Alameda County Property Tax Appeal — California

Rob Hartley·Updated February 15, 2026

Alameda County is located in the San Francisco Bay Area and includes the county seat of Oakland along with major cities like Berkeley, Fremont, and Hayward. With a median home value of $1,090,600 and an effective property tax rate of 0.80%, homeowners pay a median annual tax bill of $8,697, significantly higher than the national median of $2,400. The county's high property values and dense urban population make property tax appeals especially important for homeowners seeking relief from rising assessments.

Notable cities: Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, Hayward, Alameda, San Leandro

Median Home

$1,090,600

Tax Rate

0.80%

Annual Tax

$8,697

Population

1.7 million

2026 Appeal Deadline: September 15, 2026

Regular assessment appeals must be filed between July 2 and September 15 each year. For supplemental or escape assessments, appeals must be filed within 60 days of the notice or bill mailing date.

Property in Alameda County, California — local tax assessment and appeal guide

How Alameda County Assesses Property

100%of market value

Assessed by: Alameda County Assessor's Office

Assessment cycle: annual

Notices typically mailed: July

In California, properties are assessed at 100% of their market value. For example, if your home's market value is $1,090,600 (the county median), your assessed value would be $1,090,600. At Alameda County's effective tax rate of 0.80%, this results in approximately $8,725 in annual property taxes.

The Appeal Process

Appeals are heard by the Assessment Appeals Board. The Board considers all evidence presented by both the property owner and Assessor's Office at a formal hearing. Decisions can take up to two years, though many cases resolve sooner.

Step 1: Contact the Assessor's Office at(510) 272-3787 to request an informal decline in market value review before filing a formal appeal

Step 2: Gather evidence including comparable sales near January 1, property condition photos, and any appraisals or repair estimates

Step 3: Complete the Assessment Appeal Application (BOE-305-AH) and file with the Clerk of the Board between July 2 and September 15

Step 4: Attend the formal hearing before the Assessment Appeals Board and present your evidence

Step 5: If dissatisfied with the decision, you may appeal to the Superior Court within 6 months

Required form: Assessment Appeal Application (BOE-305-AH)

Filing Methods

in-person:Clerk of the Board, County Administration Building, 5th Floor, 1221 Oak Street, Oakland, CA 94612

mail:Mail completed application to: Clerk of the Board, Administration Bldg. 5th Floor, 1221 Oak Street, Oakland 94612

online:Check with Clerk's office at(510) 272-6352 for online filing availability

Evidence to Bring

Comparable property sales near January 1Recent property appraisalsPhotos of property condition issuesRepair estimates or contractor bidsIncome/expense data for rental properties

Alameda County Assessor Contact

Alameda County Assessor's Office

Phone: (510) 272-3787

Address: 1221 Oak Street, Room 145, Oakland, CA 94612

Website: https://www.acassessor.org/

Online Portal: https://aab.alamedacountyca.gov

Hours: Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Tax Exemptions in Alameda County

Homeowner's Exemption

$7,000 reduction in assessed value (approximately $70 annual tax savings)

Reduces the taxable value for owner-occupied primary residences

Eligibility: Must own and occupy the property as principal residence on January 1Deadline: February 15 for full exemption; partial exemption available if filed by December 10

Disabled Veterans' Exemption

Basic exemption of $150,000; low-income exemption of $200,000

Property tax exemption for qualified disabled veterans

Eligibility: Veterans with service-connected disability rated at 100% or compensation for being totally disabledDeadline: February 15

Senior Citizens Property Tax Assistance

Defers property taxes until property is sold or owner passes away

Property tax postponement program for eligible seniors

Eligibility: Age 62 or older, 40% equity in home, household income under state limitsDeadline: Ongoing

Official Resources

Alameda County Assessor Website →

Official website with property lookup tools, exemption forms, and decline in value review information

Alameda County Assessment Appeals Board →

Clerk of the Board page with appeal forms, filing instructions, and hearing information

California State Board of Equalization - Assessment Appeals →

State resources including Publication 30 guide and instructional videos for property tax appeals

Alameda County Property Tax Lookup →

Search tool to view property tax bills, payment history, and current assessed values

Check Your Alameda County Assessment

Enter your address to see if your Alameda County property is overassessed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to appeal my property taxes in Alameda County?

The deadline to appeal regular property tax assessments in Alameda County is September 15, 2026. The filing period opens on July 2, giving property owners approximately 2.5 months to prepare and submit their appeal. For supplemental or escape assessments, you must file within 60 days of the mailing date shown on your notice or tax bill. If September 15 falls on a weekend or holiday, the deadline extends to the next business day.

How do I file a property tax appeal in Alameda County online?

Alameda County may offer online filing for property tax appeals through their website at https://aab.alamedacountyca.gov. However, availability varies by year, so contact the Clerk of the Board at(510) 272-6352 to confirm current online filing options. If online filing isn't available, you can file in person at 1221 Oak Street, 5th Floor, Oakland, or by mail. The Assessment Appeal Application (BOE-305-AH) must be completed with your property information and your opinion of fair market value as of January 1.

What is the homestead exemption worth in Alameda County?

The homeowner's exemption in Alameda County provides a $7,000 reduction in your property's assessed value, which saves approximately $70 per year on your property tax bill. This exemption is available to all owner-occupied primary residences as of January 1. To receive the full exemption for the current year, you must file form BOE-266 by February 15. If you file after February 15 but before December 10, you'll receive a partial exemption of approximately $56.

What happens at an Assessment Appeals Board hearing in Alameda County?

At an Alameda County Assessment Appeals Board hearing, you'll present evidence supporting your opinion of your property's value as of January 1. The Assessor's Office will also present their evidence. Both parties may call witnesses, present comparable sales data, and submit appraisals. The Board members will ask questions and review all documentation. The hearing is formal but designed for property owners to represent themselves. After deliberation, the Board will decide whether to reduce, maintain, or rarely increase your assessed value.

How much can I save by appealing my property taxes in Alameda County?

Property tax savings from a successful appeal depend on how much your assessed value is reduced. With Alameda County's effective tax rate of 0.80%, every $10,000 reduction in assessed value saves approximately $80 annually. For example, if your $1,090,600 property (the county median) is overassessed by $100,000, a successful appeal would save about $800 per year. Many property owners find that market conditions, property defects, or incorrect square footage can justify significant reductions through the appeal process.

What evidence do I need for an Alameda County property tax appeal?

For a successful Alameda County property tax appeal, you need evidence showing your property's market value as of January 1 is less than the assessed value. Essential evidence includes: comparable property sales within 90 days of January 1, a professional appraisal, photos documenting any property defects or needed repairs, contractor estimates for deferred maintenance, and income/expense records for rental properties. The Assessor recommends providing at least one comparable sale as close to January 1 as possible, but no later than March 31.

Can I request an informal review before filing a formal appeal in Alameda County?

Yes, Alameda County encourages property owners to request an informal decline in market value review before filing a formal appeal. Contact the Assessor's Office at(510) 272-3787 or visit their website to request this free service. A certified appraiser will review your documentation, including comparable sales and property condition information. If the Assessor agrees to reduce your value, you may avoid the formal appeal process entirely. If not satisfied with the informal review results, you can still file a formal appeal by the September 15 deadline.

Do I have to pay property taxes while my appeal is pending in Alameda County?

Yes, you must pay your property taxes on time even while your appeal is pending to avoid penalties and interest charges. Property tax appeals in Alameda County do not pause your payment obligations. The first installment is due November 1 and the second installment is due February 1. If your appeal is successful and results in a lower assessed value, Alameda County will issue a refund for any overpayment or provide an adjusted bill for future installments.

For state-wide appeal information including California's assessment ratio and deadlines, see our California Property Tax Appeal Guide →

Considering professional help with your appeal? Compare pricing, coverage, and pros/cons in our Best Property Tax Appeal Services (2026) or browse side-by-side service comparisons →

More California Counties

Butte County (Chico)Contra Costa County (Martinez)El Dorado County (Placerville)Fresno County (Fresno)Kern County (Bakersfield)Los Angeles County (Los Angeles)

← All California property tax appeal info

Sources: https://www.acassessor.org/ | https://smartasset.com/taxes/alameda-county-california-property-tax-calculator | https://www.acgov.org/clerk/assessment.htm | https://auditor.alamedacountyca.gov/tax-faqs/

Last verified: 2026-02-15