The Orange County office that processes property tax appeals reported that 5,000 assessment appeals had been filed as of Sept. 5, double the number filed by that date in 2007.
However at least 5,000 more appeals are expected to rain in on the Clerk of the Board’s office by Monday, the deadline to file appeals challenging assessed values that serve as the basis for property taxes due in November and February.
“A lot of them come in at the last minute,” said Susan Novak, chief deputy for O.C. Clerk of the Board Darlene Bloom.
Earlier this week, Bloom reported that 4,335 appeals had been received as of Aug. 28. The Orange County Assessor’s office mailed notices of this year’s assessments in late June. The appeals process began on July 2.
Homes purchased in 2004 or later may be eligible for reduced assessments because of falling home prices. The assessor’s office lowered assessments on at least 147,000 parcels based on its own review. Those who still believe their tax assessments are too high must file a formal appeal by Monday. Here’s how:
- Appeals must be postmarked by midnight Monday night and mailed to: Orange County Assessment Appeals Board, P.O. Box 22023, Santa Ana, CA 92702-2023.
- Forms are available online at ocgov.com/cob and at most public libraries. Also click on “Property Assessment” on the ocgov.com/cob Web site to find instructions on the appeals process and an online form. Or CLICK HERE!
- For tips on filing an appeal: CLICK HERE!
To qualify for a lowered assessment, homeowners must show that their property would easily sell for less than the value shown on the county’s tax roll.
Since assessments can only be increased by 2% a year under Prop. 13 (unless sold), homes purchased in 2003 or earlier aren’t likely to have market values below their tax-assessment values.
Read more:
is this another type of bailout? I would think so!!! So these people had no idea what their property tax would be like when they were stupid enough to purchase a $850K home?
Property Taxes are assessed based on a homes value. Why would anyone one want to pay property taxes on an 850k home when their home is now worth 600k? Do some research before you open your mouth.
Please stop attacking an erroneous group of people.
The tax break applies to ALL, and if you apply it will benefit you also.
I understand you’re angry, remember money is not the most important thing in the world.
But you behave as it is.
So, why would you or anyone argue over, or come against being given the option to reduce ones taxes?
†
Too bad we can’t use the bank assessor’s figures. They low-ball the property value so much. The county assessor often appraises for 25% more.
I’ve already applied and they lowered my property taxes by 14%. I will re-apply in 2009, for sure.
the county definitely wields whatever powers they can when it comes to assessments, but why wouldn’t they want a so-called reliable assessment. the bank assessor is only looking out for their client’s best interests, not the homeowner’s or county’s. so many homeowners are still getting a deal right now except those too ignorant to file for re-assessment that it almost isn’t worth arguing. if you buy an 850k home and are paying the taxes as if it cost 600k that’s a deal, I don’t care who you talk to. nobody paid more in taxes when the value of their home went up 2-3x in a few years, that’s for sure.
… if you bought a house for $850K…
… that is now worth $600K…
… you have bigger problems than your tax assessment…
… however the county, and county employees…
… have even bigger problems…
… but the bank who lent you the money..
… has the biggest problem of all…
… so get to the back of the soup line…
I wonder if Helen/Seeking Alfalfa is buying the financials today?
what a mess…
You think it’s a mess now, vote McBush and we will all be ruined and for the person above who says money is not the most important thing in the world, try telling that to people who are in foreclosure or have no health insurance, or yeah, can’t pay for groceries any more. THINK before spewing.