How Property Taxes are Determined

       

    Have you ever wondered how property taxes are determined? 
      
      Property taxes are governed by California State Law and collected by the county Assessors office. The county assessor must first assess the value of your property to determine the amount of property tax.

      Generally the assessed value is the cash or market value at the time of purchase.  This value can not increased more than 2% per year until the property is sold or new construction is completed on the property.  The Auditor/Controller applies the appropriate tax rates, which include the general tax levy, locally voted special taxes and city or district directed assessments.

       The Tax Collector prepares the property tax bill based on the Auditor/Controller's calculations then distributes the bill, and then collects the taxes.


    Can You Disagree with the Amount?

       You may apply to the Assessor to see if that office will change the evaluation. Additionally, Appeals Boards have been established for the purpose of resolving valuation problems. Appeals on regular assessments may be filed between 02-July and 30-November.

      For Supplemental or Adjusted Property Tax Bills,  a form appeal may be filed within 60 days of either
1. The mailing date printed on a Notice of Assessed Value Change.
2. The date of the mailing printed on the tax bill
3. The postmark date for the tax bill, whichever is later!

   Did You File an Appeal...,  Remember to Pay the Appropriate Tax in FULL.

      If you do decide to choose an appeal, You must pay the disputed tax installments in Full by the appropriate deadlines or you may incur penalties on top of the tax. If your appeal is granted, A refund will be issued to you.

  Do you have questions? Call me.

JD Moshier