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San Diego Fires – Tax Relief for Homeowners of Damaged or Destroyed Homes

The fires in San Diego County have been devastating for many...over 1600 homes destroyed thus far and many hundreds more damaged.

For those homeowners whose properties have been damaged or destroyed, you should know about the important temporary tax relief and calamity claim you may be permitted by state law here in California.

The Assessor's Office can TEMPORARILY reduce the assessed value on your home if it was damaged or destroyed through no fault of the owner, and the damage exceeds $10,000. A claim MUST be filed within 12 months of the date of the damage or loss of the home. Once rebuilt, the original taxable value will remain, provided the home is essential the same. Additional square footage will result in an adjusted value. See their website for more details and important information, answers to questions, and more.

Note that this relief can also apply to other taxable property such as boats and other items that are assessed for property taxes.

Here's a link to the Calamity Claim form.

Those who have had their San Diego homes damaged or destroyed need every bit of assistance they can get. Don't miss out on this important tax relief if you qualify.

Posted by Jeff Dowler ~ Carlsbad Real Estate ~ 760-840-1360 on 10/28/2007 06:57 PM

Comments (26)

san diego, taxes, sellers, agents, jeff dowler

Originally posted at: Carlsbad Real Estate News and Views: San Diego Fires – Tax Relief for Homeowners of Damaged or Destroyed Homes

This post has been included in California Information San Diego County, CA Information

26 Comments on San Diego Fires – Tax Relief for Homeowners of Damaged or Destroyed Homes

OCT

2007

Hi Jeff,

Excellent info to provide your fellow California homeowners. Hope you are safe and well.

Best Regards,

Lisa

This is certainly some good news for taxpayers. Can you imagine having to pay taxes on something that is no longer there?

Jeff - at last some good news for you guys! That's a wonderful benefit!

Thanks, Lisa. We are well and things are gradually improving. Still much time until it is all under control, though.

This is great news for homeowners. Hopefully the Assessor's office will not get overwhelmed and can handle things efficiently.

Jeff

Jennifer - you bet. Can you imagine? Sort of like having to pay a mortgage on a home that no longer exists...

Jeff

Linda - it IS such good news. I hope everyone finds out about it in time to meet the deadline.

Jeff

Jeff - That's such great news. Thanks so much for sharing.

Marlene - it's nice to HAVE some good news for homeowner's. Since it is state law this applies elsewhere in those counties that also had fires. Good news for many!

Jeff

Jeff it is good to see that some steps are being taken to try to provide monetary help to those who have suffered loss in these fires. Hopefully this is just the start of the financial assistance that will be needed by many.

OK, I'm troubled by the word temporarly. What if the entire house burned?

Dena - it's a little confusing. The relief is temporary...until the house is rebuilt. Not sure how they will handle things if owners decide to not rebuild, etc. The relief is there for damage (over $19K) OR complete destruction.

George - there will also be funds availabvle through FEMA as well as the state, as I understand. I don;t yet know the details of how this is determined, how much, etc.

Jeff

Great information Jeff! I can't even imagine what these people are going through.

OCT

2007

I wish Florida would have done something similar for hurricane victims.

Great job of being the local expert on real estate related issues resulting from your terrible fires!

Jeff, what a great resource and relief. I am so very proud of CA. This should be an example for years to come on how to treat your citizens in a time of crisis.

This is good news. I hope the home owners' in your area appreciate this. I see Neal Bloom's comment above, about Florida after the hurricanes. He's absolutely right!

Ana - I know what you mean. I continue to be amazed at some of the stories and the positive attitude that so many show, in the face of having lost everything.

Jeff

Neal - What I like is that it is state law, not just a temporary solution only for this situation.

Jeff

Thanks, Diane. I appreciate the compliment. It's information that all homeowners should be aware of.

Jeff

Rebecca - you're right. It does appear to be the right thing to do and a good example. I do not know, though, if there have been issues with administation, etc. in the past. Time will tell.

Jeff

Lisa - I imagimne those who know or find out will be pleased. My guess is many will not find out, unless the assessor's office sends out a bulletin or letter with the tax bill.

Jeff

Jeff,

Important info here for those who've have a loss. There are so many things to do at a time like this, it would hurt to do a follow up reminder, maybe a check list 90 days from now?

It's also good to remember this in the future. I've downloaded the form to add it to my list. Thanks so much for sharing this valuable info. I knew there was a process, yet I was clueles as to how it worked, this is a new one of me.

OCT

2007

Lynda - that's a great idea. Could be another good reason to stay in touch with past clients, although you hate to have them NEED to submit such a form.

Jeff

NOV

2007

Jeff... I haven't paid much attention to the fires lately, but I agree, some great information for homeowners. My question though would be, if this has already happened to someone or a family, I don't think they would be getting onto the internet anytime soon to find this helpful info. Hopefully this would help people in the future. Nice job...

jeff belonger

Jeff - that is likely true for some, but so many people rely on email for communication, and the Internet for information, that I suspect many are back into it. People are also back at work, etc. But certainly the challenge is getting the word out in other formats so others do know about it, hence the suggestion that agents can be in touch with folks they know who were harmed by the fires.

Jeff