San Francisco’s Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector sends out your property tax bill only once a year but you may pay in two installments without penalty. Bills are mailed by the end of October, so be sure to contact the office at (415) 554-4400 if you have not received yours by November 10th. By state law, the City cannot waive late-payment penalties even if you claim you did not receive a bill. Installments are due by December 10th and April 10th, or by 5:00 PM the next business day if either of those dates falls on a weekend or holiday. Make note of these deadlines if you are a new homeowner unfamiliar with property tax obligations or are no longer paying taxes automatically through your mortgage company.

• How are property taxes calculated?

Property tax in the City and County of San Francisco is based on the value of your home as determined by the Office of the Assessor-Recorder, (415) 554-5596. This value equals the market rate of your home at the time of purchase with additional yearly increases limited to 2%. This valuation applies until the property goes on the market again or you complete any new construction or capital improvements such as renovations or additions. At that time, the City will reassess your property.

Next, the Office of the Controller takes the assessed amount and applies the general tax levy, along with any additional local taxes and special assessments imposed by the City or district. By state law, the general tax levy is capped at $1.00 for every $100 of the assessed value. See our Special Assessments article for more information on additional taxes. The Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector then prints up your actual bill and mails it to your home.