Marin County Property Taxes: What Homeowners Need to Know in 2025

Marin County has some of the most expensive real estate in California—and the property tax bills to match. With a median home value around $1.4 million and annual tax bills averaging over $11,000, property taxes represent a serious expense for Marin homeowners.

But here's what many residents don't realize: Marin County's effective tax rate is actually below the California average. At roughly 0.72-0.80%, you're paying less as a percentage of your home's value than homeowners in many other Bay Area counties.

That doesn't mean you're paying the right amount. Assessments can be wrong, markets can shift, and exemptions often go unclaimed. Let's break down how Marin County property taxes work and what you can do about them.

Understanding Marin County Property Tax Rates

The base property tax rate in California is 1% of assessed value—but that's just the starting point.

Your actual Marin County tax bill includes the 1% base rate plus additional local assessments for schools, special districts, and voter-approved bonds. The total effective rate varies by location within the county:

• Greenbrae: Highest rates in the county, around 1.2%
• San Rafael: Generally 1.0-1.1%
• Mill Valley: Typically 0.9-1.0%
• Tiburon/Belvedere: Around 0.8-0.9%
• Novato: Usually 1.0-1.1%

These variations exist because different areas have approved different local measures. A home in Greenbrae might pay $14,000 in taxes while an identical home in Tiburon pays $11,000—purely based on location within the county.

Marin's 2025 Assessment Roll: What Changed

Marin County's 2025 property assessment roll hit $110.1 billion—a $4.5 billion increase from 2024.

According to Assessor-Recorder Shelly Scott, the 4.28% increase marks 15 consecutive years of assessment growth, averaging 4.7% annually. This growth happened despite lower real estate transaction volume and fewer major construction projects.

What's driving the increase? Mostly the standard Proposition 13 annual adjustment (up to 2% based on inflation) plus reassessments from properties that changed hands or completed new construction.

For individual homeowners, this means your assessed value likely increased by up to 2% this year—even if your home's actual market value stayed flat or declined.

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When and How to Appeal Your Marin County Property Taxes

Marin County's assessment appeal filing period runs from July 2 to September 15.

If you believe your property is assessed at more than its fair market value as of January 1, you can file an appeal with the Marin County Assessment Appeals Board. Here's how the process works:

Step 1: Request an Informal Review

Before filing a formal appeal, contact the Assessor's Office at (415) 473-7215. They may be able to correct errors or explain your assessment without requiring a formal hearing. This informal process costs nothing and can sometimes resolve issues quickly.

Step 2: File a Formal Application

If the informal review doesn't resolve your concerns, file an Assessment Appeal Application with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. The application must be postmarked by September 15, 2025, for the 2025-2026 tax year. There's typically a small filing fee.

Step 3: Prepare Your Evidence

The strongest appeals include:

• Recent comparable sales showing lower values
• Professional appraisal (optional but helpful)
• Photos documenting property condition issues
• Evidence of assessment errors (wrong square footage, lot size, etc.)

Step 4: Attend Your Hearing

The Assessment Appeals Board will schedule a hearing where you (or your representative) present evidence. The Board has up to two years to render a decision, though most cases are resolved within 6-12 months.

Common Reasons Marin County Homeowners Win Appeals

Not every assessment is wrong, but many are—especially in Marin's volatile real estate market.

Successful appeals in Marin County typically involve one of these situations:

Market Value Decline (Prop 8)

Your home's market value has dropped below its assessed value. This is common after market corrections, neighborhood changes, or when specific issues affect your property (traffic, noise, nearby development).

Comparable Sales Evidence

Similar homes in your area are selling for less than your assessed value. If a nearly identical home down the street sold for $1.2 million and your assessment is $1.4 million, you have grounds for an appeal.

Property Condition Issues

Deferred maintenance, foundation problems, outdated systems, or other condition issues that reduce market value aren't always reflected in assessments.

Assessment Errors

The county has wrong information about your property—incorrect square footage, bedroom count, lot size, or improvements that don't exist.

Incorrect Base Year Value

The value established when you purchased was incorrect—perhaps due to seller concessions, personal property included in the sale, or simple clerical errors.

Tax-Saving Exemptions for Marin County Homeowners

Beyond appeals, several exemptions can reduce your Marin County property tax bill.

Homeowners' Exemption ($70/year)

If you own and occupy your home as your primary residence, you're entitled to a $7,000 reduction in assessed value—saving about $70 annually. You must file once with the Assessor's Office.

Senior Citizen Exemptions

Homeowners 55+ can transfer their property tax base to a new home anywhere in California under Proposition 19. This allows downsizing or relocating without losing Prop 13 protection.

Disabled Veterans' Exemption

Veterans with service-connected disabilities may qualify for significant property tax reductions, with 100% disabled veterans potentially paying $0 in property taxes.

Property Tax Postponement

Seniors 62+ with limited income can defer property tax payments through the state's Property Tax Postponement Program. Taxes become due when the home is sold or transferred.

How Much Can You Save?

Successful property tax appeals in Marin County typically save homeowners $800-$2,500 per year.

The actual savings depend on your property value and how much your assessment exceeds fair market value. A $100,000 reduction in assessed value saves roughly $1,000 annually at Marin's effective tax rates.

These savings repeat every year until the market recovers above your assessed value—meaning a single successful appeal can save $5,000-$15,000+ over several years.

Should You Appeal Your Marin County Property Taxes?

Consider filing an appeal if:

• Your assessed value exceeds what you believe your home would sell for today
• Comparable homes in your neighborhood are selling for less than your assessment
• Your property has condition issues not reflected in the assessment
• You've found errors in your property's recorded characteristics
• You purchased recently and market conditions have changed

Don't want to handle the appeal yourself? TaxDrop's licensed property tax professionals specialize in Marin County assessments. We analyze your property, file all paperwork, represent you at hearings, and handle everything from start to finish. You only pay if we successfully reduce your taxes—a percentage of your actual savings.

Start your free Marin County property tax analysis →