Access San Francisco Property Tax Records

San Francisco property tax records are managed by San Francisco County because the city and county are one combined government entity. The Treasurer and Tax Collector office handles all property tax billing and collection for the entire city. Property owners can search records, view bills, and make payments through online portals. San Francisco has multiple parcel taxes approved by voters for schools, public safety, and city services. These appear as separate charges on your property tax bill. The city also has CFDs for major redevelopment areas including Transbay, Hunters Point, and Treasure Island. Homeowners should review bills carefully to understand all charges beyond the base one percent property tax rate set by Proposition 13.

San Francisco City and County Property Tax System

San Francisco is unique in California. The city and county are combined into one government. This means city offices handle property tax work that county offices do in other places. The Treasurer and Tax Collector manages all tax bills, payments, and collections. The Assessor-Recorder evaluates properties and maintains records.

All San Francisco property tax information is available through city portals. Visit San Francisco County for complete details. The Treasurer website at sftreasurer.org has payment tools, bill search, and exemption forms.

Contact the Treasurer and Tax Collector office at City Hall, Room 140. Business hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday. The office handles payment questions, duplicate bill requests, and general property tax inquiries. Pay online at sftreasurer.org using electronic check for free or credit card with a 2.25 percent fee.

San Francisco Parcel Taxes and Special Assessments

San Francisco voters have approved several parcel taxes. These fund specific purposes like schools and public safety. Current parcel taxes include the School Parcel Tax at $334.38 per parcel, SFUSD Facilities Tax at $43, and Teacher Support Tax at $319.34. Amounts may vary based on property type and voter-approved exemptions.

The city also has CFDs for major redevelopment areas. Transbay CFD funds infrastructure around the new transit center. Hunters Point and Treasure Island CFDs support development in those neighborhoods. If your property is in a CFD, you pay annual charges shown on your tax bill.

Some parcel taxes offer exemptions for seniors, low-income households, or other qualifying groups. Visit sftreasurer.org to see which exemptions you may qualify for. File exemption claims before the deadline to avoid paying unnecessary charges.

Search San Francisco Property Tax Bills

Use the Treasurer and Tax Collector website to search any San Francisco property. Enter the address or Assessor Parcel Number. The system shows current and past tax bills, payment history, and any outstanding amounts. Access is free and works 24 hours a day.

To pay online, visit sftreasurer.org and select the property tax payment option. Electronic checks have no fee. Credit and debit cards charge 2.25 percent with a $2.00 minimum. Returned eChecks have a $50 fee, so verify account information before submitting.

You can also pay in person at City Hall, Room 140 during business hours. Mail checks to the address on your bill. Make checks payable to San Francisco Tax Collector. Include the payment stub to ensure proper credit to your account.

Homeowners' and Other Exemptions

San Francisco homeowners qualify for the standard Homeowners' Exemption. This reduces assessed value by $7,000 if you own and occupy the property as your main home. File the claim by February 15. Once approved, it continues automatically each year. Get the form at sf.gov or the Assessor-Recorder office.

Veterans with disabilities may receive additional exemptions based on disability percentage and income limits. Disabled persons under age 62 also qualify for an exemption. Contact the Assessor-Recorder for forms and eligibility requirements.

Seniors can defer property taxes through the state Property Tax Postponement Program. Requirements include age 62 or older, at least 40 percent equity, and household income under $55,181. Interest accrues at five percent per year. Apply between October 1 and February 10 at sco.ca.gov.

Some parcel taxes have senior exemptions. Review your tax bill and visit sftreasurer.org to see which parcel taxes you might be exempt from based on age or income.

Payment Deadlines for San Francisco Property Taxes

San Francisco sends property tax bills twice yearly. First installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent at 5:00 pm December 10. A ten percent penalty applies to late payments. Second installment is due February 1 and delinquent April 10 with another ten percent penalty plus costs.

You must pay on time even if you do not receive a bill. Contact the Treasurer office if your bill does not arrive. Online access lets you view and print bills anytime at sftreasurer.org. You are responsible for knowing due dates regardless of bill delivery.

Online payments must be completed by 5:00 pm on the due date. Mailed payments need postmarks on or before the due date. In-person payments are accepted until 5:00 pm at City Hall. Keep confirmation numbers and receipts as proof of payment.

File an Assessment Appeal

Property owners can appeal assessed values through the San Francisco Assessment Appeals Board. File between July 2 and September 15 each year. There may be a filing fee based on property value. Get forms from the Assessor-Recorder office or the Clerk of the Board.

Provide evidence supporting your claim. Recent sales of similar properties help establish market value. Professional appraisals carry weight but cost money. Photos showing damage or poor condition also support your case. More evidence means better chances of success.

The Board holds a hearing where you present your case. The Assessor presents their valuation method and data. Board members review both presentations and decide the correct value. You can represent yourself. Many owners win appeals without hiring professionals. A successful appeal reduces your assessed value and lowers your tax bill.

Property Tax Help in San Francisco

The Treasurer and Tax Collector office answers questions about bills and payments. Visit City Hall Room 140 during business hours or call the main number. The website at sftreasurer.org has FAQs, payment calculators, and downloadable forms.

For assessment questions, contact the Assessor-Recorder office. Staff can explain how values are set, help with exemption applications, and provide property records. The office is also at City Hall.

The California Taxpayers' Rights Advocate Office helps resolve property tax disputes. This independent state office protects taxpayer rights. Call 916-274-3400 or email traoffice@boe.ca.gov for help with complex issues.

Other Bay Area Cities

Other large cities near San Francisco rely on their respective county offices for property tax administration. Each has different parcel taxes and CFDs.