Marin County Tax Bill Information

Marin County property tax records are available through the Tax Collector's office and online portals. Property owners can search tax bills, view assessed values, and make payments electronically. The county serves communities north of San Francisco including San Rafael, Novato, and Sausalito. Electronic check payments have no charge for taxpayers. Credit and debit card payments have a 2.35 percent fee with a minimum of $1.49. Returned checks cost $40 in fees. Contact the Tax Collector at 415-473-6133 for assistance with your bill or payment questions through the county office located at the Civic Center in San Rafael.

Marin County Tax Collector

The Marin County Tax Collector bills and collects property taxes for the county. Secured property tax bills mail in October each year. First installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent December 10 at 5:00 pm. Second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent April 10 at 5:00 pm. Each late installment receives a ten percent penalty.

Call 415-473-6133 for tax questions. The office is at 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 202, San Rafael, CA 94903. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The online tax bill portal is at apps.marincounty.gov/taxbillonline where you can look up bills and make payments.

Electronic check payments have no charge. Credit and debit card payments have a 2.35 percent fee with a minimum of $1.49. Returned checks incur a $40 fee. Choose the payment method that works best for your situation.

Online Tax Bill Portal

Marin County offers an online tax bill system at apps.marincounty.gov/taxbillonline. Enter your parcel number or property address to find your bill. The portal shows both installments, due dates, payment history, and any penalties. Electronic checks are free. Credit and debit cards have a 2.35 percent fee with a $1.49 minimum charge.

The system provides immediate confirmation for online payments. You can view and print your tax bill anytime. Payment history shows all transactions for the current and prior years. This helps you track payments and verify amounts paid.

How to Pay Property Taxes

Pay Marin County property taxes online through the tax bill portal. Mail payments to the address on your tax bill with the payment stub and your check or money order. Postmarks on the due date count as on-time payment. Use certified mail if mailing close to the deadline.

In-person payments are accepted at 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 202, San Rafael during office hours. The counter takes cash, checks, money orders, and debit cards. Some taxpayers prefer in-person payment for immediate receipt confirmation.

Keep payment receipts as proof of payment. Online payments provide immediate confirmation. Mail and in-person payments should be documented with receipts or certified mail records. These records help resolve any disputes about payment timing or amounts.

Assessor's Office

The Marin County Assessor values all taxable property in the county. Values are determined each January 1 based on Proposition 13 guidelines. The Assessor processes exemption claims and handles ownership changes. Property records are searchable online through county systems.

Look up property information by address, parcel number, or owner name. The database shows assessed value, property characteristics, exemptions, and sales history. This service is free to use and available to the public without registration.

Property Tax Exemptions

The Homeowners' Exemption provides a $7,000 reduction in assessed value. You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence. File the claim with the Assessor by February 15 to receive the exemption for that tax year. Once approved, it renews automatically each year.

Veterans with disabilities qualify for exemptions based on disability rating and income. Basic exemption is $4,000 off assessed value. Low-income veterans with 100 percent disability can receive up to $138,173 exemption. Disabled persons under age 62 also qualify with income limits. Contact the Assessor for application forms.

Religious organizations, schools, hospitals, and charities can apply for welfare exemptions on property used for exempt purposes. These require annual filing by February 15 with documentation showing exempt use.

Late Payment Penalties

Late payments receive a ten percent penalty on each installment. First installment penalties apply after 5:00 pm on December 10. Second installment penalties apply after 5:00 pm on April 10. These penalties calculate on the installment amount.

After June 30, unpaid taxes go into default. Defaulted taxes accrue additional interest and costs. The county can eventually sell properties with long-term unpaid taxes to recover amounts owed. Contact the Tax Collector at 415-473-6133 for help with delinquent taxes.

Note: Payments must be received or postmarked by the due date to avoid penalties.

Assessment Appeals

Property owners can appeal assessments they believe are too high. File your appeal between July 2 and September 15 for regular assessment appeals. Some decline-in-value appeals have extended deadlines to November 30. Check with the Clerk of the Assessment Appeals Board to confirm which deadline applies.

Get the appeal form from the Assessor or the Clerk of the Board. Complete property information, state your opinion of value, and explain why the current assessment is wrong. Attach supporting evidence like recent appraisals, comparable sales, or photos.

The Board schedules a hearing after you file. You receive written notice at least 45 days before the hearing date. At the hearing, present your case with evidence. The Assessor presents their valuation. The Board considers both sides and issues a written decision.

Cities in Marin County

Marin County includes cities north of San Francisco. The County Assessor and Tax Collector handle property taxes for all cities in the county.

Nearby Counties

Marin County borders San Francisco, Contra Costa, and Sonoma counties. Each county operates its own property tax system.