San Mateo County Property Tax Database

San Mateo County property tax records are handled by the Tax Collector/Treasurer and the Assessor's Office. Property owners can search assessed values, view tax bills, and make payments online through county portals. The county serves the San Francisco Peninsula including cities like San Mateo, Daly City, and Redwood City. Electronic check payments are free with no service charge. Credit card and PayPal payments have a 2.35 percent fee with a minimum of $1.95. Returned item fees are $85. Contact the Tax Collector at 866-220-0308 or email taxmaster@smcgov.org for assistance with your property tax account and payment options available through the county system.

Tax Collector/Treasurer Office

The San Mateo County Tax Collector/Treasurer bills and collects property taxes. Secured property tax bills mail in October. 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 immediately after the deadline.

Call 866-220-0308 for tax questions. Email taxmaster@smcgov.org with billing inquiries. The office is at 555 County Center, Floor 1, Redwood City, CA 94063. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The official website at smcgov.org/tax provides online payment options and tax information.

Payment fees are clearly listed on the website. Electronic checks are free. Credit cards have a 2.35 percent fee. PayPal payments also have a 2.35 percent fee. The minimum fee for card payments is $1.95. Returned items incur an $85 fee.

Assessor's Office

The San Mateo County Assessor values all taxable property in the county. Values are set each January 1 following Proposition 13 rules. The Assessor processes exemption claims and handles ownership changes. They maintain detailed records for all parcels throughout the county.

The Assessor's website at smcacre.gov/assessor provides property search tools and forms. Look up any parcel by address, parcel number, or owner name. The database shows assessed value, property characteristics, exemptions, and sales history. This service is free to use.

How to Pay Property Taxes

Pay San Mateo County property taxes online at smcgov.org/tax. 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 cards and PayPal have a 2.35 percent fee with a $1.95 minimum.

Mail payments to the address on your tax bill. Include the payment stub with your check or money order. Postmarks on the due date count as on-time payment. Use certified mail if mailing close to the deadline for proof of mailing. In-person payments are accepted at 555 County Center during office hours. The counter takes cash, checks, money orders, and debit cards.

Returned item fees are $85. Make sure you have sufficient funds before writing a check or authorizing an electronic payment. Electronic payments process faster and provide immediate confirmation.

Property Tax Exemptions

The Homeowners' Exemption reduces your assessed value by $7,000. 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. Notify the Assessor if you move or rent out the property.

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 and eligibility requirements.

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 of the property.

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 are calculated on the installment amount, not the full year tax.

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 866-220-0308 if you need help with delinquent taxes or payment arrangements.

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

Filing 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. Some counties charge a filing fee to cover administrative costs.

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.

Major Cities in San Mateo County

San Mateo County includes several cities along the San Francisco Peninsula. The County Assessor and Tax Collector handle property taxes for all cities.

Nearby Counties

San Mateo County borders San Francisco, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz counties. Each county operates its own property tax system.