This page helps with property tax tasks in Monterey County, California, including finding tax bills, choosing the right parcel number, reviewing payment options, and contacting the office that handles tax collection.
The Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector and the County of Monterey MBC tax search are the main official channels for secured property tax lookup and payment guidance.
County of Monterey MBC tax search
Use the County of Monterey MBC search to look up property tax information by assessment number or fee parcel number. For current payment information, select the current roll year before searching.
- Assessment number, used to view a specific assessment
- Fee parcel number, used to view a summary of current or delinquent fiscal year assessments
- Current roll year, when looking for current payment information
The fee parcel search is the broader option because it can show all tax bills associated with the property, including supplemental tax bills and defaulted tax years.
- Open the search for Monterey County property taxes.
- Select the correct roll year.
- Choose whether to search by assessment number or fee parcel number.
- Enter at least six characters, then run the search.
- Review the bill or assessment information before making a payment.
Use the fee parcel number for online payments when you want to find all bills tied to the property.
Assessment number and fee number
A Monterey County tax bill includes both an ASMT number and a FEE number. The ASMT number brings up a specific tax bill. The FEE number brings up all tax bills associated with the property.
You need a 12-digit FEE number for online payments. You need a 12-digit ASMT number for phone payments or mailed payments. If you need help locating either number, contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office.
Payment options and service fees
Monterey County property tax payments may be handled online, by phone, in person, by mail, or through electronic fund transfer when required. Service fees for online and phone payments are charged by the payment vendor, not the County of Monterey.
| Payment option | Key details |
|---|---|
| Online | Payments may be made with Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, or electronic checking or savings debit. Card payments have a 2.49% service fee, with a $1.95 minimum. E-check payments have a $0.25 service fee. |
| Phone | Only current year taxes may be paid by phone. Call 1-800-491-8003 or call (831) 755-5057 and choose Option 3. English and Spanish service are available. |
| In person | Counter payments may be made by cash, check, cashier’s check, or money order. Credit and debit cards are not accepted at cashier windows. |
| Include the 12-digit ASMT number. Mail only checks, cashier’s checks, or money orders, and do not mail cash. | |
| Electronic fund transfer | Aggregate tax payments of $50,000 or more must be paid by electronic fund transfer. |
Review the County’s property tax payment options before choosing a payment method.
Secured property tax bills and due dates
The Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector collects secured real property taxes. Secured tax bills cover a fiscal year from July 1 through June 30 and are mailed in mid-October.
Secured property taxes may be paid in two installments. The first installment is due November 1. The second installment is due February 1. If a payment is not received or postmarked by the delinquent date, penalties apply.
Use the County’s secured property tax information to review secured property tax topics and secured property tax due dates.
Postmarks and late payment rules
Property tax payments must be received or USPS postmarked by the delinquency date to avoid penalties. If a mailed payment arrives after the delinquency date with no postmark, it is considered late.
Monterey County recommends requesting a manual postmark at the USPS counter. Some postage types may not receive a postmark, including metered mail, pre-canceled stamps, automated postal center stamps, and permit imprint mail.
For mailed payments, read the County’s guidance on understanding property tax postmarks.
Delinquent taxes and redemption
Current year secured taxes that remain unpaid at the end of the fiscal year on June 30 become tax-defaulted. Delinquent taxes accrue an additional 1.5% penalty each month until paid, and a $15 redemption fee is added.
Real property that remains tax-defaulted for five or more years becomes subject to the Tax Collector’s power to sell. The status may be avoided by starting and maintaining an installment plan of redemption within the first five years of delinquency, or by redeeming the property before it is sold.
Review the County’s prior year delinquent tax information for redemption details.
Tax assistance, appeals, and exemptions
Monterey County lists several options for taxpayers who need help planning for property tax payments. These include setting up an impound account with a lender, using a savings account, or working with Easy Smart Pay, a third-party service not affiliated with the County of Monterey.
The Property Tax Postponement Program may allow eligible homeowners to postpone payment of property taxes on a primary residence. Listed eligibility includes being at least age 62, blind, or having a disability; occupying the home as a primary residence; meeting income and equity requirements; and meeting other requirements.
Property owners who disagree with an assessed value may pursue an informal assessment review through the Assessor’s office and, if needed, file with the Assessment Appeals Board during the filing period. Payment is still required while an appeal is pending.
Review property tax assistance options, assessment appeal information, and property tax exemption information before taking the next step.
Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector contact information
Use these contacts for property tax billing, collection, payment, and parcel payment questions.
- Monterey County Treasurer - Tax Collector’s Office, 168 W. Alisal Street, 1st Floor, Salinas, CA 93901. Phone: (831) 755-5057. Email: [email protected].
- Tax Division correspondence, Monterey County Treasurer - Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 891, Salinas, CA 93902-0891. Phone: (831) 755-5057. Additional phone: (831) 759-6623. Email: [email protected].
- Property tax payments by mail, Monterey County Treasurer - Tax Collector’s Office, P.O. Box 6005, Whittier, CA 90607.
- Aggregate tax payment team, call (831) 755-5057 for customer number assistance, or email completed EFT forms to [email protected].
- Assessment Appeals Board filings, Monterey County Clerk of the Board, P.O. Box 1728, Salinas, CA 93902-1728. Phone: (831) 755-5066.
Common questions
Where can I look up Monterey County property taxes online?
Use the County of Monterey MBC search to look up tax information by assessment number or fee parcel number. The fee parcel number is recommended for online payments because it can show all tax bills tied to the property.
What is the difference between the ASMT number and the FEE number?
The ASMT number brings up a specific tax bill. The FEE number brings up all tax bills associated with the property, including supplemental bills and defaulted tax years.
What number do I need to pay Monterey County property taxes online?
You need the 12-digit FEE number to make online payments. If you need help finding it, contact the Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office at (831) 755-5057.
Can I pay prior year delinquent taxes by phone?
No. Prior year delinquencies can be paid by mail, internet, or in person. Phone payments are limited to current year taxes.
Does Monterey County accept partial payments on secured property tax installments?
No. Secured property tax installments must be paid in full. A partial payment may be returned or held briefly while the office contacts the taxpayer for the difference.
What happens if my secured property tax payment is late?
A late first installment receives a 10% penalty. A late second installment receives a 10% penalty plus a $20 cost. If taxes remain unpaid by June 30, the property becomes tax-defaulted.