San Francisco tax collector to auction 159 tax defaulted properties online

The San Francisco County Board of Supervisors convened on July 4, 2025, to discuss a resolution authorizing the tax collector to auction off tax-defaulted properties. Amanda Fried from the Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector presented the resolution, highlighting that the auction is mandated by state law for properties that have been delinquent for five years or more.

Fried noted that the 159 parcels slated for auction represent a small fraction of the 210,000 total parcels in San Francisco, with over 99% of property owners paying their taxes on time. Among the parcels, seven contain structures or are suitable for building, while the rest are primarily unbuildable lots, including small slivers and underwater properties.

The process for selecting these parcels involved thorough scrutiny, including researching ownership history and physical characteristics. The office has made extensive efforts to notify property owners, including mailing notifications to contiguous properties when contact information was unavailable. For occupied properties, sheriff's deputies have conducted in-person notifications, and the office has collaborated with various social services to assist individuals at risk of losing their homes.

Once the Board of Supervisors approves the auction list, it will be published in the newspaper and made available online, with the auction scheduled to begin on April 22. The meeting underscored the importance of community outreach and support for vulnerable residents facing tax issues.