Due to the recent and ongoing declines in property values you may be able to have your home re-assessed and the property tax reduced. San Bernardino County have posted information on their site to start the process.
To download the required form CLICK HERE
They state:
I. INTRODUCTION
The amount paid for property tax on any particular property is based on two factors: the tax rate and the taxable or assessed value. The tax rate is set by law and is applied equally to all properties and is not subject to appeal. The assessed value is determined by the Assessor, in accordance with the laws of California, and is unique for each property. The assessed value is subject to appeal by the property owner. The appeal is made through the Assessment Appeals Board.
The Assessment Appeals Board is a quasi-judicial body composed of three members appointed by the Board of Supervisors. The Assessment Appeals Board is administered by the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors and is not a part of the Assessor's Office. The members of the Board have professional experience in the fields of real estate, property appraisal, accounting, or law. The Board is an impartial entity established to arbitrate disputes between the Assessor and the property owner regarding the assessed value of property.
Even though you may have filed an appeal, your taxes should be paid on time. If your appeal is not successful, a penalty may be imposed if your taxes have not been paid in a timely manner. If your appeal is successful, an adjustment will be made.
II. WHO SHOULD APPEAL THEIR ASSESSMENT
When a property owner feels the assessed value, as determined by the Assessor, is incorrect, they should contact the Assessor's Office and discuss the matter. The Assessor may help clarify the assessment and explain the assessment process. If a difference of opinion of value still exists, an appeal is necessary to resolve the matter. Assessment information may be obtained by calling the Assessor's district office nearest the location of your property.
III. HOW TO FILE AN APPLICATION
Applications for Changed Assessment may be obtained from this website or by contacting:
Clerk of the Board of Supervisors
385 North Arrowhead Avenue, Second Floor
San Bernardino, CA 92415-0130
Telephone: (909) 387-3841
IV. FILING DEADLINES
Regular Assessments (Decline in Value) July 2 through November 30
File an appeal if you believe the value of your property has decreased and is no longer as high as its assessed value.
Supplemental Assessments Within 60 days of the mailing of the supplemental assessment notice.
A supplemental assessment occurs when your property was reassessed because of a change in ownership (for example, purchase of a new home) or new construction (for example, you added a bedroom.
Escape Assessment Within 60 days of the mailing of the enrollment of escaped assessment notice.
In general, escape assessments are assessments for events that happened in prior years but were not discovered in a timely manner by the Assessor.
Calamity Reassessment Appeals Within 6 months of the mailing of the supplemental assessment notice.
A calamity reassessment is when the Assessor mailed you a reassessment notice because of a natural disaster or other calamity that damaged your property.
V. PREPARING THE APPLICATION
A separate application must be filed for each parcel of secured (real property) or unsecured property (business, boat or airplane). The application should be printed or typed, fully completed and signed (original signature), with two copies sent to the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors with two copies of any attachments.
While the Assessment Appeals Board is administered through the Clerk of the Board of Supervisors, this office does not have information on how your property was assessed. For more information regarding the valuation of your property, you should contact the Assessor's district office nearest the location of your property.
Graham Holmes - REO Banked Owned Asset Management Specialist
Vice President REALTOR e-Pro
951 634-4118
Mission Grove Realty
http://www.missiongroverealty.com/
Your Source for REPO's BANK OWNED REO FORECLOSURES in the Inland Empire
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I had a company called California Tax Refunds do my property tax paperwork for the 2007 tax year and had an $185,000 reduction in my assessed value. I received a refund check for around $2,000 and will continue to save that every year. I tried to do the paperwork myself, but could not get all of the information needed. I was a little skeptical about calling at first, but they are members of the BBB and are licensed Real Estate Appraisers and did a great job. Give them a call, it's worth it (858)-541-2400.