Monterey County Property Tax
Monterey County is a county-equivalent in California (FIPS 06053). Property here is assessed and billed locally.
Verified Record
- State
- California
- Type
- County
- FIPS Code
- 06053
Sourced from the US Census Bureau. Verified assessor contact and rate detail for this county are being added. Meanwhile, look up property tax records directly on the official county government site.
Understanding Property Tax in Monterey County
Property tax is a local tax on real estate — land and the buildings on it — and it is the main way Monterey County funds public schools, roads, emergency services, and other county operations. The amount you owe depends on two things: what your property is worth and the combined tax rate set by the local districts that serve it.
In California, the county tax assessor determines each property's assessed value as of January 1st. California's average effective property tax rate is about 0.73%, though the rate for Monterey County depends on your local taxing districts. Your bill is the taxable value — the assessed value after any exemptions — multiplied by that rate.
Because rates and exemptions are set locally, two similar homes in different parts of Monterey County can owe very different amounts. The official county records linked on this page show the figures that actually apply to a given parcel.
Quick Estimate
A home assessed at $250,000 at Monterey County's 0.73% average effective rate would owe roughly:
$1,825 / yr
Before exemptions. Your actual rate depends on your local taxing districts.
How to Look Up Monterey County Property Tax Records
Open the official lookup
Use the Monterey County records link near the top of this page to reach the official county search tool.
Search your property
Search by street address, owner name, or parcel/account number to find the right parcel.
Review the record
Check the assessed value, tax rate, amount due, payment status, and any exemptions on file.
What's in a County Property Tax Record
A Monterey County property tax record pulls together the assessment and billing details the county keeps for each parcel. You can typically expect:
Monterey County Property Tax FAQ
How are property taxes calculated in Monterey County? expand_more
Property tax in Monterey County is based on the assessed value your county tax assessor places on the property as of January 1st, multiplied by the combined tax rate of the local districts that serve your parcel. California's average effective property tax rate is about 0.73%, though the rate for Monterey County depends on your local taxing districts. Exemptions such as a homestead exemption reduce the taxable value before the rate is applied.
When are Monterey County property taxes due? expand_more
California assesses property as of January 1st. Tax bills are generally mailed in the fall and become delinquent in early the following year. Confirm the exact due dates for Monterey County with the county tax office, since local schedules vary.
How do I look up property tax records in Monterey County? expand_more
Use the official Monterey County lookup link near the top of this page, then search by property address, owner name, or parcel/account number. The official county portal shows the assessed value, tax rate, amount due, payment status, and any exemptions on record.
How can I lower my Monterey County property tax bill? expand_more
Two common routes: claim every exemption you qualify for — homestead, senior, veteran, or disability — and appeal your assessed value if it is higher than your property's market value. Appeals must be filed with the county tax assessor before the local deadline.
Who do I contact about Monterey County property taxes? expand_more
Contact the Monterey County county tax assessor or collector's office. You can reach them through the official county website linked near the top of this page.