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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Mono County
Property Tax Guide

Everything you need to know about property taxes in Mono County, CA. Rates, due dates, exemptions, and how it affects your monthly payment.

10 Official Sources
8 min read
Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.0% to 1.3% (1% base rate plus special districts, varies by location)
1st Due
Nov 1
2nd Due
Feb 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Mono County, California operates under California's property tax system established by Proposition 13, which sets a base tax rate of approximately 1% of assessed value. Property taxes in Mono County fund essential local services including schools, fire protection, road maintenance, and county operations. The county encompasses diverse communities from Mammoth Lakes to Bridgeport, each potentially subject to different special district assessments.

The effective tax rate in Mono County varies by location within the county due to special taxing districts such as school bonds, fire districts, and community facilities districts (CFDs). While the base county-wide rate aligns with Proposition 13's 1% requirement, total effective rates typically range from 1.0% to 1.3% depending on your property's specific location and applicable special assessments. Property owners should verify their exact rate based on their assessor's parcel number (APN) and the special districts serving their area.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

Mono County Property Tax Components (FY 2025-2026)

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Tax~1.00%Proposition 13 base rate for county services
School DistrictsVariesLocal school district assessments
Fire ProtectionVariesFire district assessments by location
Community ServicesVariesParks, recreation, lighting districts
Bond AssessmentsVariesVoter-approved infrastructure bonds
Mello-Roos/CFDsVariesCommunity facilities districts (newer developments)

Total Effective Rate: 1.0% - 1.3% (varies significantly by special taxing districts)

Note: Rates vary by location within Mono County. Properties in Mammoth Lakes, Bridgeport, and unincorporated areas may have different special district assessments. Contact the Mono County Assessor at (760) 932-5510 for your specific APN's tax rate breakdown.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Mono County, property taxes are due in two installments:

First Installment
Nov 1
Delinquent after Dec 10
Second Installment
Feb 1
Delinquent after Apr 10
Pro tip: If you pay through mortgage escrow, your lender splits these payments across your monthly mortgage. If you pay directly, set calendar reminders to avoid late penalties.
Section 4

Supplemental Tax Bills

Supplemental taxes are additional property tax bills issued when there is a change in ownership or completion of new construction that increases a property's assessed value mid-tax year. In Mono County, these taxes cover the difference between the old and new assessed values for the remaining months of the current tax year.

Common triggers include:

  • Purchase of existing property
  • Completion of new construction, additions, or major improvements
  • Removal of exemptions or tax credits

Calculation example: If you purchase a $500,000 home in January that was previously assessed at $300,000, you'll receive a supplemental tax bill for the $200,000 increase in assessed value, prorated for the remaining 6 months of the tax year. At a 1.1% effective rate, this would equal approximately $1,100 in supplemental taxes ($200,000 × 1.1% × 6/12 months).

Example Calculation

Property Tax Calculations for Mono County (FY 2025-2026)

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Less Homeowners' Exemption: -$7,000 (saves ~$77/year, requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $293,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.1% (example rate with districts)
  • Annual Property Tax: $3,223
  • Monthly Escrow: $269

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Less Homeowners' Exemption: -$7,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.15% (example rate with districts)
  • Annual Property Tax: $6,820
  • Monthly Escrow: $568

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Less Homeowners' Exemption: -$7,000 (requires application)
  • Net Taxable Value: $993,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.2% (example rate with districts)
  • Annual Property Tax: $11,916
  • Monthly Escrow: $993

Note: Homeowners' Exemption requires annual application and provides a $7,000 reduction in assessed value, not the tax amount.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most Mono County homeowners with mortgages pay property taxes through escrow accounts managed by their lenders. Your mortgage servicer collects monthly escrow payments along with your principal and interest, then pays your property taxes directly to Mono County when due.

Key escrow details:

  • Lenders typically collect 1/12 of your annual tax bill monthly, plus a cushion
  • Property taxes are paid in two installments: after December 10th and by April 10th
  • Your lender receives tax bills directly from Mono County
  • You should verify that payments are made on time to avoid penalties
  • Annual escrow analysis statements show if adjustments to monthly payments are needed

Verification tip: Even with escrow, review your annual property tax bill to ensure accuracy in assessed value and applied exemptions. Contact your lender immediately if you notice any discrepancies or if tax bills aren't paid by the due dates.

How HonestCasa Helps
  • Understand whether your escrow is set correctly
  • See how rising taxes will change your monthly payment
  • Plan ahead instead of being surprised by "shortage" letters
Section 6

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When are Mono County property taxes due for FY 2025-2026? A: The first installment is due after December 10th, and the second installment is due by April 10th. Tax bills are typically mailed by November 1st.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The primary credit is the Homeowners' Exemption, which reduces assessed value by $7,000 (saving ~$70-80 annually). This requires an application to the Mono County Assessor and is NOT automatic. Additional exemptions may be available for veterans, seniors, or disabled persons but all require separate applications.

Q: How does the Homestead exemption work? A: California's homestead protection primarily limits assessment increases to 2% annually under Proposition 13, rather than providing a direct tax reduction. This applies automatically to owner-occupied properties but doesn't reduce your tax bill directly like the Homeowners' Exemption does.

Q: How often are properties reassessed in Mono County? A: Properties are reassessed upon change of ownership or completion of new construction. Otherwise, assessed values can only increase by a maximum of 2% per year under Proposition 13.

Q: Can I appeal my property assessment? A: Yes, you can file an assessment appeal if you believe your property is overvalued. Applications are typically due by November 30th following the tax roll posting. Contact the Mono County Assessment Appeals Board for specific procedures.

Q: What are the penalties for late payment? A: Late payments incur penalties and interest. The first installment becomes delinquent after December 10th, and the second after April 10th. Contact the Mono County Tax Collector at (760) 932-5510 for specific penalty rates.

Q: Are online payments accepted? A: Contact the Mono County Tax Collector's office at (760) 932-5510 or visit their website to verify current online payment options and any associated processing fees.

Q: What are special district taxes on my bill? A: These fund local services like fire protection, schools, and infrastructure improvements. Rates vary by location within Mono County - a property in Mammoth Lakes may have different special assessments than one in Bridgeport or unincorporated areas.

Q: Do I need to file for the Homeowners' Exemption every year? A: Typically, you only need to file once, but the county may require periodic renewal or re-verification. Contact the Mono County Assessor at (760) 932-5510 to confirm your exemption status and any renewal requirements.

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