Monterey County Property Tax Guide for Homeowners and Sellers

Last updated November 13, 2026. Reviewed by the Cash Home Buyers CA team. Figures come from the Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s FAQ, due dates and payment options pages. Always confirm amounts and delinquent dates on your own bill.

Monterey County property tax is due in two installments, on November 1 and February 1. A late first installment adds a 10 percent penalty, and a late second installment adds 10 percent plus a $20 cost. Your bill lists the exact delinquent dates. Partial payments are not accepted. If you sell with taxes owing, escrow pays them from your proceeds at closing.

Monterey County property tax at a glance

Installments due	November 1 and February 1; delinquent dates are printed on the bill
First installment penalty	10%
Second installment penalty	10% plus $20 cost
Default at June 30	$15 redemption fee and 1.5% a month (18% a year)
Published delinquent list	Properties three or more years delinquent may appear
Power to sell	Tax-defaulted five or more years
Partial payments	Not accepted
Office	168 West Alisal Street, 1st Floor, Salinas, CA 93901; (831) 755-5057

How do I pay my Monterey County property tax bill?

You can pay online, by phone, by mail or in person. Online card payments carry a 2.49 percent fee with a $1.95 minimum, while e-check costs $0.25. By phone, call 1-800-491-8003 or 1-831-755-5057 and choose option 3. Mail goes to P.O.

Box 6005, Whittier, CA 90607, and you should write the 12-digit assessment number on the payment. In person, the Treasurer-Tax Collector is at 168 West Alisal Street in Salinas, and the lobby has a drop box.

Because the county does not accept partial payments, send the full amount of an installment. A payment that is short does not stop the penalty from applying to the installment.

What happens if I don’t pay property taxes in Monterey County?

Taxes unpaid at June 30 go into default. The county then charges a $15 redemption fee and 1.5 percent a month, which is 18 percent a year. On a $5,000 unpaid balance that is $75 a month on top of the earlier penalties.

The county publishes a Delinquent List that can include properties three or more years behind. Once taxes have been in default for five or more years, the property becomes subject to the power to sell, meaning the county can sell it to collect. Selling the house yourself first lets you keep any equity. If a mortgage is also behind, see how to sell a house in foreclosure.

How to sell a house in Monterey County when you owe property taxes

You can sell with unpaid taxes. They are a lien on the property, so escrow pays the balance from your proceeds and the buyer takes the house with taxes current.

1. Get the payoff. Call the Tax Collector at (831) 755-5057 and ask for the total due on your expected closing date.
2. Brief escrow. Delinquent taxes are paid first from proceeds.
3. Estimate transfer tax. California law sets the county documentary transfer tax at $0.55 per $500 of the sale price. Use the calculator below, and ask escrow about any city tax in Salinas, Monterey or Seaside.
4. Pick the close date. Closing before the delinquent date on your bill avoids that installment’s penalty.

See our Monterey County cash home buyer page and the Salinas page for how a cash sale works.

Estimate your transfer tax when you sell

Behind on Monterey County property taxes? Call (424) 435-2326 or request a cash offer. No cost, no obligation.

Monterey County property tax FAQ

Does Monterey County accept partial property tax payments?

No. Partial payments are not accepted, so pay the full installment.

What is the penalty for a late second installment?

10 percent plus a $20 cost.

What interest applies after June 30?

A $15 redemption fee and 1.5 percent a month, or 18 percent a year.

What do I write on a mailed payment?

The 12-digit assessment number from your bill, mailed to P.O. Box 6005, Whittier, CA 90607.

Can I sell a Monterey County house with delinquent taxes?

Yes. Get a payoff figure and escrow pays the taxes from your sale proceeds at closing.

Sources

• Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector: Frequently Asked Questions, Due Dates and Payment Options pages
• Sacramento County Clerk-Recorder: Documentary Transfer Tax (state rate under Revenue and Taxation Code 11911)

This guide is general information, not tax or legal advice. Confirm amounts with the Monterey County Tax Collector.