Important Property Tax Deadline Coming Up Fast for Marin County Property Owners

Two important deadlines are coming up fast for Marin County Property Owners. Property Tax Reassessment for Temporary Property Tax Relief is due November 1st; while the First Installment of Property Tax Payment is also due November 1st, delinquent December 10th.

PROPERTY TAX REASSESSMENT DEADLINE IS NOVEMBER 1st

Concerned about how much property tax you are paying and think you might be paying more than your fair share even after Marin County’s automatic re-assessment?

Marin county property owners can apply for re-assessment of their property tax annually for a temporary reduction.  The filing period is July 1 through Nov. 1, 2012, inclusive.

This is to request an informal review of the assessment of your property for a temporary relief of your property tax if you feel the market value of your home is less than the assessed value as of Jan. 1, 2012.  If approved by the county, your property tax for the coming year will be lower based on the lower assessed property value.

You will need to provide the county with three comparable properties that sold close to Jan. 1, 2012 and no later than March 31, 2012.  You will then be able to provide your opinion on the value of your home based on the properties selected. 

Here is the link for the Marin County Property Informal Assessment Review Request Form.  The form has in-depth information about how property tax works under Proposition 13 and how to apply for this temporary reduction.   

Note that Informal Assessment Review forms postmarked after November 1, 2012 or delivered to the Assessor’s Office AFTER 4 pm NOVEMBER 1, 2012 WILL NOT BE PROCESSED.

The best way to get the information is to ask your trusted Realtor to provide you with three comparable properties that meet the county's requirement. If needed, he/she might even be able to do a write-up to support the suggested assessment value.

Every little bit counts; especially during this difficult economy. Do it now before you forget ... and good luck.

PROPERTY TAX PAYMENT FIRST INSTALLMENT DUE NOVEMBER 1st, DELINQUENT AFTER DECEMBER 10th

Are you one of the property owners who wait until the last minute to pay your property tax?

The first installment of the Marin County real property tax is due on November 1st; and delinquent December 10th.  To avoid the stiff 10-percent penalty, property owners must pay their first installment by 5 p.m. or on the close of business on Dec. 10, whichever is later.  Payments sent by US Mail must be POSTMARKED by the USPS on or before December 10.

A few ways to pay the property tax:

1. Pay in Person at the Marin Civic Center.
2. Pay by mail, postmarked on or before Dec. 10.
3. Pay online with credit card or electronic funds transfer from your checking or saving accounts.  Go to www.co.marin.ca.us/paytax for details.
4. Pay by phone at 800-985-7277 with either a credit card or electronic funds transfer.

First Installment covers property tax from 07/01/2012 to 12/31/2012.

Second installment covers property tax from 01/01/2013 to 06/30/2013.

Property tax bill is sent out once a year on 9/30. Property owners who misplaced or never received their property tax bills can call the tax collectors’ office for duplicate property tax bill to be sent.

The office has a program to help those who cannot afford their tax bill. Don't hesitate to ask for advice.

Marin County Tax Collector's Office:

Office Hours: Weekdays 9AM-4:30PM (closed holidays)

Phone number: (415) 499-6133; Fax (415) 507-4011

Website: www.co.marin.ca.us/taxes

Marin County Tax Collector
3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 202
P.O. Box 4220
San Rafael, CA 94913-4220

Links:

• Click for Tax Collector’s Office  
• Click for Important Tax Dates
• Click for Online Payments
• Click for Tax Payment Late Penalty

(*) Disclaimer - The article is intended to provide general information on the subject. Readers who require specific advice should consult experts in the area of interest.