Seeing a “Mello‑Roos” line on your Riverside County tax bill can be confusing, especially if you are planning to buy or sell in Beaumont. You want to know what you are paying for, how long it lasts, and what to do next so there are no surprises at closing. In this guide, you’ll learn what Mello‑Roos means locally, how to spot it on your bill, and the exact steps to take as a buyer or seller. Let’s dive in.
Mello‑Roos basics in Beaumont
Mello‑Roos Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) fund public improvements and services like streets, utilities, parks, and public safety. Properties inside a CFD pay a special tax defined by a Rate and Method of Apportionment rather than by assessed value. The tax formula and any allowed annual increases are set when the district is formed. You can review local background and resources on the City’s CFD page at the City of Beaumont Finance — Mello‑Roos.
Find Mello‑Roos on your tax bill
On Riverside County secured property tax bills, CFD taxes appear as a separate line under Special Assessments or Direct Charges. You will usually see the district name or number and the amount for the current fiscal year. The bill often lists a contact phone number for the levying agency next to the line item. For an overview of how these charges display, see the County’s page on Special Assessments.
When you review your bill:
- Note your APN. You will need it to search city or county tools.
- Look for entries labeled “Community Facilities District (CFD)” or similar and write down the district name/number and the dollar amount.
- If you want parcel‑specific detail, use the city’s tool to search by address or APN in the STAX Property & Special Assessment Finder.
Buyer steps before you write an offer
Do this early so you can size the full cost of ownership:
- Pull the current tax bill and confirm if a CFD line appears. If you do not have the bill, look up the parcel in the Property & Special Assessment Finder.
- Request the official Notice of Special Tax from the City of Beaumont or the agency listed on the bill. State law requires the agency to provide it promptly, and it shows current charges, maximums, how increases work, and the term. Use the statute as your guide: Government Code §53340.2.
- Ask escrow for the preliminary title report and check for any recorded special tax lien. Confirm that escrow will obtain payoff figures for any delinquencies. Lenders often escrow these taxes with your mortgage; share the Notice and bills with your underwriter. See this overview on lender treatment of special taxes: Buyer and seller info on special taxes.
- Review the CFD’s Rate and Method of Apportionment and any recent administrative reports. These documents explain the formula, permitted annual increases, and how parcels are categorized. For a clear example of how RMAs work, see the City of San Diego’s CFD RMA resources.
- If bonds were issued, check the bond maturity timeline to understand how long the tax may run. Agencies report fiscal status annually to the state; learn how to locate these details through CDIAC’s Mello‑Roos reporting guide.
Seller responsibilities at disclosure
If your Beaumont property is in a CFD, California law requires you to make a good‑faith effort to obtain and deliver a Notice of Special Tax to the buyer. The notice identifies the district, the current levy, how increases are calculated, and the duration. Review your obligations in Civil Code §1102.6b.
To prepare for escrow:
- Request the Notice of Special Tax from the City or levying agency and keep a record of your request and delivery.
- Provide recent tax bills and any proof of special tax payments. If amounts are delinquent, escrow will need payoff instructions. The County’s overview of Special Assessments is a helpful reference.
How long and how much
CFD taxes are not based on assessed value. They follow the district’s Rate and Method of Apportionment, which sets a maximum and may allow limited annual increases. If the district issued bonds, the special tax typically continues until those bonds are repaid. For service or maintenance CFDs, the levy can continue while services are provided. For examples of RMA terms and increases, see the CFD RMA resources, and use CDIAC’s guide to locate bond timelines.
If payments fall behind
Unpaid CFD special taxes become a lien on the property. Districts with outstanding bonds have a statutory judicial foreclosure remedy to collect delinquent special taxes. Buyers and sellers should treat delinquencies like other priority liens and confirm payoff requirements in escrow. See California’s collection authority in Government Code §53356.1.
Where to get official info
Start local for the most accurate, parcel‑specific answers:
- City of Beaumont Finance Department. The City’s CFD page links to maps, reports, and contact details: Beaumont Finance — Mello‑Roos. Office: 550 E. 6th St., Beaumont, CA. Phone: (951) 769‑8520.
- STAX Property & Special Assessment Finder. Look up current‑year levies by address or APN: Search your parcel.
- Your Riverside County secured tax bill. The CFD line typically shows the levying agency and a contact phone number.
Quick checklist: read your bill now
- Find your APN and pull the latest tax bill.
- Identify any CFD line items and note the district name/number and amount.
- Request the Notice of Special Tax for current charges, maximums, and term.
- If buying, share the Notice and bill with your lender and escrow.
- If selling, deliver the Notice to the buyer and provide recent tax bills.
If you want a local perspective on how a specific CFD might affect your monthly budget or your closing, we are here to help. Reach out to Feigen Realty Group for a quick, practical review and next steps.
FAQs
What is a Mello‑Roos special tax in Beaumont?
- It is a charge levied by a Community Facilities District to fund public improvements or services, set by a defined formula rather than assessed value. See the City’s overview at Beaumont Finance — Mello‑Roos.
How do I find a CFD charge on a Riverside County tax bill?
- Look under Special Assessments or Direct Charges for a line labeled Community Facilities District with the district name or number and the annual amount. For context, review the County’s Special Assessments page, and use the City’s STAX Property Finder to search by APN or address.
How long do Beaumont Mello‑Roos taxes last?
- It depends on the district. If bonds were issued, taxes usually continue until bond maturity. Service or maintenance CFDs may levy while services are provided. Check the RMA and bond details using resources like the CFD RMA examples and CDIAC’s guide.
Can a CFD foreclose if I miss payments in California?
- Yes. Unpaid special taxes are a lien, and districts that issued bonds have a judicial foreclosure remedy under Government Code §53356.1.
What must Beaumont home sellers disclose about Mello‑Roos?
- Sellers must make a good‑faith effort to obtain and deliver a Notice of Special Tax to buyers. The notice shows current charges, increases, and term. See Civil Code §1102.6b.
