San Mateo County Tax Collector Office: Pay Tax Bill & Hours
Use this San Mateo County Tax Collector guide to pay your property tax bill, confirm office hours, find the Redwood City office address, understand payment fees, mail checks correctly, avoid penalty deadlines and know when your question belongs to the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder instead.
This page is written for homeowners, new buyers, escrow taxpayers, landlords, business owners and anyone trying to use the official San Mateo County tax payment system without relying on old directories, ads or the wrong county page.
Quick Answer: San Mateo County Tax Collector Payments, Hours and Address
The san mateo county tax collector office is the official county office for property tax payment support, payment status, secured and unsecured tax questions, tax payment fees, tax sale information and taxpayer service. The public office is located at 555 County Center, Floor 1, Redwood City, CA 94063.
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The Tax Collector’s Office is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays and posted departmental closures. Phone hours are also listed as Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The main Tax Collector phone number is 866-220-0308, and the general email address is taxmaster@smcgov.org.
Property Tax Penalty & Interest Calculator
State-specific penalty rates • Interest accrual • Tax lien deadline • Cost-of-waiting breakdown
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Source Verification Box
Publish-ready as of: May 6, 2026. Official sources checked during this workflow include the San Mateo County Tax Collector homepage, Tax Collector contact page, main office location page, Pay Taxes / Methods & Fees materials, monthly payment information, San Mateo County Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder contact page and official property tax bill guidance.
Office hours, closure dates, payment portals, mailing addresses, fees, penalty amounts, monthly payment options, satellite-office dates and tax sale rules can change. Before paying, mailing money, visiting the office or acting on a delinquent notice, verify directly with the official San Mateo County Tax Collector website.
San Mateo County Treasurer-Tax Collector Services for Property Owners
The San Mateo County Treasurer-Tax Collector is the official county office that helps taxpayers with property tax payment, payment status, tax bill questions, unsecured tax information, tax payment fees, tax sale information, monthly payment resources and general taxpayer assistance. For most residents, the main task is simple: find the property tax bill and pay it before the deadline.
The office also provides contact paths for returned checks, accounting questions, unsecured taxes, mobile home clearances, bulk transfers and demand-for-payment questions. Because these categories are very different, the best first step is to decide whether your issue is payment, assessment, billing address, delinquency, business license or recorded property data.
San Mateo County tax payment questions should not be confused with Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder questions. The Tax Collector collects taxes and handles payment support. The Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder handles property assessment, change in ownership, exemptions, address changes, business property valuation, mapping, recordings and related property records.
Pay San Mateo County Property Taxes Online, by Mail, Phone or In Person
The fastest way to pay a San Mateo County property tax bill is usually through the official online payment system linked from the county Tax Collector website. The county page states that property taxes can be viewed and paid online, and that no login is needed for the basic view/pay property taxes link.
How to Search a San Mateo County Property Tax Bill
Start from the official Tax Collector page and use the view/pay property taxes link. The online payment system may require browser cookies to work correctly. If you receive a cookie settings message, enable cookies for the official payment site and return to the property tax payment page.
Make Checks Payable Correctly
The official Tax Collector page says to make tax checks payable to Sandie Arnott, San Mateo County Tax Collector. If your bill or official notice gives updated instructions, follow the current county notice. Always include the payment coupon or identifying tax bill information when mailing payment.
Do Not Mail to the Wrong Address
The payment mailing address listed by the Tax Collector is San Mateo County Tax Collector, PO Box 45878, San Francisco, CA 94145-0878. The physical office address in Redwood City is useful for in-person service and directions, but mailed payment instructions should follow the official payment address.
San Mateo County Tax Collector Office Hours, Address and Parking
The main Tax Collector office is located at 555 County Center, Floor 1, Redwood City, CA 94063. The office is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays and posted departmental closures. Phone hours are also listed as Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Tax Collector Office Open Today
If today is a normal weekday and not a county holiday or departmental closure day, the office is generally open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Do not rely only on map listings. Check the official Tax Collector page for closure dates, satellite-office updates and current public access information.
Directions to the Redwood City Office
The office is next to the County parking garage at 555 County Center. The official contact page notes that 10-hour metered street parking may be available and that the County public parking structure uses metered parking. If you are visiting near a property tax deadline, allow extra time for parking, walking and waiting.
Satellite Office Warning
San Mateo County may list satellite office information during specific peak dates. Treat satellite locations as date-specific service options, not permanent daily offices. Always check the official satellite office page before planning around a location outside the Redwood City main office.
Free vs Paid: San Mateo County Tax Payment Fees
Viewing tax information and choosing a payment method are not the same thing. San Mateo County lists several payment methods with different service fees. E-check is listed as free online, while credit card, debit card, PayPal, Apple Pay and Google Pay options can carry third-party service fees.
Why Fees Matter on Large Property Tax Bills
A percentage fee can become expensive on a large property tax bill. Before paying by card or digital wallet, compare the total cost against e-check or other available methods. The official fee information explains that third-party processing fees cannot legally be absorbed by the County and must be passed on to the customer.
Payment by Phone and IVR Fee
San Mateo County’s fee information lists IVR phone payments with a 2.35% service fee for card use. If you pay by phone, check the final amount carefully and keep any confirmation number. Phone assistance is useful, but deadline responsibility stays with the taxpayer.
Returned Checks and Accounting Questions
For returned checks, payments or accounting-related matters, the Tax Collector contact page lists TCACCOUNTING@smcgov.org. Do not ignore returned payment issues near a deadline because penalties can apply if payment is not successfully completed on time.
San Mateo County Property Tax Due Dates, Penalties and Reminders
San Mateo County’s important dates section lists the first installment of secured taxes as due and payable on November 1. The first installment payment deadline is December 10, with a 10% penalty added the next day if unpaid. The second installment is due February 1 and has a payment deadline of April 10.
Unsecured Property Tax Deadline
The official important dates list August 31 as the unsecured deadline. A 10% penalty and a $35.00 collection fee are added on the next day. If you have unsecured taxes, mobile home clearance questions, bulk transfer questions or demand-for-payment questions, use the dedicated unsecured tax contact path.
Defaulted Secured Parcels
The San Mateo County Tax Collector important dates explain that July 1 begins the new fiscal year and that a redemption fee of $35.00 plus a monthly penalty of 1.5% will be added to secured defaulted parcels. If your property is already defaulted, do not estimate the payoff yourself. Use the official portal or contact the office.
Weekend or Holiday Deadline Rule
The county’s important dates note says that if a delinquent date falls on a weekend or holiday, the delinquent date is the next business day. That rule can help in some years, but it should not be used as a payment strategy. Pay early enough to avoid portal errors, bank delays and mailing problems.
San Mateo County Assessor vs Tax Collector: Which Office Handles Your Problem?
Many property tax issues are really Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder issues, not Tax Collector issues. The Tax Collector can help with payment status, tax payment, fees, penalties and collection questions. The Assessor side handles property appraisal, change in ownership, exemptions, address changes, business property and mapping.
Address Change and Billing Address Problems
If your tax bill is going to the wrong address, use the official change billing address path through the county property record system or contact the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder. A wrong mailing address does not automatically remove penalties if payment is missed, so fix the record early.
Supplemental Tax Bill Confusion
New buyers in California often receive supplemental tax bills after a change in ownership or new construction. The Assessor explains that supplemental assessments can create additional bills. These bills are separate from normal secured annual property taxes, so read each bill carefully and do not assume your escrow company paid every supplemental bill.
Monthly Property Tax Payment Options and Easy Smart Pay Warning
San Mateo County provides information about monthly payment options for annual secured property taxes. The county’s monthly-payment information mentions lender impound accounts, a dedicated savings account and Easy Smart Pay, a third-party vendor. Easy Smart Pay is not affiliated with San Mateo County, even though the county provides information about it.
Do Not Confuse Monthly Planning With County Deadline Relief
Monthly payment planning does not remove the legal due dates for property taxes. Even if you use a third-party service, lender impound account or personal savings account, make sure payments reach the Tax Collector by the required deadlines.
Third-Party Payment Caution
Easy Smart Pay is a private business and is not under the control of the San Mateo County Treasurer-Tax Collector. Review its privacy policy, fees, timing and terms before signing up. If a third-party payment is late, the taxpayer may still face penalties.
Common San Mateo County Tax Bill Problems and What to Do Next
A useful tax article must help when the normal process breaks. The most common problems are missing bills, wrong mailing address, escrow confusion, supplemental tax bills, card-fee surprise, returned payment, unsecured tax penalties and defaulted secured parcels.
Did Not Receive a Tax Bill
Not receiving a bill is not a good strategy for avoiding penalties. Use the online property tax system or call the Tax Collector if a bill is missing. Property owners should verify tax status after purchase, ownership change, address change or escrow change.
Payment Not Showing
If payment is not showing, check the payment method first. Online card or e-check payments, mailed checks and third-party monthly services may post differently. Keep your confirmation number, cancelled check, bank record or receipt until the official account updates.
Unsecured Tax Questions
For unsecured taxes, including mobile home clearance, bulk transfers and demand-for-payment questions, the Tax Collector contact page lists TCUNSECURED@smcgov.org. Use that email path when your issue is clearly unsecured tax related rather than a normal secured property tax bill.
Correct Official Source: Avoid Wrong San Mateo Tax Payment Pages
The correct starting point is the official San Mateo County Tax Collector website at smcgov.org/tax. From there, follow the county link to view and pay property taxes. If you reach a payment site directly from search, confirm that it is the county-linked property tax payment system before entering bank or card information.
San Mateo County California vs Other Similar Names
This guide is for San Mateo County, California. Do not use this information for San Mateo city-only questions, other California county taxes or private billing services. Match the county, parcel, taxpayer name and tax year before paying.
Tax Sale and Excess Proceeds
The Tax Collector website includes tax sale information and excess proceeds forms. A tax sale issue is not the same as paying a current bill. If your property is defaulted, scheduled for sale or connected to excess proceeds, rely on official county instructions and contact the Tax Collector directly.
Step-by-Step: Best Way to Pay San Mateo County Taxes Safely
- Start from the official county website Go to the official San Mateo County Tax Collector page and use its view/pay property taxes link.
- Search the correct property tax record Confirm the parcel, owner, tax year, installment and amount before choosing a payment method.
- Compare payment fees E-check online is listed as free, while card and digital payment methods may carry service fees.
- Pay before the deadline First installment deadline is December 10 and second installment deadline is April 10 for secured taxes.
- Use the right mailing address Mail tax payments to PO Box 45878, San Francisco, CA 94145-0878, payable as directed by the county.
- Save proof of payment Keep confirmation numbers, receipts, cancelled checks or bank records until the county account updates.
San Mateo County Tax Collector Map, Parking and Directions
This location-specific guide uses the verified main office address listed by the County: 555 County Center, Floor 1, Redwood City, CA 94063. Use this address for in-person office visits, not as a substitute for the official payment mailing address.
Official San Mateo County Tax Collector Links and Trusted Resources
Frequently Asked Questions About San Mateo County Tax Collector
💳 How do I pay San Mateo County property taxes online?
Use the official San Mateo County Tax Collector website and follow the view/pay property taxes link. The official payment path goes to the county-linked property tax payment system, where you can search and pay your bill.
🕒 What are San Mateo County Tax Collector office hours?
The office is listed as open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, excluding holidays and official departmental closures. Phone hours are also listed as 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday-Friday.
📍 Where is the San Mateo County Tax Collector office?
The main office is located at 555 County Center, Floor 1, Redwood City, CA 94063. The office is next to the County parking garage.
✉️ Where do I mail San Mateo County property tax payments?
Mail tax payments to San Mateo County Tax Collector, PO Box 45878, San Francisco, CA 94145-0878. Make checks payable to Sandie Arnott, San Mateo County Tax Collector, unless your current official bill gives updated instructions.
📞 What is the San Mateo County Tax Collector phone number?
The Tax Collector Division phone number is 866-220-0308. You can call during office hours for payment status and general information.
💵 Does San Mateo County charge a credit card fee for tax payments?
Yes. The official fee information lists a 2.35% service fee for credit card payments, with a $1.95 minimum transaction fee. E-check online is listed as free of charge.
📅 When is the first San Mateo County secured tax installment due?
The first installment of secured property taxes is due and payable on November 1. The payment deadline is December 10, with a 10% penalty added the next day if unpaid.
📅 When is the second San Mateo County secured tax installment due?
The second installment is due February 1. The payment deadline is April 10. A 10% penalty plus $40 cost is added the next day if unpaid.
⚠️ What is the unsecured tax deadline in San Mateo County?
The official important dates list August 31 as the unsecured deadline. A 10% penalty and $35.00 collection fee are added on the next day if unpaid.
🏠 Should I contact the Tax Collector or Assessor?
Contact the Tax Collector for tax payment, payment status, fees, penalties and collection questions. Contact the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder for assessment, ownership, exemptions, address changes and property records.
📆 Can I pay San Mateo County property taxes monthly?
The county provides information about monthly planning options, including lender impound accounts, savings accounts and Easy Smart Pay. Easy Smart Pay is a third-party vendor, so review its fees, timing and terms carefully.
ℹ️ Is TaxCollectors.org the official San Mateo County Tax Collector website?
No. TaxCollectors.org is an independent informational guide. Always verify payment links, office hours, mailing addresses, fees, deadlines and account-specific information directly with the official San Mateo County Tax Collector.
Editorial note: This article is for public information only. It is not the official San Mateo County Tax Collector website, does not provide legal or financial advice, and does not replace your official tax bill, county notice, payment receipt or deadline requirement. For official action, use the San Mateo County Tax Collector and Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder links above.
Final Summary: Best Way to Use the San Mateo County Tax Collector
The san mateo county tax collector office is the correct starting point for property tax payment, payment status, tax payment fees, unsecured tax payment questions, defaulted parcel questions and tax sale information. The main office is at 555 County Center, Floor 1, Redwood City, CA 94063, and the main phone number is 866-220-0308.
For payments, use the official county-linked online payment portal or mail checks to San Mateo County Tax Collector, PO Box 45878, San Francisco, CA 94145-0878. E-check online is listed as free, while credit card, PayPal and some digital payment methods carry third-party service fees.
The biggest mistake is waiting for a missing bill or contacting the wrong office. Use the Tax Collector for payment and collection. Use the Assessor-County Clerk-Recorder for property records, assessed value, exemptions, ownership and mailing-address changes. Verify official details before paying, mailing, visiting or relying on a deadline-sensitive payment method.