How to Lower Your Property Tax?
April 1, 2009 ·  

taxcut_proptaxThis is no April Fool’s Day joke!  When home values go south, one positive thing for current homeowners may be the chance to lower their property tax.  You might have seen advertisements that offer to lower your property tax for a fee anywhere from $100-$300…don’t be fooled!!!…Did you know that you can lower your property tax for FREE (or just a small amount for filing fee)?  And, it’s simple to do! 

First, download the property tax appeal application from your county’s tax assessor office (see links below). Print out the form and complete the information about your property.  You will be able to find all of the information needed on your property tax bill.  Some counties websites allow you to submit the form online.   

Secondly, you will be asked to provide three sales information of similar properties in your neighborhood in support of your claim.  There are a number of ways you can search for this information if you are willing to spend hours on the Internet or go to County Treasurer’s Office to find public records.  A much easier solution is to call up your favorite Realtor who has the information readily available for you. 

There is specific time period which the application must be filed.  Generally speaking, the regular assessment filing period is July 2 through September 15; some counties may be through November 30.  Please be sure to check with your county’s assessor office.   

The appeal process may take anywhere from 4 weeks to 3 months depending on the volume the office is handling. It does not hurt to call and follow-up on the status from time to time. 

If you choose to appeal your assessment, you must pay your tax installments in full by the appropriate deadlines; otherwise, you may incur penalties while the case is on appeal. If your appeal is granted, a refund will be issued to you. 

For your convenience, I have listed the following links to the property tax appeal forms for counties in the Bay Area. Alternatively, you may Google “_____ county property tax appeal” – make sure you enter the official website of the county assessor’s office.  

San Francisco | San Mateo | Santa Clara | Alameda | Contra Costa

 For more details, here is a complete guide on California Residential Property Assessment Appeals published by California State Board of Equalization (Pub. 30).   

Don’t forget… your second installment of property tax is due on April 10th!

 

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Comments

4 Responses to “How to Lower Your Property Tax?”

  1. Brian Boisson on April 3rd, 2009 9:54 am

    Thank you for sharing this Annie.

    It is not a difficult process to appeal your valuation, and shame on the companies that try to trick the homeowners into paying a fee with their sneaky official looking marketing materials!

    Brian

  2. Adam Chinn on April 5th, 2009 2:57 pm

    Great information Annie,
    I have had a few people contact me in regards to lowering their property taxes and a few of them did mention that they received an offer in the mail wanting a fee to do so. I was able to provide her with recent sales of similar homes in her area and she sent in the paperwork. Not too difficult at all.

    Thanks again,

  3. Annie Chang on April 5th, 2009 11:07 pm

    Thanks, Adam! Thanks for the real life account of helping others to lower their property tax through our service. I’ve also helped several past clients with the same thing. Like Brian said, it’s not a difficult process at all. It requires small amount of our time but the actual benefit for our clients is great.

  4. Larry Franzella on April 6th, 2009 9:29 am

    Annie,

    Great information!

    Larry

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