When Are San Francisco Property Taxes Due?
Navigate San Francisco property tax deadlines with ease. Understand due dates, payment methods, and consequences of late payments.
Property taxes in San Francisco serve as a significant funding source for various local services and infrastructure, including public safety, health, and education. Understanding the payment schedule and associated requirements is important for homeowners in the city.
Annual Property Tax Due Dates
San Francisco property taxes are structured into two annual installments. The first installment is due on November 1st each year, covering the period from July 1st through December 31st. This payment becomes delinquent if not received or postmarked by 5:00 PM on December 10th.
The second installment, covering January 1st through June 30th, is due on February 1st of the following calendar year. Payments for this installment are considered delinquent if not received or postmarked by 5:00 PM on April 10th. Property tax bills are typically mailed to homeowners around October.
Understanding Your Property Tax Bill
Your San Francisco property tax bill provides detailed information about your property’s assessment and the amount due. It includes the Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN), which uniquely identifies your property for tax purposes. The bill also specifies the assessed value of the property, which is determined by the County Assessor-Recorder’s office.
The tax bill states the total tax amount due. It may also list any special assessments or direct charges applicable to your property.
Methods for Property Tax Payment
San Francisco offers several convenient methods for property tax payment. Homeowners can pay online through the Treasurer and Tax Collector’s website, using either an electronic check (eCheck) with no service fee or a credit/debit card, which typically incurs a service fee of around 2.25%. The online portal allows taxpayers to find their bill using block and lot information or the bill number.
Payments can also be submitted by mail; checks or money orders should be made payable to “SF Tax Collector” and include the Block and Lot number on the memo line. Mailed payments must be postmarked by the due date to avoid penalties. In-person payment options are available at the Treasurer & Tax Collector’s office.
Consequences of Missed Deadlines
Failure to pay property taxes by the specified delinquency dates results in penalties. If the first installment is not paid by December 10th, a 10% penalty is applied to the unpaid amount. Similarly, a 10% penalty is incurred if the second installment is not paid by April 10th, along with applicable fees.
Should a property tax bill remain delinquent through June 30th, it is considered “tax-defaulted.” At this point, the unpaid balance begins to accrue additional interest at a rate of 1.5% per month, or 18% per year, until the full amount is paid. Persistent non-payment can lead to further enforcement actions, including the potential for the property to be sold at auction if taxes remain unpaid for an extended period.