Monterey County, CA: Property Tax Appeal Instructions (2025-26)

Key facts at a glance

The 60-second primer

California enrolls the lower of your Prop 13 factored base-year value or your market value on January 1. If market is lower, you can receive a temporary Prop 8 reduction for that year, which is reviewed again the next year. This process applies to all California counties, though each has its own filing procedures and deadlines.

Every California county handles appeals differently. If you own property in multiple counties, take a look at our county-specific guides for all California counties.

New to property tax appeals? Start with the fundamentals in our Appeal 101 article, which covers the core concepts that apply across California.

The Monterey “Informal” Route (Prop 8 Review)

Why start here? It’s free, faster, and often enough for typical homes.

If you think your January 1 value is below the number on your notice, you can first ask the Assessor for an informal Prop 8 review. If that does not fix it, you can file a formal appeal with the County's Assessment Appeals Board within the annual window shown above. If you want to understand the differences between informal and formal appeals, we have a detailed comparison guide.

Step 1: Confirm the number you need to beat

Look up your parcel and view your [value notice][6] on the county's Property Inquiry/Value Notice page. Value notices generally go out in July.

Step 2: Build a January 1 price case

Gather 3 to 5 comparable sales that bracket your home's size, bed/bath count, condition, and location. [Sales must be no later than 90 days after January 1][7] for decline-in-value cases. That means through about March 31 for the year you are appealing. Not sure which properties count as truly comparable? Check out our complete guide to finding and using comparable sales for step-by-step instructions on matching properties and making adjustments.

Step 3: Ask for review

Send your APN, value opinion, and comps to the [Assessor][3] by email or discuss with staff. They review Prop 8 properties annually even without a request, but clear evidence helps.

Step 4: Watch the calendar

If you still disagree after the Assessor's review or you are waiting on a response, file a [formal appeal][2] before the deadline in the table above.

The Monterey “Formal” Route (Assessment Appeal)

Step 1: Check your filing window

For the [2025-26 year][2], file July 2 to December 1, 2025. For Supplemental or Escape assessments, the deadline is 60 days from the date on the notice.

Step 2: File your application

Complete the Application for Changed Assessment (BOE-305-AH) and submit it to the [Clerk of the Board][4]. Monterey accepts filings by mail or in person and charges a $40 processing fee per application. A fee-waiver form is available if you qualify. If your property is held in a trust or LLC, make sure you understand who has authority to sign the application to avoid standing issues.

Step 3: Know who hears your case

In Monterey, appeals are heard by a [three-member Assessment Appeals Board][8] appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

Step 4: Prepare and exchange evidence

Appeals boards can only consider [comparable sales no later than 90 days after the valuation date][7]. You may request a pre-hearing Exchange of Information so both sides share their evidence before the hearing. Ask at least 30 days before the hearing under R&T § 1606 or Property Tax Rule 305.1. Learn more about what assessors actually care about when reviewing evidence.

Step 5: Hearing day

You present first, then the Assessor. [The Board can lower, keep, or raise the value][9] based on the record. Written decisions are mailed. Learn more about whether appealing can backfire.

DIY Evidence Checklist

Use this simple grid when you build your packet.

Start with a subject snapshot that shows your APN, living area, lot size, bed/bath, year built, and condition. Then prepare a comps list with 3 to 5 sales within about 0.5 to 1 mile, similar age and size, that closed near [January 1][7] and not later than March 31 for regular roll appeals. For detailed guidance on how comparable sales work in assessment appeals, see our comprehensive guide. Add brief adjustments with line-item notes for size, condition, parking, views, and location quirks. Include condition proof such as photos, contractor bids, permit history, and any functional obsolescence as of January 1. Understanding what evidence appeals boards value most helps you prioritize the right documents. Finally, create a one-page summary with your value conclusion, how each comp supports it, and a table that totals adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to keep paying my tax bill while I appeal?

Yes. [Filing an appeal does not stop tax collection][10]. If you win, the county issues a refund or credit. This instruction appears on the state application and in BOE guidance.

Can the Board increase my value?

Yes. [The Board must determine value from the evidence][9], which can go down, stay the same, or go up.

Do I need to reapply for Prop 8 every year?

No. The Assessor automatically reviews Prop 8 properties every year and mails a value notice in July. You only file again if you disagree. This is one of several misconceptions homeowners have about the appeals process—read about other common appeal myths to avoid costly mistakes.

If you own property in multiple counties, see our county-specific guides for all California counties.

Where do I check my current enrolled value?

Use the county's [Property Inquiry / Value Notice][6] lookup.

Monterey-specific reminders

Annual window: Appeals for [2025-26][2] must be filed by December 1, 2025. Mark it. Fee: Monterey charges [$40 per application][4], with a fee-waiver option if you meet state hardship criteria. Who to call: Contact the [Assessor][3] for Prop 8 questions at (831) 755-5035, or the Clerk of the Board for appeal filings at (831) 755-5066. Supplemental or Escape notice: You only get [60 days][8] to appeal from the notice date. Do not miss it.

How AppealArc helps

AppealArc does the heavy lifting for homeowners. We pull the right comps, build a clean January 1 grid the county can read in minutes, and package a tidy evidence set that tracks BOE Publication 30 rules. You keep your weekend.

Rules are local. Always verify the current instructions with Monterey County and county's official sites before filing.

November 8, 2025

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Decline in Market Value | County of Monterey, CA

" [2]: https://boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/pdf/lta25020.pdf "LTA 2025/020, County Assessment Appeals Filing Period for 2025" [3]: https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/assessor/assessor-county-clerk-recorder/contact-us/assessor-s-contact-information "

Assessor's Contact Information | County of Monterey, CA

" [4]: https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/clerk-of-the-board/assessment-appeals-forms-applications-documents "

Assessment Appeals, Agendas, Applications, Forms & Documents | County of Monterey, CA

" [5]: https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/clerk-of-the-board/contact-us "

Contact Us | County of Monterey, CA

" [6]: https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/assessor/assessor-county-clerk-recorder/assessor/property-inquiry/property-value-notice "Property Value Notice - County of Monterey, CA" [7]: https://boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/pdf/pub30.pdf "Publication 30, Residential Property Assessment Appeals" [8]: https://www.countyofmonterey.gov/government/departments-a-h/assessor/assessor/assessment-appeals "

Assessment Appeals | County of Monterey, CA

" [9]: https://boe.ca.gov/proptaxes/faqs/assessappeals.htm "Assessment Appeals Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)" [10]: https://cob.ocgov.com/sites/cob/files/2025-06/Instructions%20305ah-rev12%2005-24.pdf "Assessment Appeal Application"