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Updated 2025 Tax Year

Monterey County
Property Tax Guide

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

10 Official Sources
8 min read
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Quick Facts
Tax Rate
1.1% to 1.4% of assessed value (1% base rate plus local assessments, varies by district)
1st Due
Nov 1
2nd Due
Feb 1
Exemptions
4+ Available
Section 1

How Property Tax Works

Monterey County's property tax system operates under California's Proposition 13 framework, with a base rate of approximately 1% of assessed value plus additional voter-approved assessments. Property taxes fund essential county services including schools, fire protection, libraries, parks, and general county operations. The effective tax rate typically ranges from 1.1% to 1.4% of assessed value, though this varies significantly by location within the county.

Property tax rates in Monterey County vary by special taxing districts, which means your exact rate depends on your specific location and the local bonds, assessments, and Mello-Roos Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) that serve your area. In November 2024, voters approved Measure A, which adds 0.500% to the countywide tax rate beginning in fiscal year 2025-2026. Your property's assessed value is capped at 2% annual increases under Proposition 13, regardless of market value changes, until a change in ownership or new construction triggers reassessment to current market value.

Section 2

What Makes Up Your Tax Bill

ComponentRateDescription
Base County Rate~1.000%General county services, schools, state-mandated allocations
Measure A (2024)0.500%Countywide assessment approved November 2024
School Bonds0.050%-0.200%Varies by school district location
City/District Bonds0.010%-0.150%Municipal bonds, fire districts, water districts
Mello-Roos CFDs0.100%-0.400%Community facilities districts (newer developments)
Total Effective Rate1.160%-1.450%Varies by specific location and districts

Rates shown are for fiscal year 2025-2026. Your exact rate depends on your property's location within specific special taxing districts. The Tax Rate Book with precise rates by area will be available on the county website by the end of October 2025.

Section 3

When Are Property Taxes Due?

For the 2025/2026 tax year in Monterey 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 triggered by "supplemental events" including change in ownership, completion of new construction, or changes to existing structures that increase assessed value. When these events occur, the Assessor immediately reassesses the property to current market value, and a supplemental tax bill is issued for the difference between the old and new assessments, prorated for the remaining fiscal year.

For example, if you purchase a home in January for $800,000 that was previously assessed at $500,000, you'll receive a supplemental bill for the $300,000 difference in assessed value, multiplied by your local tax rate, prorated for the remaining 5 months of the fiscal year (January-June). If your local rate is 1.25%, the supplemental tax would be approximately $1,563 ($300,000 × 1.25% × 5/12 months). This supplemental tax is in addition to the regular annual tax bill and has separate due dates depending on when the bill is mailed.

Example Calculation

Example 1: $300,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $300,000
  • Homeowner's Exemption: -$7,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $293,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.25% (example rate)
  • Annual Tax: $3,663
  • Monthly Escrow: $305

Example 2: $600,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $600,000
  • Homeowner's Exemption: -$7,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $593,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.30% (example rate with additional districts)
  • Annual Tax: $7,709
  • Monthly Escrow: $642

Example 3: $1,000,000 Home

  • Assessed Value: $1,000,000
  • Homeowner's Exemption: -$7,000 (if applied for)
  • Net Taxable Value: $993,000
  • Tax Rate: 1.35% (example rate with CFDs)
  • Annual Tax: $13,406
  • Monthly Escrow: $1,117

Note: The Homeowner's Exemption requires annual application and saves approximately $70-95 per year depending on your local tax rate. Rates shown are examples as actual rates vary by special district.

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Section 5

Escrow & Property Taxes

Most mortgage lenders require property tax escrow accounts, where you pay 1/12 of your estimated annual property tax with each monthly mortgage payment. Your lender collects these payments in an escrow account and pays your property taxes directly to Monterey County on the November 1st and May 7th due dates. Lenders typically maintain a cushion of 2-3 months of payments in your escrow account to ensure adequate funds.

You'll receive an annual escrow analysis statement showing your account activity and any adjustments needed. If your property taxes increase due to reassessment, new bonds, or supplemental taxes, your monthly escrow payment will be adjusted accordingly. You can verify that your lender has paid your taxes correctly by checking the Monterey County Tax Collector's website or calling (831) 755-5155. If you pay taxes directly without escrow, you're responsible for making payments by the due dates to avoid penalties.

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 property taxes due for fiscal year 2025-2026? A: The first installment is due November 1, 2025, and the second installment is due May 7, 2026. A 10% penalty is added if payments are received after these dates.

Q: What tax credits are available and do they require application? A: The main credit is the Homeowner's Exemption, which reduces assessed value by $7,000 and requires annual application. Veterans with disabilities may qualify for additional exemptions. Senior citizens may be eligible for property tax postponement programs. All credits and exemptions require application and are not automatic.

Q: How do I apply for the Homeowner's Exemption? A: You must own and occupy the property as your principal residence as of January 1st and file an application with the Assessor's Office. Contact (831) 755-5035 or visit the Assessor's website for application forms and deadlines.

Q: When does the county reassess my property? A: Under Proposition 13, properties are reassessed to current market value only when ownership changes or new construction is completed. Otherwise, assessed value can only increase by a maximum of 2% annually, regardless of market value increases.

Q: How do I appeal my property assessment? A: Assessment appeals must be filed between July 2nd and September 15th (or November 30th in certain circumstances). Contact the Assessment Appeals Board at (831) 755-5355 for forms and procedures.

Q: What happens if I pay my property taxes late? A: A 10% penalty is added to any payment received after the due date. Additional penalties and costs accrue over time, and the property may eventually be sold at a tax sale for unpaid taxes.

Q: Can I pay my property taxes online? A: Yes, you can pay online through the Monterey County Tax Collector's website. Accepted payment methods include bank transfers and credit cards, though credit card payments may include convenience fees.

Q: What are Mello-Roos taxes and CFD assessments? A: These are special assessments approved by voters in Community Facilities Districts to fund infrastructure, schools, and services in specific areas. These appear as separate line items on your tax bill and are common in newer developments throughout Monterey County.

Verified Sources

Backed by 10 Official Government Sources

Every fact in this guide is sourced from official county, state, and federal documents.

01
County
Additional Property Tax Info | County of Monterey, CAcountyofmonterey.gov
02
Tax Doc
Explanation of Tax Rate Changes Operative April 1, 2025cdtfa.ca.gov
03
County
Important Dates and Deadlines | County of Monterey, CAcountyofmonterey.gov
04
County
Business Property | County of Monterey, CAcountyofmonterey.gov
05
County
Secured Property Tax Due Dates | County of Monterey, CAcountyofmonterey.gov
06
County
Exemptions | County of Monterey, CAcountyofmonterey.gov
07
Property Assessment - Homeowner Exemptioncountyofmonterey.gov
08
City of Monterey Park News Releasemontereypark.ca.gov
09
County
Supplemental Assessments | County of Monterey, CAcountyofmonterey.gov
10
County
Supplemental Property Tax | County of Monterey, CAcountyofmonterey.gov
All sources verified as of 2025 Tax Year

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