Los Gatos property tax: where it goes
A Los Gatos house pays 1.146% of its taxable value in property tax, plus flat charges on the same bill. For a house at $2,000,001 of market value with the homeowners' exemption, that's about $23,091 a year.
Tax is levied on valuation.
Santa Clara County's 2026-27 tax rate book is not published yet; 2025-26 rates are the latest.
Who taxes this house
| Taxing agency | Rate | On $2,000,001 |
|---|---|---|
| Countywide 1% maximum levy (Prop 13) | 1% | $19,930 |
| County retirement levy | 0.0388% | $773 |
| County bonds (VMC 2008, 2016 housing bond) | 0.0108% | $215 |
| Los Gatos Elementary bonds (2001, 2010, 2024) (schools) | 0.0586% | $1,168 |
| Los Gatos-Saratoga High 2014 bond (schools) | 0.0132% | $263 |
| West Valley-Mission community college bonds (schools) | 0.0192% | $383 |
| Mid Peninsula Open Space 2014 bond | 0.0014% | $28 |
| Valley Water state water project | 0.0039% | $78 |
| Los Gatos-Saratoga High School Measure A parcel tax ($128 a year when it began July 1, 2024; may be higher now) | flat | $128 |
| Valley Water Safe, Clean Water special tax (2026-27) | flat | $82 |
| Mosquito & vector control assessments | flat | $31 |
| SF Bay Restoration Authority Measure AA | flat | $12 |
| Total | 1.146% | $23,091 |
2025-26 tax year, Santa Clara County (tax rate area 003-000); flat charges 2026-27 where stated. Exemptions applied: Homeowners' exemption ($7,000).
Ways to pay less
- Homeowners' exemption. If you own and occupy your home as your principal place of residence, you may be eligible for an exemption of up to $7,000 off the dwelling's assessed value. How: File the claim with the Santa Clara County Assessor.
Dates
| When | What |
|---|---|
| Dec 10 (in 48 days) | Last day to pay the first installment of secured property taxes without penalties. |
| Apr 10 | Last day to pay the second installment of secured property taxes without penalties. |
| Jul 2 – Sep 15 | Window to file an assessment appeal with the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors. |
Sources
Checked October 22, 2026. Every number here comes from the public sources listed, matched by our checker.
Rates change every year; this page shows when it was last checked. Nothing here is legal, tax or insurance advice.