Frequently Asked Questions
Do properties other than single-family residences qualify?
Yes, all real property qualifies.
My property has gone down in value, why did I not receive a reduction?
Properties that have an established Proposition 13 base year value that is still below current market value are not reduced. The assessed value reflects the lower value of either the current market value, as of January 1, or the Prop 13 base year value.
How can the assessed value of my property be changed after you reduced it?
The assessor is required to review the temporary Prop 8 value each lien date following the initial reduction. The Prop 8 value can be further reduced or increased depending on the property's market value as of the lien date. Just as there is no limit on the amount of reduction, there is no limit to the amount being restored up to the Factored-Base-Year Value.
I received a decline in value reduction last year, do I need to file an application again this year?
No, once your property has been reduced, it will be reviewed annually each January 1. If current market values have risen then your property assessment will be adjusted up to the current market value or the Proposition 13 base year value, which ever is lower. Once your property value returns to the Prop 13 value, the annual reviews will end.
What will happen to my assessment if values start to rise?
Your taxable value reduction to market value is temporary and the assessor is required to review the market value of the property each lien date after the reduction, until such time as the Factored-Base-Year Value is less than or equal to the market value.
Unless there is a change in ownership or new construction, this increase in value cannot exceed the original assessed value plus the annual inflationary factor not to exceed 2% per year.
What is the process if I do not agree with the value?
First, please contact the Assessor for an explanation of the value. There are two separate processes available:
1) Filing a Decline in Value Reassessment Application will allow our office to conduct a review of your property value. Applications received before July 1, 2018, will have the assessed value posted on our website after July 2018. Owners filing applications received after July 1, 2018, will be sent written notification.
2) Filing an Assessment Appeal Application (BOE 305) is the formal process to dispute your value. Appeal applications are to be submitted to the Clerk of the Board. The annual filing period is July 2 through November 30. To obtain a formal appeal application, please see the Clerk of the Board's website here.