, pay an average property tax rate of 0.55%, which is lower than the state average of 0.74%. Due to the high property values, though, homeowners in the area pay an average of $4,311 in property taxes each year.

One of the most important facts to know before you buy a home is how much you’ll need to pay in property taxes each year. This bill can sometimes amount to a month’s mortgage payment—or more—each year.

Here to fill you in on everything you need to know about property taxes in San Francisco County is home and

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Property tax 101

Per California state law, all private-held land property is subject to an annual property tax. This is also called a real-estate tax and includes both your home and the land it sits on.

The revenue generated by this tax helps fund public services at the local and state levels.

Each county is divided into multiple tax districts (for example, school districts and fire districts). That means that tax rates vary depending on your location in the county.

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What is the property tax rate in San Francisco County?

The average property tax rate across San Francisco County is 0.55%, and the typical homeowner pays $4,311 a year in property taxes.

The San Francisco County Treasurer’s office has compiled a

secured property taxes page

to explain how to read your tax bill. This includes information on what tax districts you are subject to, what those rates are, and how your tax bill has been calculated.

How San Francisco County property taxes are determined

The amount you’ll pay in property taxes comes from multiplying the assessed value of your home by your local tax rate.

The assessed value, also known as fair market value, is determined by the local assessor and reflects how your property would sell for on the open market.

If you think the assessed value is too high—meaning you’re overpaying for taxes—you have the right to appeal.

With these numbers, you can calculate your annual tax bill. Here’s an example of how it works. If you own a $500,000 home and your local tax rate is 1%, then your property tax bill for the year will be $5,000 (500,000 x 0.01)

What do San Francisco County property taxes pay for?

Property taxes fund many of the public services used by the community every day, including:

Public schools and community college

Police, fire, and EMS departments

Roads and highways

Libraries

Parks and communal areas

Sewage and trash disposal

Public health departments

Streetlights and road signs

Salaries for government employees

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How to pay property taxes in San Francisco County

San Francisco County requires homeowners to pay property tax twice a year, on December 10 and April 10.

You have a few ways to pay your bill:

Online: You can use the

online portal

to pay your tax bill via eCheck or debit/credit card (cards incur a 2.25% fee).

By mail: Checks should be made out to SF Tax Collector and sent to the following address: Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector, P.O. Box 7426, San Francisco, CA, 94120-7426

In-person: The Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector is open from 8 AM-5 PM, M-F at this address: 1 Dr. Carlton B Goodlett Pl., Room #140, San Francisco, CA 94102.

Through your mortgage: Many lenders offer the option to pay your property tax as part of your monthly mortgage. Reach out to your lender for more details.

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California minimum car insurance laws

How to save money on homeowners and car insurance in California

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When are property taxes due in San Francisco County?

Property taxes are due twice a year on December 10 and April 10.

Are property taxes high in San Francisco County?

While the property tax rate isn’t very high in San Francisco County, high home values make property tax bills much higher than the national average.

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