San Francisco Property Tax Guide: Pay, Search, Due Dates & Exemptions
San Francisco property taxes are easiest to handle when you verify the parcel first. A missing bill, wrong block and lot number, mortgage escrow payment, supplemental assessment, business property bill, or missed exemption can all change what you should do next. This guide explains the process in plain English so you can understand your bill here, then use the official San Francisco Treasurer or Assessor site only when it is time to search, pay, download, file, appeal, or request help.
Quick Answer
For a regular San Francisco secured property tax bill, search the property first, confirm the block and lot/APN, open the current bill or payment history, check whether you are paying the first or second installment, confirm the delinquency deadline, then pay only through the official San Francisco Treasurer & Tax Collector payment route. The Treasurer lists Dec. 10 as the first installment delinquency deadline and Apr. 10 as the second installment delinquency deadline for regular secured property tax bills.
Important: Do not pay from an old PDF, a saved screenshot, a search ad, or an escrow assumption. San Francisco states taxes are not considered paid until the payment has been received and processed. If your payment is not displayed, check your financial institution and the official payment portal before paying again.
San Francisco Property Tax Help by Situation
Use this section if you came from a search result and want the right route quickly. The goal is to understand the issue here first, then use the official portal only for final account-specific action.
| Your Situation | What to Check First | Best Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| I need to pay San Francisco property tax | Bill type, block/lot, installment, amount due, payment history and deadline. | Follow safe payment steps |
| I cannot find my property tax bill | Search by property address, block and lot, APN, or property information tools. | Search property record |
| I need due dates | Whether the bill is secured, unsecured, supplemental, escape, or delinquent. | Review deadline table |
| I want a homeowners exemption | Owner-occupancy, principal residence status, and whether the exemption is already applied. | Review exemption guide |
| My bill increased after buying or construction | Change in ownership, new construction, supplemental assessment, and reassessed value. | Read supplemental bill section |
| I disagree with assessed value | Assessment notice, informal review window, assessment appeal deadline, and evidence. | Review appeal options |
Before You Pay: 8 Checks That Prevent Most Problems
Most San Francisco property tax mistakes happen because the user pays too quickly. Check these items before using a bank account, card, mail, wire, or City Hall payment route.
How to Search San Francisco Property Tax by Address, Block/Lot or APN
San Francisco property tax searches usually start with the property address or block and lot number. The Assessor-Recorder and city property information tools can help identify property records, while the Treasurer payment portal is used for current tax statements and payment history.
- Start with the San Francisco property information or Assessor-Recorder property tools.
- Search by property address if you do not know the block and lot number.
- Use block and lot/APN when you need a more exact property match.
- Confirm the address, block, lot, parcel, owner mailing information, and assessment details before using payment tools.
- Use the Treasurer payment portal for current tax statements or past payment history.
| Search Method | Best Use | Risk to Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Property address | Best when you only know the street address or are researching a home you own or recently bought. | Selecting a similar address, unit, or nearby parcel. |
| Block and lot | Best for exact property tax payment, bill lookup, and official tax records. | Entering the wrong lot number or old parcel information. |
| APN | Useful when documents refer to Assessor Parcel Number or block/lot style parcel IDs. | Assuming every outside real estate site uses the same formatting. |
| Owner name | Only a clue for research, not the safest way to pay. | Paying based on a name match when ownership has changed, trust ownership exists, or records are outdated. |
How to Pay San Francisco Property Tax Safely
The Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector accepts property tax payments through several routes. Online eCheck is the cleanest route for many homeowners because the official payment page lists no service fee for electronic check payments. Card payments may be convenient, but the service fees are nonrefundable.
- Open the official San Francisco property tax payment page.
- Search the tax bill using the required property or bill information.
- Confirm block/lot, bill type, fiscal year, installment, amount due and deadline.
- Choose eCheck, card, mail, City Hall, ACH or wire only after confirming details.
- Save the confirmation page or payment proof immediately.
| Payment Option | What to Know | Micro Steps | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| eCheck online | The Treasurer lists electronic check payment with no service fee when using checking account information. | Search bill → verify amount → enter bank details → submit → save confirmation. | Pay online |
| Credit or debit card | Card service fees are nonrefundable and are separate from the tax amount. | Review fee → confirm bill → pay → save receipt. | Card payment info |
| Payments must be received or postmarked by the due date. Make check or money order payable to “SF Tax Collector.” Do not send cash. | Write block/lot on memo → mail early → use accepted postmark proof → keep canceled check/stub. | Mail rules | |
| City Hall cashier | The Treasurer page lists City Hall Room 140, with office hours and cashier window payment hours. | Bring bill details → bring payment method → arrive before window cutoff → save receipt. | City Hall payment info |
| ACH or wire | ACH/wire may be used for property tax payment, but instructions must be followed carefully by tax type. | Read official instructions → include required abbreviation and block/lot or bill number → confirm bank submission. | ACH/wire instructions |
No partial payment warning: San Francisco states full payment must be made toward secured property tax bills and partial payments are not accepted. Payments for less than the amount due may be returned, and late penalties/fees can apply if the account becomes past due.
San Francisco Property Tax Due Dates, Penalties and Tax-Defaulted Status
For regular secured property tax bills, San Francisco says bills are mailed in October and can be paid in full or in two installments. The first installment becomes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on December 10. The second installment becomes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on April 10. If taxes remain unpaid by June 30, the property becomes tax-defaulted, and additional monthly charges can apply.
- Open the Treasurer secured property tax page.
- Confirm whether your bill is secured, supplemental, escape, unsecured, or delinquent.
- Check the printed mailed date if the bill is supplemental, escape, or unsecured.
- Use the payment portal to confirm current amount due and payment status.
- Mail early if you are not paying online, because postmark rules matter.
| Bill Type | Deadline or Penalty Rule | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Regular secured bill: first installment | Delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on December 10; penalty listed as 10%. | Pay or ensure postmark before the deadline. |
| Regular secured bill: second installment | Delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on April 10; penalty listed as 10% plus applicable fees. | Confirm payment status before deadline, especially if escrow pays. |
| Tax-defaulted property | If unpaid by June 30, additional 1.5% per month plus redemption fee can apply. | Review delinquent property tax instructions immediately. |
| Supplemental or secured escape bills | Deadlines depend on mailed date printed on the bill. | Use the supplemental/escape date table and pay by the bill-specific date. |
| Unsecured property tax | For current fiscal year unsecured bills, delinquency can depend on the mailed date printed on the bill. | Read the unsecured bill date carefully and do not apply secured-bill assumptions. |
How to Get or Read a San Francisco Property Tax Bill Copy
San Francisco’s official payment information says you can view and print current property tax statements or view past payment history through the Property Tax Payment Portal. A bill copy is useful for escrow, records, mail payment, ACH/wire reference, closing questions, disputes, and exemption review.
- Open the official property tax payment page.
- Use the payment portal link to search your property tax bill.
- Confirm block/lot, fiscal year, installment and amount due.
- Print or save the current statement if needed.
- Use the payment history tab or portal history for proof research before paying again.
| Bill Area | Why It Matters | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Block and lot | Identifies the parcel for payment and records. | Match it with city property information and your documents. |
| Fiscal year | San Francisco property tax bills are tied to fiscal years. | Make sure you are not viewing an older bill. |
| Installment | First and second installments have different deadlines. | Pay the correct installment or full balance. |
| Amount due | A printed statement can become outdated after payment or penalties. | Recheck live payment status before paying. |
| Mailing/payment instructions | Postmark and check memo rules can affect late penalties. | Use official mailing instructions and proof. |
Mail Payments and Postmark Rules
If you mail your San Francisco property tax payment, the payment must be received or postmarked by the due date to avoid penalties. The Treasurer warns that some postage types may not receive a USPS postmark, including metered mail, pre-canceled stamps, automated postal center stamps, and permit imprint mail used by some bill-pay services.
Safer mail option: If mailing near a deadline, use a USPS retail counter option that provides proof of mailing or a date-validating postmark. Keep the receipt, canceled check, bill copy, and mailing proof together.
- Read the Treasurer property tax payment page before mailing.
- Make check or money order payable to “SF Tax Collector.”
- Include the block and lot number on the memo line.
- Do not send cash.
- Use accepted USPS proof if mailing close to the deadline.
San Francisco Property Tax Exemptions and Tax Savings
The San Francisco Assessor-Recorder explains that exemptions or exclusions can reduce or eliminate the obligation to pay taxes depending on eligibility. For homeowners, the common starting point is the Homeowners’ Exemption, which may reduce assessed value by up to $7,000 for an owner-occupied principal residence.
- Confirm the property is your principal residence if applying for homeowners’ exemption.
- Check whether the exemption already appears on your tax record or bill.
- Review disabled veterans, nonprofit, church, welfare, school, hospital, religious, vessel, and other exemption categories only if relevant.
- Use the Assessor-Recorder exemption page or appointment route for official eligibility questions.
- Save application confirmation and supporting documents.
| Exemption or Savings Topic | Who Should Review | Practical Note |
|---|---|---|
| Homeowners’ Exemption | Owners who occupy the home as their principal place of residence. | Assessor-Recorder information says it may reduce assessed value by up to $7,000, saving approximately $80 annually. |
| Disabled Veterans’ Exemption | Qualifying disabled veterans or unmarried surviving spouses. | Review official eligibility and exemption amounts because benefit levels can depend on qualifications. |
| Church Exemption | Churches using eligible property exclusively for religious worship. | Applies to eligible buildings, land and equipment as of lien date when requirements are met. |
| Nonprofit/Welfare Exemption | Eligible nonprofits using property for religious, scientific, hospital or charitable purposes. | This is a specialized exemption; use official filing guidance. |
| Prop 19 transfers and base-year value rules | Families, seniors, severely disabled persons and disaster victims considering property tax transfer benefits. | Rules are detailed and time-sensitive; review official Prop 19 guidance before transferring property. |
Supplemental Property Tax Bills After Buying, Selling or Construction
After a change in ownership or completion of new construction, San Francisco says state law requires the Assessor-Recorder to reappraise the property. If the reassessed value is higher, a supplemental assessment may be issued based on the difference between the new value and the old value, often prorated for part of the fiscal year based on the sale or construction date.
- Check whether you recently bought, inherited, transferred or improved the property.
- Review the Assessor notice for new value or base-year information.
- Watch for separate supplemental bills in addition to the regular secured bill.
- Read the mailed date and bill-specific deadline carefully.
- Do not assume your lender or closing escrow already handled every supplemental bill.
New buyer warning: A supplemental bill can arrive after closing and may not be included in the regular annual bill or mortgage escrow estimate. Save closing documents, escrow statements and property tax notices together.
Unsecured Property Taxes and Business Personal Property
Not every San Francisco property tax bill is a regular secured real estate bill. Business owners may receive unsecured property tax bills related to business personal property. The Assessor-Recorder also requires business property owners to file Form 571-L each year listing supplies, equipment, fixtures and improvements owned at each location in San Francisco. Failure to file can cause estimated values and penalties.
- Check whether the bill says unsecured, business personal property, supplemental, or escape.
- Do not apply regular secured bill due dates without reading the bill type.
- For business personal property, review Form 571-L filing requirements.
- Check the mailed date printed on the bill for deadline rules.
- Ask for official help if the bill relates to a sold property or prior ownership period.
Assessment Appeals, Informal Review and Decline-in-Value Help
If your issue is assessed value, property classification, comparable value, or a decline in market value, the payment office may not be the right first stop. The Assessor-Recorder notes that single-family residential property owners can file an Informal Review from January 2 through March 31, and official assessment appeals have their own filing windows, including a July 2 through September 15 period for decline-in-value appeals noted in Assessor guidance.
- Find the property record and assessment value.
- Compare the assessed value with market evidence and comparable properties.
- Check whether informal review is available for your property type.
- Confirm the appeal filing deadline before preparing documents.
- Keep payment deadlines separate from appeal deadlines; appealing does not automatically remove payment responsibility.
Practical tip: If the bill amount is high because of tax rate, levies or fees, an assessment appeal may not fix it. If the assessed value or property facts are wrong, appeal or informal review may be the correct path.
Late, Delinquent or Tax-Defaulted San Francisco Property Taxes
If a secured property tax bill remains unpaid past key deadlines, penalties and additional charges can apply. San Francisco’s secured tax page says property becomes tax-defaulted on June 30 if unpaid, and additional 1.5% per month plus redemption fee can apply. Delinquent property taxes should be handled quickly because they can become more expensive and more complex over time.
- Search the bill and confirm unpaid balance.
- Identify whether the account is delinquent or tax-defaulted.
- Review redemption amount, penalties, interest and payment options.
- If eligible, review installment payment plan rules for delinquent taxes.
- Do not delay if you received a default, tax sale, lien, or legal notice.
Urgent note: If your property involves tax-defaulted status, bankruptcy, foreclosure, probate, trust ownership, business ownership, divorce, estate administration, or legal deadlines, use official sources and qualified professional help.
If Your Mortgage Company Pays Your San Francisco Property Tax
Escrow does not mean you should ignore the bill. Mortgage servicers may collect funds monthly, but the county payment still has to post correctly. A lender may also misread supplemental bills, miss an installment, or pay late if tax data changes.
- Search the Treasurer payment portal for payment history.
- Compare posted payment status with your mortgage escrow statement.
- Confirm which installment your servicer was expected to pay.
- Check whether any supplemental bill is outside normal escrow handling.
- If payment is not posted near deadline, ask the servicer for proof of payment.
- Do not pay personally until you know whether a lender payment is pending.
If You Just Bought a San Francisco Property
New owners often see confusing bills because regular tax bills, supplemental tax bills, seller credits, lender escrow and reassessment notices may arrive at different times. The annual secured bill may not fully reflect the purchase price right away, and a supplemental bill can arrive separately after reassessment.
- Find your block and lot/APN from closing documents or city property tools.
- Search the current tax bill and payment history.
- Compare taxes with your closing statement, seller credit and escrow disclosure.
- Watch for supplemental assessment notices after purchase or construction.
- File Homeowners’ Exemption if you occupy the property as your principal residence and qualify.
- Confirm mailing address and keep all closing, escrow and tax notices together.
Common San Francisco Property Tax Mistakes to Avoid
These mistakes create the most confusion for homeowners, buyers, business owners, heirs and escrow borrowers.
A printed statement can become outdated if a payment posts, penalties accrue, or a supplemental bill appears.
San Francisco records often rely on block and lot. Paying the wrong parcel creates correction and refund problems.
Escrow collection is not the same as posted county payment. Always verify payment history.
Some postage types may not be treated as USPS postmarks. Use reliable proof if mailing near Dec. 10 or Apr. 10.
Unsecured, business personal property, supplemental and escape bills can use different deadline logic.
Payments go through Treasurer & Tax Collector. Assessment value and exemptions usually start with Assessor-Recorder.
San Francisco Treasurer vs Assessor-Recorder vs Assessment Appeals
San Francisco property tax tasks are split between different offices. Choosing the right office helps you avoid delays.
| Your Need | Start Here | Why | Official Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay tax or view payment history | Treasurer & Tax Collector | Handles property tax payments, payment portal, mail rules, delinquent taxes and penalty waiver/refund requests. | Payment page |
| Search property information | SF property information / Assessor tools | Helps identify property, parcel, block/lot, assessment and related city data. | Property information |
| Exemptions and tax savings | Assessor-Recorder | Handles Homeowners, Disabled Veterans, nonprofit, church and other exemption guidance. | Exemptions |
| Assessment value dispute | Assessor-Recorder / Assessment Appeals | Assessed value problems are different from payment problems. | Contest value |
| Recorded documents | Assessor-Recorder recorded documents | Deeds, ownership documents and recorded records are separate from payment status. | Recorded documents |
Documents to Keep Before and After Payment
Good records make payment disputes, refund claims, escrow problems, exemption filings, appeals and supplemental bill questions easier to resolve.
Block and lot/APN, property search result, current bill, installment, amount due, payment history and escrow statement.
Confirmation number, receipt, bank record, canceled check, postmark proof, City Hall receipt or ACH/wire confirmation.
Proof of ownership, occupancy, disability/veteran documents, nonprofit records or Prop 19 transfer documents if relevant.
Closing statement, deed/transfer documents, construction records, reassessment notice and mortgage escrow communication.
Related Property Tax Guides on This Site
These internal guides can help you understand general property-tax concepts before taking action on San Francisco’s official site.
Official San Francisco Property Tax Links
Use these official sources only when you are ready to complete a final action such as payment, bill lookup, property search, exemption filing, appeal review, penalty waiver, or account-specific verification.
San Francisco Treasurer & Tax Collector Office Map
For in-person property tax payment help, mailed payment questions, account-specific payment issues or documentation questions, use the map below to locate the Treasurer & Tax Collector’s City Hall office. Check current office hours before visiting.
Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector
City Hall, Room 140
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
San Francisco, CA 94102
Editorial Trust and Update Notes
CountyPropertyTaxes.us is an independent informational guide. It is not the San Francisco Treasurer & Tax Collector, Assessor-Recorder, Assessment Appeals Board, or any San Francisco government office. This page is designed to explain the process and reduce confusion before users take account-specific action on official sites.
Update checklist for this article: secured tax rate, due dates, payment service fee language, no-partial-payment rule, postmark rules, supplemental assessment rules, unsecured tax rules, Homeowners’ Exemption amount, Disabled Veterans exemption rules, appeal windows, office address, official links and FAQ answers should be reviewed whenever official San Francisco pages change.
San Francisco Property Tax FAQs
How do I pay San Francisco property tax online?
Search the property tax bill through the official Treasurer payment page, confirm the block and lot, fiscal year, installment, amount due and payment status, then pay by eCheck or card. eCheck is listed with no service fee, while card service fees are nonrefundable.
When are San Francisco property taxes due?
For regular secured property tax bills, the first installment becomes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on December 10, and the second installment becomes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on April 10.
What is the San Francisco secured property tax rate?
The Treasurer’s secured property tax page lists the Fiscal Year 2025–26 secured property tax rate as 1.18268325%. Always check the current official page because rates can change by fiscal year.
How do I search for a San Francisco property tax bill?
Use property address, block and lot number, or city property information tools to identify the parcel, then use the Treasurer payment portal to view current tax statements or payment history.
What is block and lot in San Francisco property tax?
Block and lot is San Francisco’s parcel identification format. It is commonly used for property tax bills, payment references, city property records and Assessor-Recorder information.
Can I pay San Francisco property tax in partial payments?
For secured property tax bills, the Treasurer states full payment must be made and partial payments are not accepted. Payments for less than the amount due may be returned.
What happens if I miss the property tax deadline?
A 10% penalty can apply after the first installment deadline, and 10% plus applicable fees can apply after the second installment deadline. If unpaid by June 30, the property can become tax-defaulted and additional monthly charges may apply.
How do I get a copy of my San Francisco property tax bill?
Use the official property tax payment page and portal to view and print current property tax statements or review past payment history.
What is the San Francisco Homeowners’ Exemption?
The Homeowners’ Exemption may reduce assessed value by up to $7,000 for an owner who occupies the home as a principal residence, saving approximately $80 annually according to Assessor-Recorder guidance.
Does San Francisco have a Disabled Veterans’ property tax exemption?
Yes. Qualifying disabled veterans or unmarried surviving spouses may be eligible for a disabled veterans’ property tax exemption. Official eligibility and exemption amounts should be reviewed with the Assessor-Recorder.
What is a supplemental property tax bill in San Francisco?
A supplemental bill can be issued after a change in ownership or completion of new construction when the property is reappraised and the new assessed value is higher than the prior value.
Do I still need to check property tax if my mortgage company pays escrow?
Yes. Escrow collection is not the same as a posted tax payment. Check the official payment history before deadlines to confirm whether the mortgage servicer paid.
How do I appeal my San Francisco property value?
Review Assessor-Recorder guidance for informal review and assessment appeal options. Single-family residential owners may have an informal review window, and decline-in-value appeals have official filing deadlines.
What if I received an unsecured property tax bill?
Unsecured bills can involve business personal property, prior ownership, supplemental or escape assessments. Read the bill type and mailed date carefully because deadline rules may differ from regular secured bills.
Is CountyPropertyTaxes.us the official San Francisco tax office?
No. CountyPropertyTaxes.us is an independent informational guide. Final payments, filings, refunds, appeals and account-specific decisions should be completed through official San Francisco government systems.
Bottom Line
Search the property first, confirm block and lot, read the bill type, verify due dates, check payment history, review exemptions, then pay or file only through the correct official San Francisco source.
Search PropertyHow to PayDue DatesExemptionsOfficial Links