San Rafael, CA – The Marin County Tax Collector’s Office is reminding property owners that the first installment of property taxes for 2020-21 is due no later than December 10. Local property tax revenues are needed more than ever to address the financial consequences of the pandemic and to support essential services such as public health, law enforcement, fire protection, and schools.
Taxpayers are being asked to pay online, by phone, or by mail rather than in-person at the Marin County Civic Center to limit exposure to the COVID-19 virus. Property tax payments can be made at www.marincounty.org/taxbillonline or by phone at (800) 985-7277. The Tax Collector’s online and phone payment service uses a secure internet portal, and there is no service fee when paying with an electronic check (e-check). Taxpayers may email the Tax Collector’s office or call (415) 473-6133 for assistance with online payments or for answers to other property tax-related questions.
Property owners with a documented hardship arising from the pandemic who are unable to pay by the deadline may file a Request for Penalty Cancellation after the December 10 deadline. Requests must include payment of the base tax before they can be considered. The deadline to file a Request for Penalty Cancellation is May 6, 2021.
Questions about assessed values are best answered by the County Assessor. You can call the Assessor's Office at (415) 473-7215 or send email. Office visits are by appointment only.
Parcel tax exemption information and forms are available at marincounty.org/propertytaxexemptions or obtained directly from the district that offers the exemption. Parcel tax exemption eligibility and filing deadlines vary by district and are administered by those districts, not the Tax Collector.
The State Controller’s Office (SCO) is accepting new Property Tax Postponement (PTP) applications until February 10, 2021. To be eligible for PTP, you must:
- be at least 62, or blind, or have a disability;
- own and occupy the home as your primary place of residence;
- have a total household income of $45,000 or less;
- have at least 40% equity in the property; and
- not have a reverse mortgage.
Go to the SCO website for more information. Call (800) 952-5661 or email the SCO with questions about payment postponement.