New Business Owners

Our office is here to inform and assist you with business property taxation matters.  Feel free to contact our office to determine whether or not you have assessable business assets and should receive a Business Property Statement (Form 571-L) for the current year.

Businesses in the City & County of San Francisco are required by California State Law to annually file the Business Property Statement (Form 571-L), which identifies the acquisition cost of their business personal property (i.e. equipment, furniture, computers, etc.) and improvements (i.e. leasehold/tenant improvements, trade fixtures etc.) to the Assessor and are responsible for the potential taxes on that property. The State Constitution says all property is subject to property tax.

Business personal property is appraised annually.  If you are a registered business in the City & County of San Francisco and you’ve received a Business Property Statement (Form 571-L), this statement must be completed and submitted by the date indicated.  It is important to note that a 10% penalty will be applied if the statement is not received by the Assessor-Recorder’s Office by the due date. Business owners should report their business inventory, application software, and licensed motor vehicles are all exempt.

State law requires that at least once each four (4) years the Assessor’s Office audit the books and records of a significant number of businesses. Other entities are audited on a random basis or when requested by the taxpayer.

For additional assistance regarding your new business, the San Francisco Business Portal is the ultimate resource for starting, running, and growing a business in San Francisco. With comprehensive information and tailored tools, the portal helps you navigate the process and quickly learn what it takes to be compliant.