The following are questions we often receive from San Mateo County property owners.
For specific information, please call us at (650) 363-4142 or visit our office. |
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What are "secured" property taxes? |
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The term "Secured" simply means taxes that are assessed against real property,
(e.g., land or structures). The tax is a lien that is "secured" by the land/structure even though
no document was officially recorded. This means that if the taxes remain unpaid after a period of
5 years, the property may be sold to cover the taxes owed. |
When is the secured tax assessed? |
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The Assessor establishes the value of property on January 1. This date is often
referred to as the Tax Lien date. The secured property tax bill, issued months later, uses the value
established on the tax lien date. |
How are tax amounts determined? |
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The January 1 value established by the Assessor is multiplied by the tax rate
(usually 1% plus voter approved indebtedness) then special charges are added. These special charges
are added to the tax bill by local districts and cities, not by the Tax Collector. A sewer assessment
is a typical special charge that is added to a tax bill. |
What period of time does a secured property tax bill cover? |
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A secured tax bill covers a "fiscal year." The fiscal year begins July 1 and ends
on June 30 of the following calendar year. |
When should I expect my secured property tax bill? |
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Every year, the Tax Collector mails the secured tax bills by November 1. If you did
not receive a bill, or if you recently purchased a property, you may obtain a duplicate tax bill by
calling (650) 363-4142 or visiting our office. You may also go to our on-line property system to
determine the amount due. |
When are secured property taxes due? |
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The secured property tax bill is payable in two installments:
- The 1st installment is due and payable on November 1. However, you have until 5:00 p.m. of
December 10th to make your payment before a 10% penalty is added to your bill.
- The 2nd installment is due and payable on February 1. The grace period on the 2nd installment
expires at 5:00 p.m., on April 10. If the installment remains unpaid as of April 10, a 10% penalty
and $40.00 cost is imposed.
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When should I mail my payment to avoid penalties? |
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You can mail your payment, but in order to avoid the delinquent penalty, your payment
envelope must possess a United States Postal Service postmark on or before the tax delinquent date.
Remember the delinquent dates are as follows:
- 1st installment delinquent at 5:00 p.m., December 10
- 2nd installment delinquent at 5:00 p.m., April 10
If the delinquent date falls on a week-end or holiday, the penalty is not imposed until 5:00 p.m.
on the next business day.
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Where should I mail my payment? |
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Under normal circumstances, please use the envelopes supplied with your
tax bill and enclose the appropriate installment coupon(s) with your check for payment. If you have
misplaced the original envelope, you may use a plain legal sized envelope. Please make sure to enclose
your payment coupon(s) with your payment.
Make Checks Payable to :
Lee Buffington
Mail Tax Payments to:
Lee Buffington
San Mateo County Tax Collector
555 County Center St.,
1st Floor
Redwood City, CA 94063
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Is a private postage meter date the same as the United States
Postal Service postmark? |
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No. California law requires the Tax Collector to accept the US postmark, not a
private meter date, as the date of payment. |
Can I pay my secured property tax bill with my credit card? |
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Yes. You can pay your taxes by calling (650) 363-4142 or through our web site using
your Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express.
All credit card payments, including a convenience fee of approximately 2.5% of the amount paid,
are processed through our payment service, Official Payments Corporation. |
Are there any programs to assist me with paying my Secured tax bill? |
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There are two programs designed to assist qualified individuals pay their property taxes:
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Who should I call if I have questions? |
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| Nature of Question |
Department |
Phone |
| Values |
Assessor |
650-363-4500 |
| Tax Rates |
Controller |
650-363-4777 |
| Exemptions |
Assessor |
650-363-4500 |
| Tax Payments |
Tax Collector |
650-363-4142 |
| Tax Bills |
Tax Collector |
650-363-4142 |
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