California note
San Mateo County property tax has value, accounting, and bill lanes
San Mateo County property tax questions usually start with the Assessor for value, the Controller for tax accounting, or the Tax Collector for bills and payments.
In San Mateo County, property tax is easier when you split the record from the bill.
The Assessor handles value and the property record. Start there for assessed value, parcel details, owner records, exemptions, maps, and property lookup.
The Controller shows how the tax process fits together. The Tax Collector handles secured tax bills and payment.
That split matters on the Peninsula. The county covers coastside towns, Bayfront blocks, older homes, and high-value office areas. A value notice is not the same as a bill.
Before you start, gather the parcel number, address, bill year, and notice letter. If the question is why the value or record looks that way, start with the Assessor. If it is about payment, bill copies, or bill status, start with the Tax Collector.
Where to see it
San Mateo County Assessor, Controller, and Tax Collector property tax pages.
Official sources
Official pages
Reviewed July 3, 2026
Current rules, forms, fees, deadlines, maps, and office instructions.
Rules, forms, fees, deadlines, and office procedures can change. Check the current page before you file, pay, or rely on a date.
Connected places
Open the local directory
Related notes
Related California notes
San Mateo County FBN filings start with ACRE
San Mateo County fictitious business name filings create a public business name record through ACRE, separate from business license and permit steps.
Read next →My San Mateo keeps city service requests in one place
San Mateo residents can use My San Mateo to submit and track non-emergency city service requests, including streetlight outages, weeds, graffiti, and other local concerns.
Read next →San Mateo parking permits depend on your block first
San Mateo residential parking permits use program areas, eligibility checks, a permit map, visitor permits, and limits tied to local parking pressure.
Read next →