessed value, however, 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. Assessment notices in San Francisco are typically mailed in the spring, usually by the middle of April. These notices provide homeowners with both the market and assessed values, along with an estimate of the annual property tax bill. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. San Francisco has a median home price of $720,071, with the highest median tax bill in the city amounting to $8,744, while Daly City sees the lowest median tax bill at $4,530. Being aware of these valuation processes in San Francisco will help you identify opportunities for appealing assessments or applying for exemptions to manage your tax burden more effectively.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Francisco County, California

Source: Ownwell

$330,041

$842,517

$1,354,993

Average San Francisco County Assessed Value

$720,071

Average California Assessed Value

$378,421

Average United States Assessed Value

$244,900

Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Francisco County, California

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Home Price	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Daly City	$109,834	$192,412	$330,041	$467,670	$550,248
San Francisco	$135,628	$348,893	$720,075	$1,241,003	$1,940,000

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across San Francisco County, California

In San Francisco County, CA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of the home, which is often lower than the market value. The property tax rate in this county is influenced by various factors, including local government budgets and voter-approved measures. Homeowners in San Francisco face a broad range of tax bills, with the 25th percentile at $4,398 and the 75th percentile reaching $14,679. At the 90th percentile, tax bills can soar to $22,727. Notably, San Francisco has the highest median tax bill in the county at $8,744, while Daly City has the lowest at $4,530. These high property taxes can significantly impact homeowners, making it essential to explore ways to reduce these costs. Ownwell assists homeowners by providing expert property tax appeal and exemption services. By analyzing your property's assessed value and identifying potential inaccuracies, Ownwell can help you secure a fairer tax assessment. This can lead to substantial savings on your property tax bill, ensuring you only pay what is necessary.

Property Tax Bills Across San Francisco County, California

Source: Ownwell

$4,530

$12,502

$20,473

Average San Francisco County Tax Bill

$8,744

Average California Tax Bill

$4,683

Average United States Tax Bill

$2,690

Property Tax Bills Across San Francisco County, California

City	10th Percentile	25th Percentile	Median Tax Bill	75th Percentile	90th Percentile
Daly City	$1,999	$2,948	$4,530	$6,111	$7,060
San Francisco	$1,962	$4,398	$8,744	$14,679	$22,727

Source: Ownwell

Want to lower your San Francisco County property taxes?

Looking to reduce your San Francisco property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax protest company serving San Francisco. We specialize in helping property owners in the San Francisco area and beyond lower their taxes by working directly with the San Francisco Appraisal District. Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the San Francisco property tax protest process and identify all available property tax exemptions so you don’t have to. Whether you are a homeowner, a real estate investor, or an asset manager, our local team at Ownwell has the expertise to assess your current property tax situation and identify strategic opportunities for reducing your tax burden. By managing the protest process from beginning to end, we not only simplify the procedure but also increase your chances of obtaining a favorable result. Let Ownwell be your trusted partner in lowering your San Francisco property tax expenses through our proven strategies and expert advocacy.

Property Tax Appeals in California

In San Francisco County, homeowners have the right to appeal their property tax assessments if they believe the assessed value does not accurately reflect the market value of their property. The process begins with filing an appeal with the San Francisco Assessment Appeals Board, which is responsible for hearing and deciding on these matters. Homeowners must submit their appeal within the designated filing period, usually a few months after receiving their assessment notice. The appeal process involves presenting evidence that supports a lower assessed value. This can include recent sales data of comparable properties, independent appraisals, or evidence of any factors that negatively impact the property's value. The Assessment Appeals Board will review the submitted evidence during a hearing, where the homeowner or their representative can present their case. Potential outcomes of an appeal include a reduction, increase, or no change to the assessed value of the property. If the board finds that the original assessment was too high, they will adjust the value accordingly, which can lead to a lower property tax bill. Conversely, if the board determines that the assessment was accurate or too low, the assessed value may remain the same or even increase. Ownwell can assist homeowners throughout this process by providing expert guidance and representation. Our team can help gather the necessary evidence, complete the required paperwork, and present a compelling case to the Assessment Appeals Board. With Ownwell's support, homeowners can navigate the complex appeal process more effectively, increasing their chances of achieving a favorable outcome and potentially lowering their property tax burden.

Exemptions in California

San Francisco offers several property tax exemption programs designed to ease the financial burden on homeowners. One of the most significant exemptions is the Homeowners' Exemption, which is available to those who use their property as their primary residence. This exemption can reduce the assessed value of a home, leading to lower property taxes. To qualify, homeowners must occupy the property as their principal place of residence by January 1 of the year for which they are applying. Another important program is the Disabled Veterans' Exemption, which benefits veterans who have a service-related disability. This exemption can significantly reduce the assessed value of a property, offering substantial tax relief. Veterans must provide proof of their disability and meet specific residency requirements to qualify. Additionally, San Francisco offers the Senior Citizens' Exemption, aimed at homeowners aged 65 and older. This program provides financial relief by lowering the assessed value of a primary residence, thereby reducing the property tax owed. Seniors must meet income and residency requirements to be eligible. Ownwell can help homeowners navigate these exemption programs, ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria and submit the necessary documentation. By leveraging our expertise, homeowners can maximize their savings and reduce their property tax burden effectively. Our team is committed to providing personalized support, making the application process as seamless as possible.

Available Exemptions