San Mateo County Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in San Mateo County is 1.26%, 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 Mateo County at $685,382, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $8,692, far exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in San Mateo County 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 Mateo County's specific property tax system, exploring available exemptions, and identifying opportunities for property tax reductions can provide significant annual savings. Whether you live in Redwood City or another part of San Mateo County, gaining a comprehensive knowledge of local property taxes will benefit both homeowners and real estate investors.
Last Updated June 14, 2024
San Mateo County Property Tax Bill Calculator
$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 Mateo County Tax Savings
Ownwell’s San Mateo Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner to estimate their annual property taxes in San Mateo with just 2 data points. Enter your property's estimated assessed value, and our calculator applies the median tax rate in San Mateo 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 Mateo. 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 Mateo County, California
Property taxes in San Mateo play a crucial role in funding essential local services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in San Mateo is 1.26%, which is higher than the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within San Mateo set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly between different areas within the county. Each year, San Mateo 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. The following data compares San Mateo's effective property tax rate with other regions. For comparison, the city of East Palo Alto has one of the higher property tax rates in California at 1.52%, while the city of Palomar Park boasts one of the lowest at 1.08%. Analyzing how San Mateo's tax rates stack up against these benchmarks can give homeowners a better understanding of the local tax landscape.
Average San Mateo County Tax Rate
1.26%
Average California Tax Rate
1.21%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across San Mateo County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atherton | 1.10% | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.21% | 1.44% |
| Belmont | 1.18% | 1.22% | 1.30% | 1.50% | 2.06% |
| Brisbane | 1.13% | 1.15% | 1.17% | 1.20% | 1.29% |
| Broadmoor Vlg | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% | 1.30% |
| Burlingame | 1.14% | 1.14% | 1.16% | 1.21% | 1.35% |
| Colma | 1.20% | 1.24% | 1.32% | 1.56% | 1.85% |
| Daly City | 1.18% | 1.22% | 1.30% | 1.44% | 1.72% |
| East Palo Alto | 1.24% | 1.31% | 1.52% | 1.93% | 3.88% |
| El Granada | 1.16% | 1.18% | 1.22% | 1.31% | 1.56% |
| Emerald Hills | 1.14% | 1.17% | 1.22% | 1.34% | 1.76% |
| Foster City | 1.15% | 1.19% | 1.20% | 1.24% | 1.31% |
| Half Moon Bay | 1.16% | 1.19% | 1.24% | 1.37% | 1.69% |
| Hillsborough | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.30% | 1.48% | 2.03% |
| La Honda | 1.08% | 1.09% | 1.15% | 1.22% | 1.35% |
| Loma Mar | 1.08% | 1.09% | 1.10% | 1.14% | 1.26% |
| Menlo Park | 1.15% | 1.19% | 1.27% | 1.49% | 2.08% |
| Millbrae | 1.13% | 1.13% | 1.15% | 1.19% | 1.28% |
| Montara | 1.27% | 1.34% | 1.47% | 1.74% | 2.35% |
| Moss Beach | 1.29% | 1.35% | 1.48% | 1.71% | 2.21% |
| Pacifica | 1.22% | 1.27% | 1.38% | 1.66% | 2.34% |
| Palo Alto | 1.21% | 1.28% | 1.43% | 1.47% | 1.93% |
| Palomar Park | 1.07% | 1.08% | 1.08% | 1.09% | 1.10% |
| Pescadero | 1.08% | 1.08% | 1.10% | 1.13% | 1.24% |
| Portola Valley | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.21% | 1.38% |
| Princeton | 1.29% | 1.29% | 1.29% | 1.29% | 1.29% |
| Redwood City | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.21% | 1.34% | 1.71% |
| San Bruno | 1.10% | 1.10% | 1.11% | 1.12% | 1.13% |
| San Carlos | 1.17% | 1.21% | 1.28% | 1.44% | 1.97% |
| San Francisco | 1.22% | 1.24% | 1.28% | 1.40% | 1.41% |
| San Gregorio | 1.10% | 1.11% | 1.12% | 1.13% | 1.18% |
| San Mateo | 1.25% | 1.30% | 1.42% | 1.67% | 2.23% |
| South San Francisco | 1.11% | 1.14% | 1.19% | 1.32% | 1.76% |
| Woodside | 1.08% | 1.09% | 1.11% | 1.15% | 1.23% |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average San Mateo County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Mateo County, California
In San Mateo County, 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 Mateo County 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 Mateo County 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. For instance, the median home price in the county is $685,382, with tax bills ranging significantly. Atherton has the highest median tax bill at $41,115, while San Francisco has the lowest at $4,364. By distinguishing between these valuation concepts, property owners can better navigate their tax responsibilities and understand how their property taxes are affected. Being aware of these valuation processes in San Mateo County 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 Mateo County, California
Source: Ownwell
$310,349
$1,947,376
$3,584,402
Average San Mateo County Assessed Value
$685,382
Average California Assessed Value
$378,421
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Mateo County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atherton | $469,793 | $1,448,092 | $3,584,402 | $7,398,750 | $12,647,753 |
| Belmont | $168,010 | $441,896 | $885,832 | $1,409,034 | $1,929,962 |
| Brisbane | $168,871 | $385,907 | $681,060 | $988,106 | $1,406,274 |
| Broadmoor Vlg | $932,662 | $932,662 | $932,662 | $932,662 | $932,662 |
| Burlingame | $185,183 | $476,466 | $1,017,898 | $1,828,250 | $2,647,732 |
| Colma | $85,134 | $220,332 | $481,720 | $815,244 | $1,044,240 |
| Daly City | $104,316 | $250,876 | $459,376 | $747,513 | $1,013,296 |
| East Palo Alto | $56,876 | $210,914 | $377,686 | $721,187 | $969,000 |
| El Granada | $179,439 | $404,318 | $708,214 | $1,066,354 | $1,400,917 |
| Emerald Hills | $222,102 | $626,156 | $1,181,150 | $1,948,920 | $2,584,786 |
| Foster City | $206,780 | $427,334 | $750,862 | $1,197,584 | $1,640,467 |
| Half Moon Bay | $191,153 | $428,682 | $771,902 | $1,183,686 | $1,690,000 |
| Hillsborough | $526,493 | $1,343,589 | $2,694,213 | $4,233,000 | $6,037,261 |
| La Honda | $139,980 | $287,233 | $500,648 | $779,936 | $1,128,332 |
| Loma Mar | $114,525 | $217,230 | $413,552 | $762,884 | $979,494 |
| Menlo Park | $198,249 | $507,183 | $1,148,326 | $2,141,793 | $3,445,400 |
| Millbrae | $157,665 | $387,096 | $781,811 | $1,289,216 | $1,822,742 |
| Montara | $187,929 | $390,658 | $722,356 | $1,088,641 | $1,470,796 |
| Moss Beach | $197,229 | $403,320 | $712,292 | $1,061,070 | $1,382,325 |
| Pacifica | $99,886 | $252,618 | $517,040 | $841,500 | $1,133,622 |
| Palo Alto | $211,952 | $481,146 | $948,186 | $1,076,052 | $1,251,950 |
| Palomar Park | $282,350 | $552,561 | $997,162 | $1,737,986 | $2,424,873 |
| Pescadero | $73,531 | $216,258 | $502,484 | $1,003,087 | $1,919,132 |
| Portola Valley | $300,194 | $916,783 | $1,937,884 | $3,153,904 | $4,699,706 |
| Princeton | $435,186 | $435,186 | $435,186 | $435,186 | $435,186 |
| Redwood City | $169,831 | $397,153 | $774,278 | $1,261,043 | $1,815,853 |
| San Bruno | $120,549 | $229,370 | $459,036 | $792,890 | $1,132,538 |
| San Carlos | $177,110 | $483,420 | $942,492 | $1,568,565 | $2,200,000 |
| San Francisco | $292,296 | $310,349 | $312,816 | $571,920 | $1,491,275 |
| San Gregorio | $168,498 | $306,234 | $780,135 | $1,357,892 | $1,986,724 |
| San Mateo | $158,414 | $356,901 | $693,132 | $1,173,000 | $1,732,882 |
| South San Francisco | $108,694 | $267,140 | $522,016 | $800,380 | $1,076,100 |
| Woodside | $343,229 | $961,056 | $2,242,664 | $4,310,190 | $8,171,372 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average San Mateo County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Property Tax Bills Across San Mateo County, California
In San Mateo County, CA, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of a home, which is often lower than its market value. The tax rate is applied to this assessed value to determine the annual tax bill. Factors such as location, home improvements, and market trends can influence this assessed value. For instance, the median home price in San Mateo County is $685,382, leading to varying tax bills: from the 25th percentile at $4,742 to the 90th percentile at $23,201. Homeowners in cities like Atherton may face the highest median tax bills, reaching up to $41,115, while those in San Francisco might see lower median bills around $4,364. Ownwell assists homeowners by identifying potential errors in property assessments and filing appeals to correct them. This service can significantly reduce tax burdens, ensuring homeowners only pay their fair share. By leveraging expertise in local tax laws and market conditions, Ownwell maximizes savings, making property ownership more affordable.
Average San Mateo County Tax Bill
$8,692
Average California Tax Bill
$4,683
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across San Mateo County, California
| City | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atherton | $6,948 | $17,173 | $41,115 | $82,442 | $138,497 |
| Belmont | $3,599 | $6,515 | $11,519 | $17,279 | $22,863 |
| Brisbane | $2,135 | $4,644 | $7,941 | $11,323 | $15,999 |
| Broadmoor Vlg | $12,084 | $12,084 | $12,084 | $12,084 | $12,084 |
| Burlingame | $2,516 | $5,730 | $11,875 | $21,056 | $30,178 |
| Colma | $1,772 | $3,781 | $6,442 | $10,099 | $12,568 |
| Daly City | $1,803 | $3,451 | $5,967 | $9,344 | $12,465 |
| East Palo Alto | $2,146 | $3,794 | $5,759 | $9,415 | $12,292 |
| El Granada | $2,873 | $5,314 | $8,681 | $12,628 | $16,259 |
| Emerald Hills | $3,940 | $8,505 | $14,492 | $22,761 | $29,598 |
| Foster City | $2,666 | $5,257 | $9,050 | $14,205 | $19,298 |
| Half Moon Bay | $2,224 | $5,135 | $9,131 | $13,826 | $19,472 |
| Hillsborough | $10,853 | $19,802 | $34,962 | $51,870 | $71,591 |
| La Honda | $1,730 | $3,431 | $5,821 | $8,743 | $12,193 |
| Loma Mar | $1,308 | $2,464 | $4,534 | $8,313 | $12,101 |
| Menlo Park | $4,209 | $7,583 | $14,755 | $25,858 | $39,835 |
| Millbrae | $2,002 | $4,533 | $9,011 | $14,684 | $20,585 |
| Montara | $4,459 | $6,708 | $10,630 | $14,872 | $18,928 |
| Moss Beach | $186 | $4,975 | $8,998 | $13,967 | $17,906 |
| Pacifica | $2,378 | $4,096 | $7,161 | $10,792 | $14,135 |
| Palo Alto | $3,705 | $6,017 | $12,887 | $15,267 | $16,950 |
| Palomar Park | $3,097 | $5,993 | $10,859 | $18,763 | $26,206 |
| Pescadero | $776 | $2,301 | $5,244 | $10,806 | $20,697 |
| Portola Valley | $4,045 | $11,168 | $22,472 | $35,728 | $52,525 |
| Princeton | $5,593 | $5,593 | $5,593 | $5,593 | $5,593 |
| Redwood City | $2,693 | $5,138 | $9,340 | $14,632 | $20,655 |
| San Bruno | $1,356 | $2,533 | $5,070 | $8,774 | $12,517 |
| San Carlos | $3,518 | $6,969 | $12,054 | $18,999 | $26,044 |
| San Francisco | $3,828 | $4,002 | $4,364 | $7,330 | $18,643 |
| San Gregorio | $1,053 | $3,259 | $8,428 | $14,976 | $21,877 |
| San Mateo | $3,618 | $5,874 | $9,821 | $15,429 | $22,118 |
| South San Francisco | $1,860 | $3,512 | $6,230 | $9,190 | $12,169 |
| Woodside | $4,349 | $11,164 | $24,970 | $47,913 | $89,186 |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average San Mateo County Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell
Want to lower your San Mateo County property taxes?
Looking to reduce your San Mateo property taxes? Ownwell is the leading property tax protest company serving San Mateo. We specialize in helping property owners in the San Mateo area and beyond lower their taxes by working directly with the San Mateo Appraisal District. Through our tax monitoring service, we collect all necessary information to maximize your tax reductions. We navigate the complexities of the San Mateo 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 Mateo property tax expenses through our proven strategies and expert advocacy.
Property Tax Appeals in California
In San Mateo County, homeowners who believe their property tax assessments are too high have the option to protest. The appeal process begins with filing an application with the Assessment Appeals Board, which is the body responsible for hearing these cases. Homeowners must submit evidence to support their claim that their property’s assessed value is inaccurate. This evidence can include recent sales data of comparable properties, independent appraisals, and other relevant market information. Once the application is submitted, the Assessment Appeals Board will schedule a hearing. During the hearing, both the homeowner and the County Assessor's office will present their cases. The board will then review the evidence and make a determination. Potential outcomes include a reduction in the assessed value, which would lower the property tax bill, or a decision to maintain the current assessment if the evidence does not support a reduction. Navigating this process can be complex and time-consuming. This is where Ownwell can provide invaluable assistance. Ownwell's team of property tax experts can help homeowners gather the necessary evidence, prepare a compelling case, and represent them during the hearing. By leveraging their expertise, homeowners have a better chance of achieving a favorable outcome. Ownwell’s services take the burden off homeowners, allowing them to focus on other priorities while ensuring their appeal is handled professionally. With a deep understanding of local property tax laws and a proven track record, Ownwell can help homeowners in San Mateo County potentially save significant amounts on their property taxes.
Exemptions in California
San Mateo County offers several property tax exemption programs designed to provide financial relief to eligible homeowners. The most notable is the Homeowners' Exemption, which is available to those who occupy their property as their primary residence. This exemption reduces the assessed value of the home by a set amount, thereby lowering the annual property tax bill. To qualify, homeowners must file a claim with the county assessor's office. Another significant exemption is the Disabled Veterans' Exemption, which benefits veterans who have a service-related disability. This exemption can substantially reduce the assessed value of the property, offering significant savings on property taxes. Eligible veterans or their surviving spouses must provide documentation of their disability status and apply through the county. Additionally, San Mateo County provides the Senior Citizens' Exemption for homeowners aged 65 and older. This program can freeze the assessed value of the property, preventing future increases in property taxes. Seniors must meet certain income requirements and apply annually to maintain this benefit. Ownwell can assist homeowners in navigating these exemption programs by providing expert guidance and support throughout the application process. Our team ensures that all necessary documentation is correctly submitted, helping homeowners maximize their savings and take full advantage of available property tax relief programs.
Available Exemptions
Disabled
Home Stead
Solar/Wind
Non-Profit
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
|---|---|
| Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
| Appeal Deadline | December 2 |
| Tax Bill | |
| Issued | October 1 |
| Due Date #1 | December 10 |
| Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
|---|---|
| San Mateo Tax Assessor | |
| Website | sanmateo-ca.county-taxes.com |
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