Rate Breakdown

Property taxes in City And Of San Francisco County are calculated by multiplying the assessed value (minus exemptions) by the total local millage rate.

How Property Tax Works in City And Of San Francisco County

San Francisco, like every California jurisdiction, calculates property tax based on the assessed value of real‑estate and the applicable millage rates set by the city and county government. The County Assessor’s Office conducts a triennial reassessment, which means each property’s market value is determined at the time of purchase and then every three years thereafter. The assessed value equals the purchase price (or the most recent market value) plus an annual inflation adjustment that cannot exceed 2 % under Proposition 13.

Once the assessed value is established, the tax bill is derived by multiplying that value by the combined millage rate. In San Francisco the total rate typically ranges from 1.10 % to 1.20 % (or 11,000–12,000 mills), comprising:

• Base County rate (approximately 0.75 %)
• City of San Francisco rate (around 0.30 %)
• Special assessment districts (e.g., school bonds, transportation fees)
• Voter‑approved parcel taxes that may add a few additional mills

The resulting amount is the annual property tax obligation, which is sent to the San Francisco Treasurer & Tax Collector for collection.

Available Exemptions

California law provides several exemptions that can reduce the taxable portion of a property’s assessed value. Homeowners in San Francisco should review each to determine eligibility.

• Homestead Exemption: Offers up to $7,000 of reduction in assessed value for owner‑occupied residences. The exemption is automatic for qualified owners.
• Senior Citizen Exemption (Proposition 60/90): Residents age 55 or older may transfer the assessed value of their prior principal residence to a replacement home within the county, preserving the lower tax base.
• Disability Exemption (Proposition 8): Disabled homeowners can also transfer the assessed value of their previous home to a new residence, provided the new property is of equal or lesser value.
• Veteran Exemption: Surviving spouses of veterans who died on active duty or as a result of a service‑connected disability receive a $5,000 reduction in assessed value. The exemption must be applied for through the Assessor’s Office.

Payment Schedule & Deadlines

San Francisco bills property tax in two installments. Timely payment avoids penalties and interest.

• First installment: Due November 1st; a $10 late penalty is assessed on or after December 31st if unpaid.
• Second installment: Due February 1st; a $10 late penalty is assessed on or after March 31st if unpaid.

If a payment is not received by the deadline, a 0.5 % per month (up to 10 %) interest charge is added to the outstanding balance. Property owners may set up automatic withdrawals, pay online through the Treasurer’s portal, or mail a check with the appropriate stub.

Appealing Your Assessment

Property owners who believe their assessment is inaccurate have the right to protest. The process in San Francisco follows a strict timeline:

• Notice of Proposed Assessment (NPA): Sent by July 31st each year. Review the statement carefully.
• File a Formal Protest: Submit a completed Protest Form to the County Assessment Appeals Board (CAAB) by September 2nd. Late filings may be accepted with a valid excuse.
• Pre‑Hearing Conference: CAAB may schedule a conference to discuss the basis of your protest and request additional documentation.
• Hearing: An examiner will hold a formal hearing, often in October, where both the property owner and the Assessor can present evidence.
• Decision: The examiner issues a written decision within 30 days. If unsatisfied, you may appeal to the Superior Court.

Preparation is key: gather recent comparable sales, a current independent appraisal, and any documentation of property defects or improvements. The Assessor’s Office also provides a free “Assessment Review” service to help owners understand their valuation before filing a protest.