San Rafael, Marin County, California Property Taxes

Name: Property Tax Bills Across San Rafael, Marin County, California
Creator: Ownwell
License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/

Median San Rafael, CA effective property tax rate: 1.43%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, but lower than the California state median of 1.21%.
Median San Rafael, CA home value: $698,202
Median annual San Rafael, CA tax bill: $9,771, $7,371 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in Marin County calculated?

Property taxes in San Rafael, CA are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding San Rafael’s property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in San Rafael, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated March 1, 2025

San Rafael, Marin County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

Property Assessed Value

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.43%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$9,984

$9,265

Ownwell’s San Rafael Property Tax Bill Calculator empowers homeowners, real estate investors, and potential buyers to estimate their annual property taxes in San Rafael with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, our calculator applies San Rafael’s median effective tax rate to accurately estimate your property tax bill. Note that your property's assessed value — determined by your county — reflects any exemptions you may have, ensuring a precise calculation for your property tax obligations. This insightful tool helps you understand potential tax liabilities and highlights how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in Marin County. For those interested in more localized information, please scroll down to explore city-level trends!

Property Tax Rates Across San Rafael, Marin County, California

Local government entities are responsible for setting tax rates, which can differ significantly within a state. This variation occurs because each county annually estimates its budget needs for providing essential services and divides this figure by the total assessed value of all taxable properties in its jurisdiction. This calculation determines the property tax rate. While votes and laws play a role in shaping tax rates and budgets, this is essentially the annual process.

In San Rafael, located in Marin County, property tax rates can be compared to other cities in California and the national median. San Rafael's effective property tax rate is higher than the national median of 1.02%, reflecting the county's budgetary requirements and property values. Within Marin County, the highest median tax rate is found in the 94903 zip code, while the lowest is in the 94901 zip code. Understanding these rates can help property owners make informed decisions about their tax obligations and potential savings through appeals or exemptions.

Property Tax Rates Across San Rafael, Marin County, California

Source: Ownwell

1.12%

1.36%

1.60%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective San Rafael Tax Rate

1.43%

Median Effective Marin County Tax Rate

1.38%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across San Rafael, Marin County, 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	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
94970	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Rafael, Marin County, California

When examining property taxes in San Rafael, CA, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial. The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The Marin County Assessor's Office estimates the market value for tax purposes. The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill. In Marin County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They’ll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of April. Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. By providing insights into how assessed and market values are determined, this section helps property owners navigate their tax responsibilities and understand the valuation processes affecting their property taxes in San Rafael. For example, the median home price in San Rafael is $698,202, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 94901 has the highest median home price at $783,080.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Rafael, Marin County, California

Source: Ownwell

$403,706

$1,390,435

$2,377,164

Median San Rafael Market Value

$698,202

Median Marin County Market Value

$766,131

Median California Market Value

$378,421

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Rafael, Marin County, 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	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
94970	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across San Rafael, Marin County, California

In San Rafael, CA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is typically determined by the county assessor. The assessed value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to calculate the annual property tax bill. In Marin County, where San Rafael is located, the tax bills can vary significantly. For instance, the median tax bill in zip code 94901 is $10,566, while in zip code 94903, it is $9,022. These figures are notably higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400. Factors such as home improvements, market conditions, and local tax rates can affect a homeowner's tax bill. High property tax bills can place a significant financial burden on homeowners. This is where Ownwell comes in. By providing expert property tax appeal and exemption services, Ownwell helps homeowners potentially lower their property tax bills, ensuring they only pay their fair share. This can result in substantial savings, providing financial relief to homeowners in San Rafael.

Property Tax Bills Across San Rafael, Marin County, California

Source: Ownwell

$4,940

$17,197

$29,453

Median San Rafael Tax Bill

$9,771

Median Marin County Tax Bill

$10,481

Median California Tax Bill

$4,683

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across San Rafael, Marin County, 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	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
94970	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

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