This page helps users handle Property Tax needs in San Mateo County, California, including looking up tax bills, checking due dates, understanding payment options, and finding the right office for questions.
The main public path runs through the County of San Mateo Property Tax Search and the San Mateo County Tax Collector for secured, unsecured, and supplemental property tax questions.
County of San Mateo Property Tax Search
Use the County of San Mateo property tax search to look up secured property tax information and make payments online. The Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder & Elections office also points users to the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s secured property tax search for lookup by address or parcel number.
Have one of these details ready before searching:
- Property address
- Parcel number
After finding the property tax account, review the bill details carefully before choosing a payment method.
- Open the San Mateo County property tax search.
- Search by address or parcel number.
- Review the tax account, installment status, and amount due.
- Use the online payment option when you are ready to pay.
Electronic payments are accepted up to 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on the delinquency date.
Secured property tax bills and deadlines
Secured property taxes are assessed against real property, such as land or structures. The Assessor establishes the value on January 1, and the secured bill covers the fiscal year from July 1 through June 30.
The Tax Collector mails secured property tax bills by November 1 each year. If you did not receive a bill or recently purchased property, you can request a duplicate bill from the Tax Collector or check the online property system.
| Bill item | Date or rule | Penalty note |
|---|---|---|
| First installment | Due November 1; delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on December 10 | 10% penalty if unpaid after the delinquency deadline |
| Second installment | Due February 1; delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on April 10 | 10% penalty plus $40.00 cost if unpaid after the delinquency deadline |
| Delinquent parcels | July 1 | $35 redemption fee plus monthly redemption penalty of 1.5% |
Payment methods and service fees
San Mateo County property taxes may be paid online, by phone, by mail, or in person. Online e-check payments are free. Credit card and several digital payment methods carry third-party service fees that the County cannot absorb.
The Tax Collector lists these payment fees:
| Payment method | Where used | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Credit card | Online, over the counter, or IVR phone payment | 2.35% service fee; $1.95 minimum transaction fee |
| PIN debit | In person only | $2.95 per transaction |
| PayPal | Online only | 2.35% service fee |
| E-check | Online only | Free |
| Apple Pay | Mobile device | 2.35% service fee |
| Google Pay | Online or in person | 2.35% service fee |
For online payment guidance, review the County’s tax payment system instructions.
Mailed payments and postmark rules
To avoid penalties when paying by mail, the envelope must have a United States Postal Service postmark on or before the delinquency date. A private postage meter date is not the same as a USPS postmark.
Some postage types may not receive a USPS postmark. Metered mail, pre-cancelled stamps, Automated Postal Center stamps, and permit imprint mail may not protect you if the payment arrives after the delinquency date.
Make tax checks payable to Sandie Arnott, San Mateo County Tax Collector. Mail tax payments to San Mateo County Tax Collector, PO Box 45878, San Francisco, CA 94145-0878.
Unsecured and supplemental property taxes
Unsecured property taxes apply to property that is not real estate and can be relocated, such as business equipment, fixtures, boats, and airplanes. Most unsecured bills are mailed before July 31 and must be paid by 5:00 p.m. on August 31. If the bill is mailed after July 31, the delinquent date is extended to the end of the month after the bill is issued.
Supplemental property taxes are additional secured taxes caused by a change in ownership or new construction. These bills are due when mailed and are payable in two installments. Supplemental bill delinquency dates depend on when the bill is mailed.
For supplemental tax questions, the County identifies different offices by topic: values go to the Assessor, tax rates go to the Controller, and tax payments or tax bills go to the Tax Collector.
Monthly payment and postponement options
San Mateo County lists several ways to plan for annual secured property taxes, including an impound account through a lender, a dedicated savings account, or Easy Smart Pay for monthly payments toward secured property taxes. Easy Smart Pay is a third-party vendor and is not affiliated with San Mateo County.
The State Controller’s Office administers the Property Tax Postponement program for eligible homeowners who want to postpone current-year property taxes on their primary residence. Applications are accepted from October 1 to February 10 each year.
San Mateo County property tax contacts
Use these contacts for property tax payment status, bill questions, payment issues, and related property tax topics.
-
San Mateo County Tax Collector, 555 County Center - 1st Floor, Redwood City, CA 94063
Phone: (866) 220-0308
Fax: (650) 599-1511
Email: taxmaster@smcgov.org
Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM; phone hours are 9 AM - 5 PM, Monday - Friday, excluding all holidays -
Tax Collector Division customer assistance
Phone: (866) 220-0308
Returned checks, payments, or accounting matters: TCACCOUNTING@smcgov.org
Unsecured property tax questions: TCUNSECURED@smcgov.org
Other questions or inquiries: TAXMASTER@smcgov.org -
Treasurer Division
Phone: (650) 363-4580, option #2 -
San Mateo County Assessor
Property values and exemption questions: (650) 363-4500
Email: assessor@smcare.org -
Controller
Tax rates and refund questions: (650) 363-4777 -
State Controller’s Office Property Tax Postponement program
Phone: (800) 952-5661
Email: postponement@sco.ca.gov
Common questions
Where can I look up San Mateo County property taxes?
You can use the County of San Mateo Property Tax Search to look up secured property tax information by address or parcel number and pay online.
When are secured property tax installments due?
The first installment is due November 1 and becomes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on December 10. The second installment is due February 1 and becomes delinquent after 5:00 p.m. on April 10.
Is there a fee to pay San Mateo County property taxes online?
Online e-check payments are free. Online credit card, PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay payments carry a 2.35% service fee.
Who should I contact about a missing or duplicate secured property tax bill?
Contact the San Mateo County Tax Collector at (866) 220-0308 or visit the office for a duplicate bill or account help.
What postmark counts for mailed property tax payments?
The Tax Collector accepts a United States Postal Service postmark on or before the delinquency date. A private postage meter date is not treated as the payment postmark.
Who handles supplemental property tax questions?
For supplemental tax questions, contact the Assessor for values, the Controller for tax rates, and the Tax Collector for tax bills or tax payments.