How Do I Get My House Reassessed for Taxes in California?

Is your property value declining while property taxes are increasing?

The County Assessor's office is responsible for real estate property tax assessments. In California, regular assessments are performed annually by the county assessor and can increase up to 2% annually over the base year value. Your base value is the value reported to the county when the property was acquired. You have the right to contest the tax amount if you disagree with the assessed value. California law Proposition 8 allows for a reduced assessed value when your property value is less than the assessed taxable value. Nationally, each state and county have different assessment procedures, which can affect how you get your house reassessed for taxes.

Things You'll Need

• A property tax statement

Instructions

1. Gather your most recent property tax statement and locate the base value amount. Formulate your reason for requesting a reassessment of your property taxes if you believe that your assessed value is significantly higher than market value.

2. Contact the Assessor's office by phone and request an informal review of your assessed value. Provide the assessor with information to support your claim that your assessed value is incorrect. However, you are not required to provide evidence if your appeal is merely the result of a decline in value.

3. File a formal "Decline-in-Value Review Application" with the Assessment Appeal Board if the informal review request doesn't solve the problem. You can complete the review application online or in person at the County Assessor's office.

Tips & Warnings

• Contact the tax assessor in your county to learn more.

• Assessment taxes may vary depending on the county.

References

• San Joaquin County Assessor's: General Assessment Information
• San Joaquin County Assessor's: Decline in Value Information

Resources

• California State Board of Equalization: Proposition 8 / Decline in Value