What happens if I miss the property tax appeal deadline?

Late applications aren't accepted, so you keep your current assessment for the full tax year and only get another chance the following year.

Can someone attend the appeal hearing for me?

Yes. A spouse, parent, or adult child may appear on your behalf, or you can request a postponement at least 14 days before the hearing.

When will my property tax appeal hearing be scheduled?

After you file it goes quiet for a while. The Assessment Appeals Board mails your hearing schedule at least 21 days before the hearing date.

San Francisco Property Tax Appeal Deadline & Timeline

Q: What is the deadline to appeal property taxes in San Francisco?

The regular filing period runs from July 2 to mid-September (September 15 in most California counties). The exact close date can change yearly — confirm it on the Assessment Appeals Board website.

The single most common reason homeowners overpay isn't a weak case — it's a missed deadline. Here's the timeline so you don't lose a year of savings.

When is the deadline?

San Francisco's regular filing period runs July 2 to mid-September — September 15 in most California counties. The exact close date can shift year to year, so always confirm it on the Assessment Appeals Board (AAB) website. Miss it and you're stuck with your current assessment until the next tax year.

The timeline, start to finish

Assessment notice (≈ end of July). Everything starts when your assessment notice arrives — usually by late July. No notice? Contact the Office of the Assessor-Recorder.

Filing window (July 2 – mid-September). File your appeal in this window. This is the hard deadline; everything else flexes, this doesn't.

Hearing schedule (≥ 21 days before). After you file, it goes quiet — that's normal. The AAB mails your hearing schedule at least 21 days before the date.

The hearing. Your chance to present your case. Here's exactly what it's like.

Can't make your hearing?

Request a postponement. Mail, fax, or email a Postponement Request and Waiver Agreement (on the AAB site, under Forms and Documents) at least 14 days before your hearing date.
Send a family member. A spouse, parent, or adult child may appear on your behalf. Confirm with the board who can represent you.

Should you appeal? Quick check

Find your assessed value — on your tax bill or the Assessor's website.
Estimate market value — from recent sales of similar properties, compared across the factors the board uses (size, beds/baths, floor, etc.). See how to choose comps.

You likely have a case if: your assessed value exceeds market value, your neighborhood has seen a recent decline, or property issues aren't reflected in the assessment.

What missing the deadline costs

You overpay for the year — and because Prop 13 can tack on up to 2% the following year, an inflated base compounds. (Why assessments don't auto-adjust downward.) Don't leave it on the table: confirm this year's date and start gathering comps now.