How is the Property Tax Rate Set?

In San Leandro, the property tax rate is set by local government authorities. The process involves a combination of local budgetary needs and legal constraints. The rate is typically reviewed and adjusted annually to align with the city’s financial requirements for public services such as schools, infrastructure, and emergency services. These adjustments are made within the limits set by state laws and regulations.

Comparison with Neighboring Areas

The property tax rate in San Leandro is a key factor for homeowners and potential property buyers to understand. As of 2023, San Leandro’s property tax rate is approximately 1.23%, which is slightly lower than the average rate for Alameda County, which stands at 1.53%​​.

When comparing San Leandro’s property tax rate with neighboring areas within Alameda County, there are noticeable differences. For example, the property tax rates in other cities in the county for 2021/2022 were as follows:

• Fremont: 1.1322%
• Livermore: 1.1572%
• City of Alameda: 1.1626%
• Castro Valley: 1.1848%
• Hayward: 1.2028%
• Berkeley: 1.2508%
• Dublin: 1.2850%
• Oakland: 1.3741%

These rates demonstrate that San Leandro’s rate is higher than many of its neighboring cities, such as Fremont, Livermore, and Alameda, but is lower than Oakland​​.

It’s important to note that these rates are subject to annual adjustments and may vary based on specific factors like special assessments and voter-approved bonds. Additionally, the actual amount paid in property taxes can also vary depending on the assessed value of the property, which is an estimate of its worth and may differ from its market value.

Understanding these rates and how they compare to neighboring areas can help homeowners and buyers in San Leandro make informed decisions about property investments and budgeting for annual expenses.

Online Payment

• Visit the Alameda County Website: Go to the Alameda County official website here.
• Choose Your Tax Type: Select the relevant tax type from options like Secured, Supplemental, Unsecured, or Prior Year Taxes.
• Electronic Check: You can pay using an electronic check from your checking or savings account without any convenience fee.
• Credit Card Transactions: A 2.5% convenience fee is charged for credit card transactions.

Other Payment Methods

• Phone Payments: You can pay your property tax over the phone.
• Mail: Send your payment via mail.
• In-Person: Visit the Alameda County Treasurer Tax Collector’s office at 1221 Oak St #131, Oakland, CA 94612 to pay in person.
• Wire Transfer: This option is also available for property tax payments.

Important Notes

The online payment system may be temporarily unavailable during specific hours for maintenance, typically early mornings on Sundays and weeknights.

You can subscribe to receive reminders about important tax dates to avoid late fees.

Property Tax Assessment and Protest

If you believe your property’s tax value is assessed higher than it should be, you can protest this assessment. The protest procedure involves filing necessary forms and presenting your case to the county’s review board if required. It’s important to have a detailed presentation with supporting documents. In case you need assistance, there are firms specializing in property tax protests that work on a contingency basis​​.

For more specific information or to start the payment process, you can visit the Alameda County official website.

San Leandro Property Tax Due Dates

In San Leandro, property tax payments are structured around specific due dates that property owners need to be aware of to avoid late penalties. The payment schedule is as follows:

First Installment Due Date: November 1st.

• This installment becomes delinquent after 5:00 PM on December 10th.
• Payments made after this deadline will incur a 10% penalty.

Second Installment Due Date: February 1st of the following year.

• This installment becomes delinquent after 5:00 PM on April 10th.
• Similar to the first installment, late payments will attract a 10% penalty.

Key Points to Remember

• Billing Cycle: Property taxes in San Leandro are billed on a fiscal year basis, starting July 1st.
• Assessment Date: Properties are assessed on January 1st each year.
• Appeal Deadline: If you wish to contest your property tax assessment, the appeal must be submitted by September 15th or November 30th, depending on the county’s schedule​​​​.

It’s important for property owners to mark these dates in their calendars and plan their payments accordingly to avoid late fees. For more information or specific queries, property owners can visit the Alameda County official website.