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San Carlos, San Mateo County, California Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in San Carlos, California

  • Median San Carlos, California effective property tax rate: 1.24%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the California state median of 1.21%.

  • Median San Carlos, California home value: $1,114,267

  • Median annual San Carlos, California tax bill: $13,434, $11,034 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in San Mateo calculated?

Property taxes in San Carlos, California are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding San Carlos's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in San Carlos, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

San Carlos, San Mateo County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.24%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$13,817

$12,822

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the San Carlos Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this San Carlos property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies San Carlos's median effective tax rate of 1.24% — based on actual property records in San Mateo County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local assessment system uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies San Carlos's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.

Your bill may vary by ZIP code within San Carlos: rates range from 1.24% in 94070 to 1.24% in 94070, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can appeal your San Carlos assessment — you only pay if we save you money.

About San Carlos Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in San Carlos, San Mateo, California

San Carlos’s median effective property tax rate of 1.24% is higher than the California state median of 1.21% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the San Mateo County base levy combined with local school district levies and Mello-Roos Community Facility Districts that vary by subdivision throughout the city.

Property tax rates are not uniform across San Carlos. Homeowners in the 94070 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.24%, while those in the lowest ZIP also pay 1.24%. This spread reflects how school district boundaries and local assessment districts are drawn across San Mateo County. Understanding which part of San Carlos you live in can make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

San Carlos homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the Tax Assessor before the December 1, 2026 deadline each year.

If your estimated bill above seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.

Property Tax Rates Across San Carlos, San Mateo County, California

As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.

Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.

While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.

Below, you can compare San Carlos's effective property tax rate to other cities in California and the median property tax rates in California and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across San Carlos, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

1.07%

1.27%

1.47%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective San Carlos Tax Rate

1.24%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective San Mateo County Tax Rate

1.23%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across San Carlos, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
940701.14%1.17%1.24%1.37%1.80%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Carlos, San Mateo County, California

When examining property taxes in San Carlos, California, understanding the distinction between market value and assessed value is crucial.

The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The San Mateo County assessor estimates the market value for tax purposes.

The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

Assessment notices are sent in October each year and typically reach your mailbox by the middle of the month.

Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. For example, the median home price in San Carlos is $1,114,267, with a median tax bill of $13,434. In 94070, both the highest median home price and median tax bill are $1,114,267 and $13,434, respectively. That tax bill is well above the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Carlos, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

$462,344

$2,599,052

$4,735,760

Median San Carlos Market Value

$1,114,267

Median San Mateo County Market Value

$810,000

Median California Market Value

$427,605

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across San Carlos, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
94070$227,791$605,610$1,114,267$1,884,073$2,613,342

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across San Carlos, San Mateo County, California

How are property tax bills calculated in San Carlos?

Property tax bills in San Carlos are based on the assessed value of a home, which is tied to the market value of the property and the local tax rate. With a median home price of $1,114,267, homeowners in San Carlos often face higher tax bills than the national median property tax bill of $2,400. The amount owed can vary widely, with the 25th percentile at $7,959, the 75th percentile at $21,483, and the 90th percentile at $28,935.

What factors affect the bill? The assessed value, local tax rates, and any exemptions all play a role. For many homeowners, that means a larger annual expense that can affect monthly budgets and long-term housing costs.

How can Ownwell help? Ownwell reviews your property tax assessment, identifies savings opportunities, and helps you appeal if your bill is too high. In San Carlos, the median tax bill in ZIP code 94070 is $13,434, and lowering an overassessment can lead to meaningful savings.

Property Tax Bills Across San Carlos, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

$4,835

$26,810

$48,785

Median San Carlos Tax Bill

$13,434

Median San Mateo County Tax Bill

$9,758

Median California Tax Bill

$5,134

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across San Carlos, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
94070$3,956$7,959$13,434$21,483$28,935

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in San Carlos, California

How are property taxes calculated in San Carlos, California?
Property taxes in San Carlos, California are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.
How do I appeal my property taxes in San Carlos, California?
To appeal your property taxes in San Carlos, California, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.
What property tax exemptions are available in San Carlos, California?
Common property tax exemptions in San Carlos, California include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.
When are property taxes due in San Carlos, California?
Property tax deadlines in San Carlos, California vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.
How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in San Carlos, California?
Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in San Carlos, California. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.