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Montara, San Mateo County, California Property Taxes

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Property Taxes in Montara, California

  • Median Montara, California effective property tax rate: 1.39%, significantly higher than the national median of 1.02%, and higher than the California state median of 1.21%.

  • Median Montara, California home value: $833,498

  • Median annual Montara, California tax bill: $11,312, $8,912 higher than the national median property tax bill of $2,400.

How are property taxes in San Mateo calculated?

Property taxes in Montara, California are calculated based on the tax assessed value, which is often lower than the actual market value due to property tax exemptions such as the homestead or senior exemption.

Understanding Montara's property tax system, exemptions, and reduction opportunities can lead to significant savings. Regardless of where you live in Montara, knowing local tax details benefits homeowners and investors.

Last Updated April 13, 2026

Montara, San Mateo County, California Property Tax Bill Calculator

$100,000

$1,500,000

$3,000,000

Median Effective Tax Rate

1.39%

Estimate Property Tax Bill

$11,586

$10,751

SAVE WITH OWNWELL

$774

Average Annual Tax Savings

How Does the Montara Property Tax Calculator Work?

Use this Montara property tax calculator to estimate your annual tax bill. Enter your property's assessed value and our calculator applies Montara's median effective tax rate of 1.39% — based on actual property records in San Mateo County — to generate your estimate.

Enter your property's estimated assessed value — the figure the local appraisal district uses to calculate your bill, which reflects any exemptions you hold and is typically lower than your home's market value. Our calculator applies Montara's median effective rate across all local levies, providing a more accurate estimate than applying a single county millage rate.

Your bill may vary by ZIP code within Montara: rates range from 1.39% in 94037 to 1.39% in 94037, primarily due to differences in school district levies and local assessment districts.

If your estimate is higher than expected, Ownwell can appeal your Montara assessment — you only pay if we save you money.

About Montara Property Taxes

About Property Taxes in Montara, San Mateo, California

Montara's median effective property tax rate of 1.39% is higher than the California state median of 1.21% and higher than the national median of 1.02%. This rate reflects the San Mateo County base levy combined with local school district levies and other local assessments that can vary by area.

Property tax rates are not uniform across Montara. Homeowners in the 94037 ZIP code carry a median effective rate of 1.39%, while the same ZIP also reflects the citywide median. Understanding how your assessed value and local levies are set can still make a meaningful difference to your annual tax bill.

Montara homeowners who believe their assessed value is too high can file a formal appeal with the Tax Assessor before the December 1, 2026 deadline each year.

If your estimated bill seems higher than expected, Ownwell can review your assessment and protest on your behalf. You only pay if we save you money.

Property Tax Rates Across Montara, San Mateo County, California

As noted earlier, local government entities set tax rates, which can vary widely within a state.

Why? Because annually, each county estimates its required budget to provide services and divides that by the total value of all taxable property within its jurisdiction. This calculation results in the property tax rate.

While there are votes and laws involved in setting tax rates and budgets, in a nutshell, this is the annual process.

Below, you can compare Montara's effective property tax rate to other cities in California and the median property tax rates in California and the U.S.

Property Tax Rates Across Montara, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

1.07%

1.27%

1.47%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective Montara Tax Rate

1.39%

Our median effective property tax rate (tax bill ÷ assessor's market value) accounts for exemptions and deductions, making it more accurate than the general median tax rate, which is the midpoint of statutory rates before adjustments.

Median Effective San Mateo County Tax Rate

1.23%

Median Effective California Tax Rate

1.21%

Median Effective United States Tax Rate

1.02%

Property Tax Rates Across Montara, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Rate75th Percentile90th Percentile
940371.19%1.27%1.39%1.65%2.22%

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Montara, San Mateo County, California

When examining property taxes in Montara, California, understanding the distinction between "market value" and "assessed value" is crucial.

The market value is what a willing buyer would pay to a willing seller in an open and competitive market, often influenced by location, property condition, and economic market trends. The San Mateo County assessment office estimates the market value for tax purposes.

The assessed value is the market value minus any applicable exemptions or limits determined by local laws and offerings. The tax assessed value is the figure used to calculate your property taxes or the amount multiplied by your tax rate to get your tax bill.

Assessment notices:

In San Mateo County, assessment notices are sent in the spring each year. They'll typically reach your mailbox by the middle of October.

Each property owner receives an assessment notice that contains both the market value and assessed value, along with an estimate of your property tax bill. For example, the median home price in Montara is $833,498, with tax bills ranging significantly across the county. Zip code 94037 has the highest median home price at $833,498.

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Montara, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

$462,344

$2,599,052

$4,735,760

Median Montara Market Value

$833,498

Median San Mateo County Market Value

$810,000

Median California Market Value

$427,605

Median United States Market Value

$235,294

Property Tax Assessment Values Across Montara, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Home Price75th Percentile90th Percentile
94037$224,153$451,676$833,498$1,272,679$1,701,695

Source: Ownwell

Property Tax Bills Across Montara, San Mateo County, California

Property tax bills in Montara are based on the assessed value of a home, and that value is then multiplied by the local tax rate to determine what homeowners owe. With a median home price of $833,498, many owners in San Mateo County face substantial annual bills. The typical tax bill in the area ranges from $7,174 at the 25th percentile to $16,131 at the 75th percentile, with the 90th percentile reaching $20,822.

What affects the bill? The assessed market value of the property is the biggest factor, along with local tax rates and any exemptions a homeowner may qualify for. Because property taxes are tied to value, rising home prices can lead to higher bills even when nothing else changes.

Ownwell helps homeowners lower their property tax bills by identifying savings opportunities and appealing overassessments. If your home has been assessed too high, Ownwell can help reduce what you pay and make sure you are not overpaying year after year.

Property Tax Bills Across Montara, San Mateo County, California

Source: Ownwell

$4,835

$26,810

$48,785

Median Montara Tax Bill

$11,312

Median San Mateo County Tax Bill

$9,758

Median California Tax Bill

$5,134

Median United States Tax Bill

$2,400

Property Tax Bills Across Montara, San Mateo County, California

Zip10th Percentile25th PercentileMedian Tax Bill75th Percentile90th Percentile
94037$4,799$7,174$11,312$16,131$20,822

Source: Ownwell

Don't miss the deadline to appeal!

Frequently Asked Property Tax Questions in Montara, California

How are property taxes calculated in Montara, California?
Property taxes in Montara, California are calculated by multiplying your property's assessed value by the applicable tax rate set by local taxing authorities. The assessed value is determined by the county assessor and may differ from your property's market value depending on local assessment ratios and exemptions.
How do I appeal my property taxes in Montara, California?
To appeal your property taxes in Montara, California, you typically need to file a formal protest or appeal with your local appraisal district or assessor's office by the stated deadline. You'll need evidence such as comparable sales, a recent independent appraisal, or documentation of property condition issues. Ownwell can handle this entire process for you.
What property tax exemptions are available in Montara, California?
Common property tax exemptions in Montara, California include homestead exemptions for primary residences, senior citizen exemptions, veteran exemptions, and disability exemptions. Exemption amounts and eligibility requirements vary by county. Contact your local appraisal district or check Ownwell for details specific to your property.
When are property taxes due in Montara, California?
Property tax deadlines in Montara, California vary by county but typically include an assessment notice period in spring or early summer, followed by an appeal deadline, and a tax payment due date in the fall or winter. Check with your county assessor's office for specific dates in your area.
How can Ownwell help reduce my property taxes in Montara, California?
Ownwell provides professional property tax appeal services in Montara, California. Our team analyzes your assessment, gathers evidence, files all paperwork, and represents you at hearings — all with no upfront cost. You only pay a percentage of your savings if we successfully lower your tax bill.