Marin County Property Tax Guide for Homeowners and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Figures come from Marin County Department of Finance and Recorder pages; sources are listed at the end.

Marin County property tax installments are due November 1 and February 1, and become delinquent after 5 p.m. on December 10 and April 10. The first late installment adds 10 percent, the second adds 10 percent plus a $20 cost, and taxes still unpaid at 5 p.m. on June 30 default. Unpaid taxes are paid from your proceeds when you sell.

Marin County property tax at a glance

Installment 1	Due November 1; 10% penalty if unpaid after 5 p.m. on December 10
Installment 2	Due February 1; 10% penalty plus a $20 cost if unpaid after 5 p.m. on April 10
Default	Unpaid taxes default at 5 p.m. on June 30: $15 state redemption fee plus 1.5% a month
Power of sale	After five years of default, the property can be sold at a tax sale
Online	Search by APN; card fee 2.35% (minimum $1.49); e-check is free
By phone	1-800-985-7277
By mail	PO Box 4220, San Rafael, CA 94913-4220
In person	3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 202, San Rafael, CA 94903; Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Redemption amount	Call (415) 473-6133

When are Marin County property taxes due?

The first installment is due November 1 and the second February 1. Each becomes delinquent after 5 p.m. on December 10 and April 10 respectively. Supplemental bills, issued after a sale or new construction, follow their own timing rules, so check the due date printed on each supplemental bill rather than assuming the regular calendar.

How do I pay my Marin County property taxes?

You can pay online by assessor’s parcel number (APN). Cards carry a 2.35 percent fee with a $1.49 minimum, and e-check is free. You can also pay by phone at 1-800-985-7277, by mail to PO Box 4220, San Rafael, CA 94913-4220, or in person at 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 202, San Rafael, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A returned payment carries a $40 charge.

What happens if I don’t pay property taxes in Marin County?

Penalties build in stages. A late first installment adds 10 percent. A late second installment adds 10 percent plus a $20 cost. If taxes remain unpaid at 5 p.m. on June 30, the property defaults. A $15 state redemption fee is added, and interest accrues at 1.5 percent a month. After five years in default, the county can sell the property under its power of sale. To get the exact amount to redeem, call (415) 473-6133.

For how often owners lose homes statewide, see our California foreclosure report.

How much is transfer tax when selling in Marin County?

The County Recorder’s transfer tax schedule lists the county tax at $0.55 per $500 of value. San Rafael adds $2.00 per $1,000, and the Recorder notes that the city portion has no exclusion for an assumed lien. The schedule does not list rates for other Marin cities, so ask escrow for the exact figure for your property. See our California transfer tax report for how this compares across the state.

How to sell a house in Marin County when you owe property taxes

You can sell a house in Marin County with unpaid property taxes. Taxes are a lien, so escrow pays what is owed from your proceeds and the buyer receives the home with taxes cleared.

1. Get the redemption amount. Call (415) 473-6133 with your parcel number and closing date.
2. Give it to escrow. Escrow pays taxes and other liens before you receive the balance.
3. Plan around the calendar. Closing before December 10 or April 10 avoids a new installment penalty, and closing before June 30 avoids default charges.
4. Budget for transfer tax. Ask escrow for the county and any city tax due at recording.

A cash sale helps when time is the problem, because there is no loan approval to wait for. See how we buy houses in Marin County or our page for San Rafael.

Behind on Marin County property taxes and thinking about selling? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. There is no cost and no obligation.

Marin County property tax FAQ

What is the late penalty for Marin County property taxes?

Ten percent on a late first installment, and ten percent plus a $20 cost on a late second installment. After June 30, a $15 redemption fee and 1.5 percent a month apply.

How long can Marin County taxes stay in default?

Five years. After that the county can sell the property under its power of sale.

Where do I pay Marin County property taxes in person?

3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 202, San Rafael, open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

How do I sell a house in Marin County with delinquent property taxes?

Get the redemption amount from the county and give it to escrow. The taxes are paid from your proceeds at closing.

Sources

• Marin County Finance: Penalties and Late Payments
• Marin County Finance: Property Tax Payments
• Marin County Recorder: Transfer Tax

This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Dates and fees can change; confirm amounts with Marin County Finance.