Marin County Tax and Fee Exemptions, Discounts, and Waivers

Each year, CST shares updated information to help Marin County taxpayers like you take advantage of discounts and exemptions you may qualify for.

You may be eligible for savings on local property taxes, utility fees (like water, sewer, and gas and electric), and other essential services—especially if you’re a senior, disabled, have low or moderate income, a large family, or special needs such as medical conditions requiring more water or electricity.

Even many middle-class households qualify for income-based discounts, as the cutoffs are often generous: up to 80% of Marin’s median income or HUD housing assistance levels, with higher limits for larger families. Some discounts don’t depend on income at all.

Keep reading for more detailed information on what you might qualify for, how to apply, and key deadlines.

How to Check for Discounts and Exemptions

1. Click here to go to the Marin County Property Tax Exemption webpage.

2.  Enter your parcel number.
This shows the specific agencies billing YOU through your tax bill. It flags which ones offer exemptions or discounts.

Please note that your bill does NOT include essential services that you don’t pay through your semi-annual taxes, such as gas, electric, and water. Information about discounts and exemptions for those services are included lower on this page.

3. Check for the following:

  • School parcel tax exemptions (seniors, low-income, disabled)
  • Sewer/sanitary discounts – especially for medical needs or large families
  • Other agency-specific programs (based on income, age, disability, or usage)

4. Download or request application forms.
Links and/or phone numbers are typically listed on the exemption page.

5. Apply before the deadline.
Some school district deadlines may have already passed, but most are still open.

6. Renew annually if required.

Type of Discount Who Qualifies Renewal Needed? Notes
School Parcel Tax – Senior Age 65+ Usually one-time Must apply separately for each district
School Parcel Tax – Low Income, disabled Low-income, disabled (may be further limited to seniors) Yes – every year Based on income thresholds (adjusted for family size)
Sewer Fee Discounts Low/mod income, large families, medical needs Often yearly Some agencies bill separately
Other Agency Fee Discounts Varies – some income-based, some not Varies Use parcel lookup to see agency list

Marin Wildfire Prevention Authority (MWPA) Parcel Tax – Senior Exemption

If you are 65 or older and have a low to moderate income, you may qualify for a senior exemption from the MWPA parcel tax. You must reapply every year, and your application must be postmarked by June 30.

Don’t assume you won’t qualify. Many middle-income households qualify for this discount. Here is a list of current income limits:

Household Size Maximum Income
1 person $109,700
2 people $125,350
3 people $141,000
4 people $156,650
5 people $169,200

The tax is based on the square footage of your buildings, so please make sure the County Assessor’s record is correct.

Important Tips to Remember

  • Keep copies of everything you submit.
  • MWPA may not confirm receipt or approval, so please check your tax bill when you get it. If your approved exemption isn’t reflected, contact the agency right away to request a correction.
  • CST is pushing for all agencies to send confirmation letters — but until that changes, stay proactive.

Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Yes, you can lower your PG&E bill! Here’s how:

1. Apply for PG&E’s low-income discount programs: These programs can reduce your monthly bill if you qualify. The income limits for these are much lower than MWPA’s.

2. Review your rate plan: PG&E offers a variety of rate plans. Check out the options and make sure to enroll in the one that produces the lowest bill given your usage patterns.

3. Save money by adjusting when you use electricity: Run appliances like washers or dishwashers during off-peak hours to lower your bill.

4. Compare time of use rate plans: Visit P&GE’s website and click the “Compare rate plans now” button to view your time of use options and make any changes.

Water and Sanitation District Discounts

Marin Municipal Water District (MMWD)
MMWD offers several discounts based on income, medical needs, or fire sprinklers:

  • Income-Based Fee Waiver: Waives all meter-size charges (can save hundreds per year). Open to all qualifying households, not just seniors.
    • 2025 Annual Income Limits:
      • 1 person: $87,760
      • 2 people: $100,280
      • 3 people: $112,800
      • 4 people: $125,320
      • 5 people: $135,360
      • 6 people: $145,400
      • 7 people: $155,400
      • 8+ people: $165,440
  • Fire Sprinkler and Low Income Homes are eligible for reduced fees. Fill out this form for a Capital Maintenance Fee Reduction.
  • Meter Downsizing: Customers with large meters (over 5/8″) may save by switching to a smaller one. Check your bill for your meter size and ask about the cost of resizing. For more info, call 415-945-1400 or send an email to customerservice@marinwater.org.
  • Medical Disability Discount – for conditions requiring extra water use
  • Conservation incentives – for high water-use customers
  • Water-saving rebates are also available for water efficiency upgrades

Other Local Water and Sanitation Districts:

  • North Marin Water District — $30/month discount for PG&E CARE program participants.
  • Stinson Beach County Water District — Has a low-income discount. Call 415-868-1333 for info and forms.
  • Mill Valley Municipal Services Tax — Exemption for low-income seniors. Call 415-384-4800 or email publicworks@cityofmillvalley.org.
  • San Anselmo Municipal Services — Exemption for PG&E CARE program participants. Call 415-258-4678 to apply.
  • Ross Valley Sanitary District (RVSD) — 25% off sewer charge for low/moderate-income households. Click here and then click on on “rate assistance program.” Apply by June 30.
  • Novato & Mill Valley Sanitary Districts — Discounts only offered if enrolled in PG&E’s CARE program:

Check with your local agency — many offer fee discounts or help with sewer line repairs.

Library Taxes

Many libraries in Marin are part of the Marin County Free Library system, which offers a senior exemption that must be renewed annually by June 1. Some other libraries also offer library parcel tax exemptions.

There are several other exemptions and discounts not listed here. Please visit the county exemption website to see the specific agencies on your Marin County tax bill that offer exemptions and discounts.

Help CST Expand Our Exemption and Discount List

If you know of additional tax and fee exemptions offered to Marin residents by local or regional agencies and districts or would like to alert us to any updates or corrections, please contact us.