San Francisco Gross Receipts Tax: Rates vary based on gross receipts and business activity category, ranging from 0.100% to 3.360% for businesses with gross receipts up to $1 billion, and up to 1.512% for businesses with gross receipts over $1 billion. Small business exemption threshold is $5 million.
Short-term rentals are allowed only in the owner's primary residence. A 14% Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) applies to rentals under 30 days. Un-hosted rentals are capped at 90 days per year.
San Francisco's tax landscape is characterized by a significant Gross Receipts Tax with varying rates based on business activity and revenue tiers, alongside a tiered real estate transfer tax that can be substantial for high-value transactions. Strategic planning around these local taxes, coupled with federal incentives like Opportunity Zones, is crucial for optimizing tax outcomes for business owners and real estate investors.
These are the dominant professions and industries in San Francisco. Click your profession to see your personalized write-off list.
These strategies are especially powerful or unique for San Francisco residents and business owners. Click any strategy to learn more.
Running an LLC or business in San Francisco? Here's what you need to know about local taxes, entity structure, and the write-offs that matter most in this city.
San Francisco business owners face both California state taxes and San Francisco-specific local taxes. Understanding both layers is essential for effective tax planning.
Common questions about San Francisco business taxes, LLC structure, and local write-offs — answered by Uncle Kam's tax advisors.
San Francisco does not have a local individual income tax. You'll pay California state income taxes but no additional city-level income tax. Focus your planning on maximizing federal and California state deductions.
Book a Free Strategy Call →San Francisco Gross Receipts Tax: Rates vary based on gross receipts and business activity category, ranging from 0.100% to 3.360% for businesses with gross receipts up to $1 billion, and up to 1.512% for businesses with gross receipts over $1 billion. Small business exemption threshold is $5 millio
Book a Free Strategy Call →The top write-offs for San Francisco business owners include: S-Corp election to reduce self-employment taxes, home office deduction, vehicle and mileage, Section 179 equipment expensing, business meals and entertainment, retirement contributions (Solo 401k/SEP-IRA), and San Francisco-specific deductions like local business taxes paid. Uncle Kam's advisors know the San Francisco tax landscape — book a free strategy call.
Book a Free Strategy Call →Forming an LLC in San Francisco provides liability protection and pass-through taxation. For most San Francisco business owners earning over $60,000 net profit, adding an S-Corp election to your LLC can save thousands in self-employment taxes annually. California has specific LLC requirements and fees — get a personalized recommendation from Uncle Kam's tax advisors.
Book a Free Strategy Call →Short-term rental rules in San Francisco: Short-term rentals are allowed only in the owner\ From a tax perspective, STR owners can deduct mortgage interest, property taxes, insurance, repairs, depreciation, and management fees. The short-term rental loophole may allow you to offset W-2 income with rental losses if you qualify.
Book a Free Strategy Call →Yes — San Francisco has designated Opportunity Zones where investors can defer and reduce capital gains taxes by investing in qualified opportunity funds (QOFs). This is one of the most powerful tax deferral strategies available for real estate and business investors in San Francisco. Uncle Kam can connect you with advisors who specialize in OZ investments.
Book a Free Strategy Call →Freelancers and self-employed professionals in San Francisco can reduce taxes by: electing S-Corp status (saves $5k–$20k/year for most), maximizing the home office deduction, deducting all business-related expenses, contributing to a Solo 401(k), and using the QBI deduction (up to 20% of qualified business income). San Francisco's combined state and local tax burden makes these strategies even more valuable. Get a free tax review from Uncle Kam.
Book a Free Strategy Call →This city guide is commonly used by the following taxpayer profiles. Click to see all strategies for your situation.
Uncle Kam connects you with vetted CPAs and tax advisors in San Francisco, California who specialize in maximizing write-offs for your business type.
Find San Francisco Tax Professionals →Uncle Kam clients save an average of $5,000–$40,000/year. The strategies that make that possible are unlocked on a free strategy call.
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