The Department of Finance supervises and controls the financial affairs of Monroe County. This includes coordinating and managing the functions of the Office of the Controller, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Divisions of the Treasury, Real Property Tax Service, Purchasing, and Internal Audit, as well as Debt Management.

The mission of the Department of Finance is to maximize the ability of Monroe County government to promote the social and economic well being of the community in a financially responsible and sustainable fashion, minimizing the reliance on County taxpayer resources.

Sales Tax

Effective March 1, 2023 Monroe County will not require local sales tax on the purchase of clothing and footwear sold for less than $110 per item or pair, consistent with the current exemption from NYS sales tax. Please download Tax Bulletin TB-ST-122 and Tax Bulletin TB-ST-530 for more detailed information on what is and what is not specifically taxable.

Were you charged sales tax in error by a retailer? If so, you may be entitled to a credit or refund from NYS. Please download Tax Bulletin TB-ST-350 for more detailed information. You may also download Form AU-11 to apply for the credit or refund due to you.

Of course, you may also contact a customer service representative of the company that wrongly charged the tax and request a refund directly from them. It may be helpful to download Resolution 37 of 2023 as proof that Monroe County opted into this exemption.

Bond Ratings, Aa3 / AA / AA

Beginning in the summer of 2017, Monroe County has received credit rating upgrades from each of the three major rating agencies - ten rating upgrades in total. For the first time since 2001, Monroe County is now "double-A" rated by Moody's, S&P, and Fitch. 

On October 25, 2024 Moody's Ratings upgraded Monroe County's credit rating to Aa3 from A1. This latest rating upgrade reflects Monroe County as one of the economic engines of upstate New York. Recognized is the stability to the county's tax base and employment levels brought by the region's higher education and healthcare institutions. Moody's also recognizes management's willingness and ability to close budget gaps through conservative budgeting and strong fiscal controls. Please download a copy of Moody's credit opinion for more information.

On June 11, 2024 S&P Global Ratings affirmed Monroe County's AA/Stable credit rating. Their rating reflects significant reserve growth over the past several years, along with their expectation that the County will adhere to its conservative financial policies while also experiencing ongoing economic expansion. Please download a copy of S&P's credit opinion for more information.

On November 14, 2023 Fitch Ratings upgraded Monroe County's credit rating to AA- from A+. Key rating drivers supporting the upgrade included having strong budgetary flexibility maintained by a formal fund balance policy, the County's proven track record of solid expenditure management, and having a relatively stable revenue profile. Please download a copy of Fitch's credit opinion for more information.

The 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

The Department of Finance, Office of the Controller prepares the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report each year in accordance with the County Charter. The financial statements contained within the report have been audited by an independent certified public accounting firm, for which their opinion is included in its entirety and without edit. 

View 2023 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is the Sales Tax Rate in Monroe County?

A: The combined sales tax rate is 8%, comprised of 4% State and 4% County.

Q:  I have a question regarding a check that I received in the mail from Monroe County. Who should I call?

A: Please call the Office of the Controller at (585) 753-1170.

Q: I'm attending community college in another county. How do I obtain a Certificate of Residency?

A: You can obtain a Certificate of Residency from the Office of Real Property Tax Service. Please visit the Real Property Tax Service page for more details.

Q: Who do I call regarding County taxes due on a property?

A: For information on property taxes due, please call the Monroe County Treasury Office at (585) 753-1200.

Q: Who do I call if I owe delinquent property taxes?

A: For options to resolve delinquent property tax issues, please call the Monroe County Treasury Office at (585) 753-1200.

Q: Are the County's financial statements available online?

A: Yes. Please download the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Q: Does the County have an Independent Registered Municipal Advisor (IRMA) disclosure?

A: Yes. Please download the required IRMA disclosure notice.

Q: How do I obtain a copy of my property instrument survey map?

A: Property instrument survey maps are typically a private record. Please visit the County Surveyors Office page under Information for General Public for suggestions of where to find your property instrument survey map.

Q: How do I find a licensed land surveyor?

A: Please visit the County Surveyors Office page under Information for General Public for suggestions for finding a licensed land surveyor.  Please note that a land surveyor must be licensed and registered by the State of New York to provide property surveys.