Los Altos, California Property Taxes
The median property tax rate in Los Altos, CA is 1.22%, considerably higher than both the national median of 0.99% and the California state median of 1.21%. With the median home value in Los Altos, the typical annual property tax bill reaches $19,731, far exceeding the national median of $2,690. Property taxes in Los Altos 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 Los Altos'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 Los Altos 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
Los Altos, California Property Tax Bill Calculator
$100,000
$1,500,000
$3,000,000
Average Tax Rate
1.22%
Estimate Property Tax Bill
$20,496
$19,357
$1,148
Average Los Altos, California Tax Savings
Ownwell’s LOS ALTOS Property Tax Bill Calculator helps any homeowner, real estate investor, or potential owner estimate their annual property taxes in LOS ALTOS with just two data points. By entering your property's estimated assessed value, the calculator applies the median tax rate in LOS ALTOS to estimate your property tax bill. This insightful tool not only helps you understand potential tax liabilities but also illustrates how Ownwell can assist in reducing property taxes in LOS ALTOS. 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 Los Altos, California
Property taxes in Los Altos, California, are vital in funding essential local services such as public schools, road maintenance, and emergency services. The median tax rate in Los Altos is 1.22%, higher than both the California state median and the U.S. national median of 0.99%. Local government entities within Los Altos set these rates annually, and they can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Each year, Los Altos 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 Los Altos' effective property tax rate to other areas in Santa Clara County and the national median. For comparison, the 94022 zip code has the highest median property tax rate of 1.23%, while the 94024 zip code has the lowest median tax rate of 1.22%. Understanding how these cities compare with Los Altos provides valuable insights into the varying tax landscape across Santa Clara County, helping homeowners gain a clearer picture of their property tax obligations relative to neighboring areas.
Average Los Altos Tax Rate
1.22%
Average Santa Clara County Tax Rate
1.31%
Average California Tax Rate
1.21%
Average United States Tax Rate
0.99%
Property Tax Rates Across Los Altos, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Rate | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
94022 | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.23% | 1.32% | 1.57% |
94024 | 1.17% | 1.19% | 1.22% | 1.31% | 1.60% |
94041 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Los Altos Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Los Altos, California
In Los Altos, 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 Santa Clara 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 Los Altos, 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. Being aware of these valuation processes in Los Altos helps identify opportunities for protesting assessments or applying for exemptions to effectively manage the tax burden. For instance, the highest median tax bill in Los Altos is $20,095 in the 94024 zip code, while the lowest is $19,236 in the 94022 zip code.
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Los Altos, California
Source: Ownwell
$41,240
$1,437,154
$2,833,068
Average Los Altos Assessed Value
$1,680,000
Average Santa Clara County Assessed Value
$683,381
Average California Assessed Value
$378,421
Average United States Assessed Value
$244,900
Property Tax Assessment Values Across Los Altos, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Home Price | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
94022 | $250,325 | $767,545 | $1,609,384 | $2,965,290 | $4,233,088 |
94024 | $214,381 | $757,962 | $1,718,960 | $2,878,035 | $3,904,335 |
94041 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Los Altos Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Property Tax Bills Across Los Altos, California
In Los Altos, property tax bills are calculated based on the assessed value of the home, which is determined by the Santa Clara County Assessor. The assessed value is typically a percentage of the market value, and this figure is then multiplied by the local tax rate. In Los Altos, the median home price is $1,680,000, with tax bills ranging from $9,545 at the 25th percentile to $46,315 at the 90th percentile. Factors such as location, property size, and improvements can influence the assessed value, impacting the final tax bill. With the highest median tax bill in the 94024 zip code reaching $20,095, it's clear that property taxes can be a significant expense for homeowners. Ownwell assists homeowners by identifying potential inaccuracies in their property assessments and filing appeals to ensure they are not overpaying. By leveraging local expertise and thorough analysis, Ownwell can help reduce your property tax bill, offering substantial savings and peace of mind.
Average Los Altos Tax Bill
$19,731
Average Santa Clara County Tax Bill
$8,895
Average California Tax Bill
$4,683
Average United States Tax Bill
$2,690
Property Tax Bills Across Los Altos, California
Zip | 10th Percentile | 25th Percentile | Median Tax Bill | 75th Percentile | 90th Percentile |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
94022 | $3,924 | $9,713 | $19,236 | $33,822 | $48,931 |
94024 | $3,549 | $9,386 | $20,095 | $32,860 | $44,766 |
94041 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Source: Ownwell
$1,148
Average Los Altos Tax Savings
Save on your property taxes & more with Ownwell.
Don't miss the deadline to appeal!
Dates | |
---|---|
Property Valuation Date | January 1 |
Appeal Deadline | September 16 |
Tax Bill | |
Issued | October 1 |
Due Date #1 | December 10 |
Due Date #2 | April 10 |
Links | |
---|---|
Santa Clara Tax Assessor | |
Phone | (408) 299-5372 |
Website | www.sccassessor.org |
dawn.cieslik@asr.sccgov.org |
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