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UNSECURED PROPERTY TAX

The Monterey County Treasurer-Tax Collector is charged with collection of unsecured taxes.  Types of tax bill on the unsecured roll are: 

  • Business Equipment and Leasehold Improvements 

  • Aircraft and Vessels (including fishing vessels) 

  • Cabins on Leased or Publicly Owned Property 

  • Leased Business Equipment 

  • Possessory Interest.  (Lessees of publicly owned properties such as: marinas, airports, grazing rights, and housing on publicly owned lands.) 

  • Unsecured Supplemental.  (Real estate tax billed to a former owner following the close of escrow, for differences in assessed value resulting in an additional tax computed for a prior period of ownership. See Supplemental Property Tax information).

Unsecured taxes are made up of approximately 18,000 assessments that contribute $21,000,000 (fiscal year 2007-2008) in revenue for the County, public schools, cities and districts within Monterey County.

Valuation & Computations

The following Departments are responsible for and should be contacted for additional information regarding:

  Valuation Computation of Tax    

Monterey County Assessor-Clerk-Recorder
168 W. Alisal St., 1st Floor
Post Office Box 570
Salinas, CA 93902-0570
(831) 755-5035  Salinas
(831) 647-7719  Monterey Peninsula

Monterey County Auditor
168 W. Alisal St., 3rd Floor
Post Office Box 390
Salinas, CA 93902-0390
(831) 755-5040 Salinas  

Property taxes are levied on property as it exists on January 1st at 12:01 a.m.  Tax bills are generated every fiscal year (July 1 through June 30) and mailed in mid-July.  Unsecured taxes must be paid on or before August 31st unless otherwise stated. 

Responsiblity of taxpayer

The obligation to pay unsecured taxes rests with the assessed owner of record on the lien date (January, 12:01 a.m.).  THE DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AFTER THE LIEN DATE DOES NOT RELIEVE THE ASSESSED OWNER FROM THE OBLIGATION TO PAY UNSECURED TAXES. The Treasurer-Tax Collector can not prorate taxes. Delinquent unsecured taxes are subject to collection enforcement. 

Business owners

The Assessor mails a Business Property Statement (Form 571L) each year to Business Owners.  Statements are required to be completed and returned to the Assessor on or before April 15th. 

Aircraft and vessel owners

The Assessor periodically mails questionnaires to owners concerning property location and conditions.  Statements should be returned by the due date stated. 

Unsecured Assessment Appeals
Homeowner's & Other Exemptions
Unsecured Penalty Provision 

 

Last updated on June 3, 2008